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BATHE IN STYLE A handy guide to a stress-free bathroom upgrade
FRESH
styles
SEP 2018
ISSUE 161 S$5.50/RM10
STUNNING INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT BATHROOM MAKEOVER
HIGH TECH SHOWER ZONE
Quirky gadgets to help you rejuvenate and recharge
TREND SPOTTED
We predict the next big interior fads coming your way soon
HOTFADS
2 3 1
light METAL Blush and copper make for perfect bedfellows in the home TEXT & COORDINATION Jolene Limuco
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6 1. Crystalline Pure watch, $699 at Swarovski 2. Lola geometric pendant lamp, $89 at HipVan 3. Pellicano wall clock, $39.90 at HipVan 4. Hester barstool, $169 at HipVan 5. Shimmer bowl, $35 at BoConcept 6. SANNOLIK vase, $6.90 at IKEA 7. Le’Xpress stainless steel hammered copper coffee pot, POA at Kitchen Craft 8. Tesora box, $49.90 at HipVan 9. Velvet cushion, $95 at BoConcept
26 SEP
HOTWHO
HANS TAN,
industrial designer We speak to 2018 President’s Design Award Designer of the Year Hans Tan on what drives his passion for design INTERVIEW Germaine Cheah PHOTOS Hans Tan
HOW DID YOUR INTEREST IN DESIGN BEGIN?
I was never good in the arts as a kid, and I still can’t draw well. During my university course in industrial design, I felt very inadequate as drawing was considered a basic skill a designer should possess. But on the other hand, I could make stuff with my hands, which was something I enjoyed very much. I learnt later on that making is a form of sketching in 3D, and that became part of my process since. In the third year of my undergraduate studies, my understanding of design started to come together, and it was like pieces of the design puzzle solving itself in my mind. WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY? I see
design as a medium to deliver ideas. It’s a medium that many people can easily relate to since it engages everyday things and experiences. I then use the utility of an object as a pretext to embed narratives and concepts that lead to a visual discourse about design and its industry. DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW THAT YOUR DESIGNS WOULD BE FOCUSED ON SINGAPOREAN MOTIFS?
Yes. I was very much inspired by Dutch designers while I was doing my Masters in the Netherlands. Akin to filmmakers, writers, and photographers, designers were also making products based on their observations and reflections of the local identity. Embedding local narratives into objects then became an approach for my works. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m not into nostalgia. In fact, I prefer moving away from the wholesale transplant of images from the past into the present, but instead propose a richer and more sensible manner to utilise our heritage and identity in design.
THINKING MAN The designer’s self-initiated projects
are all driven by the research and investigation into the subject of heritage, consumption and waste. BETTER IN STRIPES
Revitalising traditional porcelain vessels, Hans’ Striped Ming collection of vases are sandblasted with a striped motif to result in a striking new pattern.
WHERE DO YOU GET INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGNS? The concepts of my works are largely
based on the local narrative. I am inspired by being Singaporean, by everyday experiences, behaviours, and the things around me.
HOW DO YOU THINK THE DESIGN INDUSTRY HAS EVOLVED THROUGH THE YEARS? Design has
grown in its domain, in particular, experience design and service design. With the industry in Singapore recognising design as a catalyst for innovation, there are many job opportunities available. We are also reaping the benefits of design permeating into different sectors, in particular the public sector and service industry, and this has led to improved experiences of public goods such as healthcare, housing, transportation and utilities.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT THAT YOU’VE DESIGNED SO FAR? It’s always
the current ones I am working on, the process is much more gratifying than the final result. WHAT’S ONE DESIGN EXHIBITION THAT MEANS THE MOST TO YOU? Fifty Years of Singapore
Design, at the National Design Centre. The exhibition chronicles the development of the Singapore design scene from the 1960s, through maturity, into the vibrant industry that we see today, presenting iconic, popular and pivotal designs that have shaped the industry. I had three pieces of works represented in the exhibition, and nothing beats being recognised in the local context.
FABRIC OF SOCIETY
An ode to Lee Kuan Yew’s incredible mark on the fabric of modern Singapore, a 1968 quote about economic growth by the Former Minister Mentor was etched into one of Hans’ commissioned orchid patterned fabric print.
READ MORE ABOUT HANS TAN ON WWW.SQUAREROOMS.COM.SG
SEP 27
SPECIAL REPORT
TREND WATCH
We pin down four standout trends in interiors today that will continue to dominate homes in the coming year
IMAGE COURTESY OF DELIGHTFULL
TEXT & COORDINATION Fidz Azmin
32 SEP
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE Perhaps it’s that inimitable air of nostalgia or the yearning for the simpler life and slower pace of the past. Somehow, the old-world style never seems to get old. This look takes reference from different places and periods in time. But this time around, trends are pointing towards the revival of retro glam. We’re stepping away from the Renaissance and moving closer to Mad Men era where the style is characterful yet polished and perfectly put together.
DESIGN BY UPSTAIRS_
The assortment of elements – from the exposed beams on the ceiling, washed timber woodwork and raw brick walls to the grilled panels by the staircase as well as industrial style light fixtures – comes together in celebration of the old school. The more formal and traditional dining table is a huge contrast against the modernity of the adjoining chairs. This brings about an unexpected jolt and provides visual balance to the space’s overall aesthetic.
MAD FOR METALS
Metallic as a design element in interior decorating has always been a hit. Shiny metals such as rose gold had its golden moment, but finishes with a brushed or matte appearance like brass and copper are fast making a comeback. Plus, they appear right at home in vintage styled dwellings.
CADENCIA BEDSIDE TABLE from HipVan
PILSEN BRASS DESK WITH GLASS TOP from Crate & Barrel
JULIUS THREE-SEATER SOFA from HipVan
SEP 33
SPECIAL REPORT
THE FOREST HOME Understated, atmospheric and definitely not as flashy as the jungalow, the forest home is one that’s filled with lush, energising greens. This element presents itself in the form of either actual or artificial foliage, or the colour of your furniture, furnishings and accessories of choice. These rich shades of green appear striking next to dark wood furniture – and incidentally, the current trend in furniture design veers towards the dark side. Nature is the hero here – so apart from botanicals, bring in a mix of natural materials that feels handmade and boasts tactile quality like rattan, wicker and timeworn wood. Together, the elements create a sanctuary that feels wonderfully warm and inviting – allowing its owners to momentarily escape from life’s relentless pace.
AIDAN VELVET TUFTED SOFA from Crate & Barrel
The combination of different textured elements creates an arresting vignette in this corner of the home.
THE GO-TO MATERIAL
Further intensifying the home’s lush factor is velvet, a luxurious fabric that’s gaining massive popularity and could possibly even define trends this coming year. It feels sumptuous, looks opulent, and makes a space feel oh-so glamorous. The best part is, this material has now gone mainstream and is built for performance. Take your pick of everything from sofas, dining chairs and poufs to throw cushions and curtains. Keep to a contemporary style to ensure your pad looks on-trend, not outdated.
IMAGE COURTESY OF DULUX
The resort-like vibe of this boudoir is heightened by a sumptuous velvet throw laid across the bed.
34 SEP
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE FRENCH BEDROOM CO
DESIGN BY THE MONOCOT STUDIO
In this nattily dressed abode, rich dark woods meet forest green hues and sculptural foliage in a nod to the natural environment.
MOROSO IRON MAIDEN SOFA from XTRA
SEP 35
SHOP
(Clockwise from left) Canvas painting, POA, from Harvey Norman. Toucan print bedsheet, $109.95, from Bed Bath N’ Table. Satin cushion, $69.90, and orchid print cushion, $40.90, both from Harvey Norman. Embroidered cushion, $139.95, from Bed Bath N’ Table. Embroidered cushion, $456, from Strange & Deranged. Velvet sofa, POA, and mini table, POA, from Marquis Studio. Butterfly tea cups, $18.95 (for a set), and ceramic pineapple, $18.95, both from Bed Bath N’ Table. Rose print throw, $245, from BoConcept. Ceramic vase, $51.90, from Harvey Norman.
48 SEP
GARDEN VARIET Y
BRING SOME BOTANICAL SPLENDOUR INTO YOUR PRIVATE SANCTUARY WITH THESE NATURE-INSPIRED HOME FURNISHINGS ART DIRECTION Linda Setiono STYLING Karin Tan PHOTOGRAPHY Wong Weiliang SHOT ON LOCATION Marquis Studio and Lifestorey @ Dempsey
HAUTE TROPICS Create a holiday vibe in your home with ripe colours and lush tropical themed accessories.
SEP 49
SHOP
CLEAN &Â GREEN Inject a breath of fresh air into your Scandinavian themed abode with some leaf motifs.
50 SEP
JUNGLE LUXE Dress up your table with jewel tones and gilt-trimmed accoutrements to make those family gatherings feel extra special.
(Clockwise from top) Porcelain cake plate, $42.90, from Harvey Norman. Marble print porcelain plate, $29.45, from Commune. Cake stand, $346, and Alumin platter, $230, from Strange & Deranged. Four seasons mug, $60 (for a set of four), and Nora cutlery set, $95, from BoConcept. Salt & Pepper Collective jungle print plate, $9, from Harvey Norman. Cotton table napkin, $18.50, from Commune. Salad serving fork and spoon, $288 (for a pair), metal tray with horn details, $139, and John Derian butterfly acrylic plate, $229, all from Strange & Deranged. Salt & Pepper Collective jungle print bowl, $9, from Harvey Norman. Marble table, POA, from Marquis Studio. (Opposite page) Chair, POA, from Marquis Studio. Leaf print cushion, $49.90, from Commune. Tropical orchid print cushion, $42.90, and Shaggy cushion, $81.90, both from Harvey Norman. Acrylic sculpture, $95, from BoConcept. Knitted throw, POA, from Marquis Studio. Cushion with tassels, $74.95, aloe vera in porcelain pot, $24.95, cactus-shaped porcelain vase, $29.95, all from Bed Bath N’ Table. Acrylic leaf tray, $638, from Strange & Deranged. Porcelain pineapple decoration, $61.90, from Harvey Norman. Mozambique pot, $90, Elements Concept. Orchid in grey porcelain pot, POA, from Harvey Norman. Ceramic vase, $129, from Commune.
SEP 51
SOLUTIONS
UPGRADE &Â UPSIZE CONSIDER THESE 6 ESSENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR YOUR NEXT BATHROOM MAKEOVER TEXT Disa Tan
54 SEP
LAYOUT These unique configurations will catch your eye and the best part is, it can be practical and in tune with your lifestyle needs.
I’ll try to plan the sink area nearest to the door, followed by the WC, then the shower area. The activity that we do most of the time should be nearer to the door so we don’t need to take extra steps to reach them. Nash So, Principal Designer, Altro
IMAGE COURTESY OF HAFARY
IMAGE COURTESY OF KOMPACPLUS
OPEN-CONCEPT While an open-plan bed and bath combo certainly sounds adventurous, a walk-in shower might not be for everyone. Privacy is a concern and you need to make sure the style of the sanitary fixtures and wares matches with your bedroom furnishings. On the other hand, taking down all the walls can present a spacious outlook and creates a sense of hotel grandeur. You can even watch TV while luxuriating in the bath or shower!
BROKEN PLAN A more sensible spin-off of the open-concept bathroom, this layout sees the wet and dry zones of the bathroom being demarcated. The wet zone which comprises the WC and shower or bathtub is enclosed while the sink is pushed out into the open. The main benefit of this broken plan bathroom is that you get the privacy and one user gets the specific use of the dry zone without intruding on anyone in the wet zone.
SEP 55
SOLUTIONS
Boxing up the sewage piping might not work for every home as it will look cluttered with its lowered ceiling. It also hinders future maintenance such as water leakage. Bryan Low, Director, Chapter B
To box up or not, these creative ways of hiding or disguising unsightly piping will give you a better perspective on your resale bathroom’s reno.
A L L B OX E D U P In this resale HDB bathroom, the piping has been seamlessly concealed behind aquamarine-coloured wall tiles. Nash So from Altro who designed this bathroom says: “I would only recommend boxing it up if you are changing the old pipes to new ones. Ample consideration must be made on how to access the new pipes.”
DESIGN BY ALTRO
PIPING PEEK-A-BOO
DESIGN BY CHAPTER B
DESIGN IN DISGUISE This old apartment’s separate WC and shower rooms have been combined. Rather than conceal the piping, Director Bryan Low from Chapter B decided to integrate it as part of the design details. He explains, “I highlighted the pipes instead of hiding it to create some contrast lines in the bathroom.”
56 SEP
BATHROOM FIXTURES
S I Z E M AT T E R S Elongated toilet bowls may be more comfortable but if you have a small bathroom, a round bowl can save space. Wall-mounted toilets will also make your bathroom appear more streamlined but note that they require thicker walls to support the hidden tank – which may end up taking up more floor space.
IMAGE COURTESY OF KOHLER
More than just functional hardware, the bathroom fixtures you choose should make a style statement, save water and possess smart design features.
IMAGE COURTESY OF TOTO
WAT E R - S AV I N G AT T R I B U T E S Mark Bickerstaff, Director of New Product Development Kitchen & Bath, at Kohler, advises when choosing water-efficient fixtures: “Always choose a dual-flush toilet as this reduces water consumption.” He recommends a smaller wash basin too as less water is required to fill it up. For shower products, he suggests showerheads with an air induction feature.
DESIGN BY ALTRO
Do you feel cooped up in your bathroom? Even if you can’t break down walls, you can at least improve the feel by implementing these simple cosmetic changes.
C O H E S I V E M AT E R I A L PA L E T T E “Using a single material or colour for the wall and floors will deliver the biggest impact for small bathrooms, “says Nash So from Altro. “Our eyes are designed to look for boundaries and when the boundaries are blurred, our mind will perceive the space to be larger,” he adds. “Having large vanity mirrors also helps to reflect the space to make it appear bigger.”
THINK SLEEK Choosing slim-cut materials, especially for visible surfaces such as the countertop, can render a larger expanse of space. Damien Tan from KompacPlus says: “KompacPanels definitely contributes to space efficiency in the bathroom and in any other space because it is only 6mm in thickness.”
IMAGE COURTESY OF KOMPACPLUS
SPACIOUS INSPIRATIONS
SEP 57
SPACES
pint-sized WONDER Despite its compact size, this threebedroom apartment is a study in stylish functionalism with its streamlined visage, elegant furnishings and textured finishes TEXT Germaine Cheah PHOTOS Wong Weiliang
AT A GLANCE
SPACE
3-bedroom condominium unit
LOCATION
Bright Hill Drive
RENO PERIOD
1 month HOME TO
2 adults, 1 child
64 SEP
OVERALL Situated within the same shared space, both the living room and adjacent dining area share a clear visible symmetry. This is all in thanks to the use of similar colour schemes and identical fittings, such as the coffee table and bar counter that are both made with authentic granite and brass.
SEP 65
SPACES
CORRIDOR Although most homeowners would steer clear from a dark colour palette for their home’s entrance, the use of grey laminates in this apartment’s foyer creates a portal-like ambience that leads into the whitewashed communal spaces. LIVING ROOM Defined by its large monochromatic colour scheme, the living room is infused with a cosy quality thanks to a stunning combination of muted tones and clean lines complemented by elegant furnishings.
T
here’s no escaping the fact that in a country with a limited land area like Singapore, the new developments that are available to homeowners tend to have a smaller land area as well. But ask any good interior designer and they’ll tell you this: it is not the number under the square footage that matters, it is what you do with the number presented to you that counts. And this three-bedroom apartment perfectly embodies that principle. On paper, this 1,033-square foot space – relatively small compared to other three-bedroom condomium units built earlier – might not seem like much. In actuality, the newly renovated home has so much going for it, and has a look and feel that belies its petite size. Home to working professional Raymond Wong, his wife and their son, the stunning transformation of the home was a combined effort between the family and their designers, Vincent Goi and Catherine Low from interior design firm Arkhilite.
66 SEP
LIVING ROOM Defined by its large monochromatic colour scheme, the living room is infused with a cosy quality thanks to a stunning combination of muted tones and clean lines complemented by elegant furnishings.
Having been the family’s designers when they previously lived in a HDB flat, it was a no-brainer for them to engage Vincent and Catherine for their new renovation project. Additionally, their already established working relationship meant that the designers were able to clearly understand and execute the design theme that the homeowners had in their minds. When asked for their design brief, the owners answered “Minimalist.” But they did not want the Japanese Muji-esque treatment that most of us have become so accustomed to when talking about minimalist interiors. In fact, they didn’t want their
home to encompass any wood tones at all. What they wanted was a sleek and classy apartment that would feature plenty of clean lines and streamlined furnishings, which would also make use of a combination of granite and metal textures. Vincent elaborates, “While the homeowners provided us with interior photos from platforms like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, we felt that there was no design value in copying the exact same look from these photos and pasting them into our client’s home. What we did instead was to keep the spirit of the theme but then elevating the design to greater heights to create a home that is unique to our clients.”
SEP 67
SPACES
Bar counter
Granite slab BRASS FRAMES Individual brass plated strips come together to form a frame that adds visual depth to the space. This design element also draws about visual consistency between the various rooms within the home.
With busy work lives and a young son in tow, the couple also wanted a space that would be easy to maintain on a day-to-day basis. To achieve this, they did away with unnecessary storage units. “We don’t like the bulky look and feel of excessive cabinets," homeowner Raymond explains. “Not only that, there’s also the temptation of buying more things if you have more storage. So by streamlining available storage, daily maintenance is kept to a minimum, and we are also able to retain a spacious and airy vibe in the apartment.” Vincent adds, “Contrary to popular belief, storage is not always the end game when it comes to interior design.” Along the walls where most homes would feature built-in shelving units, this home has none. The only form of storage is a Grafunkt television console that houses the sleek entertainment system. The communal zones also
68 SEP
S T U DY Although the entirety of the spare bedroom was converted into a study, the use of thin strips of wood covered in textured grey laminates that were conjoined together creates a little pavilion within the space that’s cosy and conducive for both working and reading.
SEP 69
SPACES
LIVING ROOM
The communal spaces are bright, airy and welcoming, especially after the designers removed the false ceiling. One of the highlights of this home is the brass leaf panel that straddles the walls between the living and dining areas.
80 SEP
naturally INCLINED Although this apartment is more than 20 years old, a complete overhaul has transformed it into a fresh and stylishly contemporary home TEXT Redzman Rahmat PHOTOS D’Marvel Scale
AT A GLANCE
SPACE
3-bedroom condominium unit
LOCATION
King Albert Park
HOME TO
2 adults
SEP 81
SPACES
WALL FEATURE
Brass DINING ROOM
With its sleek lines, whiteand-wood furniture and clean forms, the dining area is an homage to the Scandinavian design trend. The wall separating the dining room from the kitchen has been removed, turning this into a convenient and efficient spot for entertaining guests.
82 SEP
W
hen it’s time to renovate the home, we look at many different sources of design inspiration. It could be a picture we see in a magazine, a cafe we frequent, or even a hotel we’ve visited recently. For this home however, design inspiration came from a source much closer to home; just outside its windows, to be exact. Derrick Lim from D’Marvel Scale noted that this condominium sits along Bukit Timah Road, and the third floor unit is privy to expansive views of the lush treetops and rolling hills. With the calming presence of nature in the background,
the rest of the interior design quickly fell into place. “We wanted to capitalise on the bright and airy interiors,” says Derrick. “We focused on bringing subtle hints of nature into the home and from there, we then took design cues from the Scandinavian trend.” The result is a home that’s vibrantly playful, with bold and dynamic elements that imbue the room with a feeling of warmth and cosiness. In its original state, a low drop ceiling made the home feel dark and small. Furthermore, the rooms felt crammed, with under-utilised spaces and an inefficient layout. As such, one of the first things Derrick did was to reconfigure the
KITCHEN
To bring more natural light into the kitchen, the designers replaced the boundary wall with foldable glass windows. The kitchen itself has been designed to have a practical U-shaped layout, but the colour and material palette highlights its fun personality.
SEP 83
SPACES
BEDROOM
Pristine swathes of white are paired with neutral wood tones to set the scene for a restful yet stylish bedroom.
84 SEP
floor plan. He removed the false ceiling, immediately freeing up space and making the home feel brighter and much more spacious. He then knocked down several walls to combine rooms and encourage natural light to flow freely. “The original kitchen was completely enclosed and cut off from the rest of the apartment,” Derrick recalls. “It was a dark space that wasn’t very inviting or homely.” To breathe new life into the space, the designer knocked away the wall that separated
B AT H R O O M
Clad in teal and grey tones, the bathroom has been completely overhauled into a chic and contemporary sanctuary.
SEP 85
SHORTCUT
CRATE IDEA Who knew box crates would make for stylish furniture? IMAGE COURTESY OF Pixers
Not only useful for stowing away stuff, crates can be transformed into cute display shelves too. Arrange your very own rustic display shelf by stacking up a couple of crates. Just make sure they are made from a sturdy material before displaying or storing your items. You can even paint it in your desired colour to match your interiors. Or keep it au naturel as a nod to the shabby chic aesthetic.
128 SEP