SquareRooms April 2019 [Preview]

OPTICAL ILLUSION

Ideal colour schemes to visually enhance a modest floor plan

TIDY BEDROOM

Storage solutions to keep your sleeping quarters clutter free

MATERIALLY SPEAKING

Trendy terrazzo, edgy geometric patterns and other surface trends for the home

small spaces BIG IDEAS

APR 2019

ISSUE 168 S$5.50/RM10

INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS SHARE THEIR RENO ADVICE FOR COMPACT HOMES

SPECIAL

DESIGN

innovation THE 6TH EDITION OF SINGAPORE DESIGN WEEK BROUGHT ABOUT A COLLECTION OF LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL DESIGN ACTIVITIES TO SINGAPORE – HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING EXHIBITS AND DISPLAYS WE SAW AT THE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR TEXT Germaine Cheah

TILT SHIFT BY FORMWERKZ Inspired by the “tilt; shift” principles of architectural photography, the wall feature by architecture firm Formwerkz carried with it an element of play that transformed the industry term into something everyone could enjoy. “Tilt” was achieved via the 15 layers of undulating PVC boards to create a dual point of view from multiple perspectives, and “shift” was used to pull visitors into the exhibition by simulating the behaviour of waves that intensified as one got closer to the main door.

26 APR

A

s one of Asia’s premier design festivals, Singapore Design Week (SDW) 2019 showcased just how the design, business and public policy worlds could work together to engage communities and enrich people’s lives.

Backed by a robust line-up of regional and international designers, the two-week festival focused on four thematic categories – Transform my business, Empower my community, Inspire my everyday, and Reimagine my future – where visitors experienced the value of design through a variety of delightful and exciting activities.

STREET OF CLANS

BY OUTEREDIT An event under the umbrella of SDW was Street of Clans, where the always closed clan houses along Bukit Pasoh Road were opened to the general public. The event was a celebration of the clan values of kinship and unity that brought together Bukit Pasoh’s colourful history and Singapore’s creative communities. From conversations with designers to live music, there was plenty to do. But none captivated more than the chance to explore the clan houses and learn about their relevance in today’s society through stories and art.

AUTUMN BY DECOR FAN SINGAPORE X FRACTION Living in tropical Singapore, it’s hard to imagine that we’ll ever get the chance to experience any other season except for summer without travelling out of the country. Decor Fan and Fraction brought us one step closer to experiencing autumn in Singapore with their exhibit. Surrounded by spinning pinwheels, the accompanying VR goggles transported visitors into an autumn landscape, where they basked in the golden sunlight, felt the cool breeze and heard crisp leaves crinkling in the air. Combining technology and art, this fully immersive installation managed to stimulate all senses.

WALLPAPER HANDMADE Revolving around the theme of “Passion Projects”, this year’s Wallpaper Handmade edition featured an eclectic ensemble of products from eight Singapore-based designers. A showcase of creativity and collaboration, these creations included “Cupboard Love” by Lekker Architects – an asymmetrical bar cabinet that serves as a physical manifestation of marrying opposing personalities, and “Blanket” by Asylum and Turnbull & Asser – a childhood quilt that evokes memories of when our parents used to cover us with a quilt to keep from catching a cold.

A PORTRAITURE OF FACETS

BY ADMIRA X STUDIO DAM Traditionally, laminates have been used as a covering for laying flat surfaces over with. But Studio DAM wanted to explore just how far they could push the boundaries of what the material has been traditionally known for. Collaborating with local surface company Admira, the designers begun seeing pieces of laminates as individual colours.

Soon enough, the collaborators had a diverse range of palettes, hues and shades at their disposal to form a stunning series of multicoloured portraits that any design-savvy person would be proud to display in their home.

NEX-GEN URBAN LIVING SHOWCASE AT IFFS One of the highlights at the International Furniture Fair Singapore – SDW’s longstanding trade show – was the Nex-Gen Urban Living showcase. With our homes starting to get smaller to accommodate the ever-growing population of urban dwellers, homegrown interior designers and local brands have taken it upon themselves to create sustainable solutions for homeowners who are increasingly design-savvy. The four exhibits explored the concepts of modularity and multifunctionality to great effect, and came up with carefully curated work and living spaces that are able to be individually tailored to the evolving lifestyles of Singapore’s nexgen urbanites.

APR 27

SPECIAL

TALENT

spotted EACH YEAR, THE SINGAPORE DESIGN WEEK BRINGS FORTH A COLLECTIVE OF REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS TO OUR SUNNY SHORES. HERE ARE SOME UP-AND-COMING DESIGN STARS TO WATCH

IMAGE CREDIT IN THE WILD

CLARA YEE

BRANDON YEO As the winner of the 2019 Wallpaper Handmade Next Generation Singapore Designer competition, Brandon Yeo’s design philosophy is driven by his pursuit of the small euphoric gap when one’s self transitions from knowing nothing into understanding something by moving away from his comfort zone. With uniquely designed chairs, jewellery and the latest perfectly balanced “Clink” coin holder he designed for the Wallpaper Handmade competition already to his name, we can’t wait to see what innovations this young industrial designer has up his sleeve next.

28 APR

At just 29 years old, multidisciplinary designer Clara Yee boasts an impressive portfolio. After graduating from the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, she has since worked across disciplines from fashion to stage to graphics, and is also the proud creative director and co-founder of Singapore-based nomadic creative house in the wild. And as if her participation in international exhibitions such as the London Design Festival and the UNESCO Puebla Festival wasn’t admirable enough, Clara has also been recently announced as a Forbes Asia inaugural 30 under 30 honouree for changing the face of the arts and culture industry.

RAY TENG PAI As someone who is motivated to create environmentally-friendly designs that bring values and inspirations to life, Taiwanese designer Ray Teng Pai creates works that meld form and functionality in equal measure. After working for renowned international design agencies, Ray founded his

own studio, Singular Concept, in 2014, selling products that boast a simple yet unexpectedly unique geometry. Ranging from small house furnishings to personal jewellery items, the dazzling array of designs bring with them a sense of wonder with their distinct, futuristic shapes.

VII CHEN With an artifact design manufacturer for a father and a hair stylist for a mother, design was always a part of Vii Chen’s life. After a stint as a visual designer for Yamaha motorcycles, she eventually started her own design practice in 2012, ViiCHENDESIGN. From then on, this talented designer’s range of products have all been a result from her life experiences, where she uses natural materials – ceramic, glass, wood, and metal – as a medium to evoke memories between users and her designs.

LANZAVECCHIA + WAI

ASAKO YAMASHITA

Spanning two continents, Lanzavecchia + Wai is a creative collaboration between designers Francesca Lanzavecchia and Hunn Wai. The two friends have blurred the boundaries between Western and Eastern cultures by exploring the relationship in which people’s needs and empathy are blended with design and objects. Believing that being designers means being researchers, engineers, craftsmen and storytellers all at the same time, the duo’s stunning designs have been universally praised for their ability to propose possibilities as well as inspire new perspectives and ways of thinking within the design industry.

After graduating from the FA Interior Architecture & Furniture Design Course at the Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design in 2007, Asako Yamashita joined Kyoto- and Tokyo-based design collaborative Pivoto.

Comprising a unit of designers and woodworkers, the architect and furniture designer focuses on creating products that bring richness from the awareness of everyday life. Asako’s works have also been featured on the international stage at design exhibitions across the years, such as the Greenhouse Stockholm Furniture Fair and SaloneSatellite in Milan.

APR 29

STYLE

SCHEME OF THINGS OPEN UP A TINY INTERIOR WITHOUT RESORTING TO HARSH MEASURES. HERE ARE THE COLOUR SCHEMES THAT WILL HELP MAGNIFY YOUR HOME VISUALLY TEXT Fidz Azmin

IMAGE COURTESY OF BLOOMINGVILLE

DEEP THOUGHTS Parts of the home meant for mingling and socialising would benefit with a spot of bright silvery shade, as this hue will help to enliven and open up cramped quarters. An ingenious way of incorporating the colour into your interior is by making use of cement screed on walls or concrete-like surfaces for floors.

This element has a tactile quality that imparts depth and interest into your setting.

30 APR

WHITE MIGHT Barely-there hues are more reflective, which is why they’re great for opening up a tight space. As an achromatic hue, white is the fairest of them all and mightiest to boot too in respect to its lightreflecting prowess. Not only does it do wonders in breathing light into cramped quarters, this neutral also boasts a versatility that makes it the perfect canvas for many decor styles, whether you love a minimal look or prefer a beautifully layered modern-boho setting. No wonder it is a popular go-to hue for both decorator and owners of small sized apartments alike.

IMAGE COURTESY OF LAGOON

DESIGN BY FREE SPACE INTENT

GO ORGANIC Since finishes of the fairer variety show off grains more noticeably, they exude a more organic vibe and add to the tactile quality of a room. Remember, different wood possesses similar undertones.

Some surfaces sport a rosy flush or an ashy tone, while others may contain traces of yellow. When mixing and matching wood finishes, try to resist the urge to go matchy-matchy. Instead, pick those that complement one another so your interior doesn’t fall flat.

IMAGE COURTESY OF DULUX

GREY MATTER We liken greys to white, but with a steely edge. Paler hues share similar light-reflecting abilities as their pristine cousin, except they possess duskier nuances that endow them a more atmospheric facade. Go for a warmer, richer tone to give the sleep space a cosy cocooning effect.

APR 31

STYLE

SWEET TREAT Delicious sorbet hues like strawberry pink, lavender, frosted blue and mint green make a delightful option for homeowners who wish to go light yet still want to enjoy a touch of colour indoors. Pastels have long outgrown the nursery room and can easily be injected into any part of the house via feature walls, furniture, accessories or lighting. The goal is to open up an interior – thus, cohesiveness is key.

32 APR

DESIGN BY STUDIO FORTYFOUR

IMAGE COURTESY OF LAGOON

SHIFT TO NEUTRAL If you have always loved classic browns but are wary of a possibly too-dusky outcome, then you’re in for a treat.

Sporting a spectrum of hues that encompasses a brighter, fresher variety of brown, this colour scheme may be basic but it is far from blah. Imagine an interior graced with natural and comforting tones like almond, honey and beige. These hues not only help to breathe light and the illusion of space into your interior, they also make it feel oh-so inviting.

DESIGN BY MESH WERK STUDIO

TONE ON TONE The fact that there are multiple degrees of white ups its appeal. Variations in undertones make a mile of a difference particularly when the colour is applied over a large square area. As a rule of thumb, select a white with as little undertones as possible if you want a crisp look, or you may opt for a creamier hue if you want a hint of warmth.

APR 33

SHOP

40 APR

DECORATED ESSENTIALS ELEVATED HOUSEHOLD NECESSITIES TO FACILITATE THOSE MOMENTS OF SELF-CARE ART DIRECTION & STYLING Leyna Poh PHOTOGRAPHY Lim Minglong

BATH RITUALS Take your nightly grooming routine to the next level with these bathroom implements.

(Clockwise from left) Rose quartz facial roller, $40 at Gallery & Co. Foaming net ball, $2.30, and organic cotton towel, POA at MUJI. Black steel tray, $34 at atomi. Ouur Epping socks, $38 at ACTUS häuse. Ashley & Co Vine & Paisley hand wash, $45, Ashley & Co shampoo, $55, and The Zero Ways bamboo toothbrush, $7, all at kapok.

Acrylic cup, $9.90, and traveller’s wash board, $7.90, both at MUJI. Brooklyn Candle Studio Japanese Citrus candle, $27 at kapok.

APR 41

SHOP

YUMMY MUMMY Pretty picks to make you and your little one feel extra special.

(Clockwise from left) Baby spoon and fork, $48 at atomi. Pink moccasins, $52, The Little Drรถm Store Polkaros Cup & Bowl set, $29, leia + lauren orange print shirt, $42, and straw bag, $89, all at Gallery & Co. Acacia bowl, $5.90 at MUJI.

42 APR

HOME OFFICE HEROES Keep your work desk clean and organised while staying inspired with some chic stationery.

(Clockwise from left) Glass straws, $7.90 each at Gallery & Co. Clock, $46, and desk broom, $6.90 both at MUJI. Qualy Dinsor stationery holder, $32.90 at Gallery & Co. Acrylic stand, POA, black ruler, $1.60, 2B pencils, $2.30 each, and water based pens, $1.30 each, all at MUJI.

APR 43

SAVVY

STASH IT AWAY Ideas on how to keep the bedroom perpetually neat and tidy TEXT  Fidz Azmin

52 APR

BUILT-IN WARDROBE

DESIGN BY UPSTAIRS_

DESIGN BY EIGHTYTWO

THE RIGHT FIT There’s no better way to manipulate floor space than with fitted carpentry. The built-in wardrobe is a popular storage solution with homeowners as its customisable nature allows it to fully utilise and take on any layout – no matter if it’s awkward or tricky and tight. Even the oddest of nooks can be transformed into a usable area.

LINEAR RULES As per its namesake, the built-in closet is assembled right into the wall and can be tailored to fit the full height of the room so that every square inch is used.

This also helps create a streamlined appearance – making this part of home feel roomier than reality. Since it’s crafted from scratch, homeowners get to partake in the design process and personalise a unit that suits your taste and caters to your needs and habits.

TIPS • Create a feature wall complete with a media console and concealed cabinets to maximise the amount of storage solutions in a compact space.

• Match the colour of your wardrobe front with the adjacent wall to create an illusion of spaciousness in a narrow room.

APR 53

SURFACE

DESIGN BY MATERIAL FROM WARM COLOURS AND VIBRANT GEOMETRIC PATTERNS TO CUSTOMISED DESIGNS, HERE ARE THE KEY SURFACE IDEAS THAT ARE IN FOR THE HOME TEXT Rossara Jamil

IMAGE COURTESY OF EDL

DARK AND HANDSOME Matte black kitchen cabinetry is set to captivate the hearts of many homeowners for its sensuous vibe. That said, dark matte laminates must be able to hold up heavy use. Look for laminates that are easy to maintain, fingerprint resistant and able to heal micro-scratches that can happen during daily use. Complement matte black surfaces with black marble patterns for a masculine vibe.

56 APR

IMAGE COURTESY OF HAFARY

STONE COLD While tile designs have changed and expanded over time, natural-looking finishes continue to be in favour. Thanks to technology and the popularity of such finishes, the trends are pointing to more realistic natural textures like the sought-after wood-like tiles of recent years. The Allure Anthracite glazed porcelain tiles from Living Ceramics, available at Hafary, present a realistic stone look with its light texture and carefully treated veins. Use it as wall cladding, floor tiles or even to clad your kitchen island.

IMAGE COURTESY OF GOODRICH GLOBAL

IMAGE COURTESY OF HAFARY

FLORAL FLAVOUR Botanical patterns were all the rage, and nature continues to inspire this year. This time, floral motifs are blooming in popularity. Invite a soft feel into the home with floral patterns on the wall via wallpaper.

The bedroom is perfect for cosy nature-inspired patterns. Or liven up niches with floral wallpaper for an element of surprise.

A BIG DIFFERENCE Why not use standout tiles to define spaces? By combining plain tiles with patterned tiles, you can create a decorative effect to your flooring in specific areas. Featuring large fragments of marble in different colours, these Nikoi glazed porcelain tiles from Vives, available at Hafary, are reminiscent of terrazzo – but are bigger and bolder. Opt for decorative tiles in place of a rug to define the living or dining area. Avoid strong contrasts. Combine the decorative tiles with similar coloured tiles for a subtle effect.

APR 57

SURFACE

IMAGE COURTESY OF WALL CATALOG

FOR THE LOVE OF PATTERNS Patterned tiles have been gracing the kitchen floor in recent years. And they continue to charm with their youthful vibe and sense of personalisation. Make a statement in the kitchen area by way of patterns on the kitchen cabinet or backsplash this time. Instead of strong bold colours, consider patterns in subtle hues.

IMAGE COURTESY OF DULUX

IMAGE COURTESY OF HAFARY

CUSTOM WALLPAPER As homeowners strive to individualise their homes, searching for the right finishes can be a tedious affair. Custom wallpaper instantly gives your home a look that is different from others with little fuss. You can customise easily with the online visualiser tool on Wall Catalog, which lets you select from the available images or even upload your own. Get creative with custom wallpaper that reflects your passions or even showcases your own poetry.

58 APR

COCOONING COLOUR Paint is a perennial favourite for dressing up or refreshing surfaces.

Take an earthy approach to the home with warm and nourishing hues associated with the forest, sourdough bread or a hot mug of coffee. Dulux’s Colour of the Year, Spiced Honey, evokes warmth and comfort, perfect for turning your home into a nourishing retreat. Mix warm woody hues with soft pinks and deep blues. You can also jazz it up by colour blocking or creating organic shapes.

IMAGE COURTESY OF COSENTINO

HANDPAINTED TILES While the boho vibe is set to be back, the latest iteration is to have the look less cluttered. The idea is to have a contemporary and considered approach that complement modern furnishings.

With the subtle variations, handpainted tiles like these matte, fish scale tiles add to the relaxed vibe while bright colours bring liveliness to the space. Use handpainted tiles as accents on the walls. Or cover an entire wall for an eye-catching feature.

IMAGE COURTESY OF M ATELIER

DESIGN BY FREE SPACE INTENT

CONSISTENT APPROACH Uniformed bathroom surfaces are another trend to watch. Rather than having accent walls or different wall and floor finishes, deck your bathroom out in the same surface such as these quartz panels. Now that you have a consistent canvas, furnish the bathroom with stellar bathroom fixtures for that sophisticated look. The choice to go light or dark depends on how much light there will be in the bathroom. In small bathrooms with little sun, make sure your interior designer install plenty of strategic lighting for ease of use, and also to highlight the beauty of the surfaces.

INTO THE BLUE Step aside, grey. While grey was the go-to colour for its versatility, it is now being replaced with the colour blue. This calming hue reminiscent of the sea and sky is not only versatile, but also vibrant and chic. Take inspiration from this apartment, which combines blue and white surfaces with wood accents for a beach house vibe. Use them on­your walls, floors, cabinets, backsplash – or even the ceiling!

APR 59

SPACES

connected

LIVING A creative director completely turned the traditional notion of a typical living space around on its head TEXT Fidz Azmin PHOTOS UPSTAIRS_

AT A GLANCE

SPACE

5-room HDB resale unit

LOCATION

Spottiswoode Park

RENO PERIOD

6 months

HOME TO

2 adults, 1 child

60 APR

APR 61

SPACES

MAIN DOOR (left)

As a nod to nostalgia, homeowner and designer of the home Dennis created a patchwork of salvaged bricks to frame the front door.

KITCHEN (below)

Since an open-plan layout means everything is literally out in the open, Dennis ensured a tidy appearance by constructing a full-length cabinet that conceals storage and keeps bulky kitchen appliances streamlined against the wall.

A

rchitecture and interior design firm UPSTAIRS_ often raises the bar by establishing itself as a cross-discipline design studio that doesn’t play by the book and instead prefers to re-write the rules that many designers are bound to. Its creative director, Dennis Cheok, is proof that they practice what they preach by adhering to this very dictum when it came to the overhaul of his newly acquired nest, a 40-year-old resale HDB flat in Spottiswoode Park.

Unlike most young couples who chose to build their nest in newer developments, Dennis explains that one of the reasons why he and his significant other had decided to set root at the old housing estate in Spottiswoode Park is because they were attracted to its quiet charm.

Incidentally, their choice of location also played a part in the way their interior is to be shaped.

As their previous home – a four-room residence at the Pinnacle @ Duxton – is on the petite side, the owners were naturally looking forward to the new flat’s voluminous space and

62 APR

COMMON AREA

This part of the flat is a far cry from the under-utilised passageway that it once was prior renovations. Now, a super massive counter table takes pride of place in this entrance corridor, converting this part of home into a lively space that brings people together.

XXX ROOM

The living area’s layout is a seemingly modest affair with its collection of simple but significant fittings, which can be seen through the dark grey sofa set from HAY, and the black Gridy Fungi Shelf from MENU.

APR 63

SPACES

space

WISE Smart spatial planning led to this family home’s aesthetically-pleasing new look TEXT Jolene Limuco PHOTOS Fuse Concept

AT A GLANCE

SPACE

3 + 1-bedroom condominium unit

LOCATION

Mei Hwan Drive

RENO PERIOD

12 weeks

HOME TO

4 adults, 2 children

68 APR

OVERALL

Elements like woodgrained surfaces, wall mouldings, brass accents and sleek modern-era furniture point towards a classy midcentury modern vibe in this family home.

APR 69

SPACES

TV CONSOLE

An electric blue TV console takes centrestage in the living room, adding a playful punch of colour to an otherwise uncomplicated space.

70 APR

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iving in compact apartments is not an anomaly in Singapore. The same goes with living in multigenerational homes.

Sharing a space with a few family members has led most Singaporeans to be smart in the spatial planning of their dwellings.

For this family of six occupying a 1,600-square foot condominium unit, concessions had to be made so that each inhabitant feels comfortable. The family unit of this home consists of the male homeowner and his wife, their twin sons as well as the male homeowner’s mother and

sister. The first thing that their interior designer Billy Chew of Fuse Concept did was to propose a slight adjustment in the positioning of the doors of two common bedrooms. This was done to open up space in each bedroom so that they could easily accommodate a couple of beds and a wall of storage units.

As the home is shared among six, keeping it neat and tidy was a priority. The entire house was installed with built-in cabinets to stash things away. From a shoe cabinet at the entryway and an entertainment console in the living room to

DINING AREA

This family home is all about clever space utilisation. An example of this is the bespoke cabinet at the dining area that was created to house shelves and a niche for the piano.

It also comes with casement doors that swing open to reveal a small workstation complete with a desktop computer.

APR 71

SHORTCUT

MINIMAL MIND Interior goals for your open concept cooking and dining zone IMAGE COURTESY OF Muuto

Extend your love for minimalism by adopting an open-concept kitchen and dining zone fitted out with just the essentials. Keep the palette neutral and the furnishings essential.

However, you can add a few statement pieces – like a pendant lamp or sculptural artwork – to inject some visual drama to the space. If you’re one to cook frequently, invest in a downdraft hood to maintain the sleek and linear look.

104 APR