SquareRooms February 2020 [PREVIEW]

+ Wall Story The next big wallpaper trends Germs No More Our top home sanitisation tips

Artful Array

How to create an inspiring gallery wall

surface beauty

FEB 2020

ISSUE 178 S$5.50/RM10

Material and design guide for your interior surfaces

interiors

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ideas

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inspirations

In Focus NEWS

UNITED KINGDOM

Go retro with sound GPO's new bluetooth speaker is perfect for those who want retro style with a big sound. The GPO Bronx is modelled on GPO's iconic Brooklyn boombox, an ‘80s-style music system that has been at the forefront of the cassette revival. Paying homage to the Brooklyn, the Bronx is a miniature version, with the same eye-catching design comes in three styles: floral, turquoise and silver, with metal and fabric finishes.

The mini boombox speakers feature a rechargeable battery that only takes two hours to fully charge. www.gporetro.com

UNITED KINGDOM

Get ready for Spring Mint & May has just launched its new collection, just in time for Spring / Summer 2020. Key trends include burnt orange, natural textures, blush pinks, minimal ceramics and scalloped shapes. Warm copper and burnt hues in your home like the mustard velvet bee cushion will bring modern rustic vibes to any living space. Stitched using high quality velvet and trimmed with fringe for a touch of luxury, this cushion is bound to take centre stage in any humble abode. www.mintandmay.co.uk

GERMANY

Welcome the saints!

WONNEREICH designs and manufactures images of saints in a modern, abstract design and uses only the highest quality materials. The motifs of the three archangels consist of 23 carat gold leaf from the Austrian Mint on handmade paper. WONNEREICH is constantly developing new motifs, including special ones for martyrs, from handmade document ink in crimson red. www.wonnereich.com

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14.02.20 belo SHOP

TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY

Preserved flowers, from $68 from Lavie Flo

Impress your sweetheart with thoughtful gifts that are both practical and value-for-money text GWEN SIN coordination LEYNA POH

Acte braclet in ash, $36 from Plain Supplies

Illustrated custom portrait, from $84.12

by PrintableWisdom from Etsy

Glass mug, $24 from OhLeaf The Reveller, $160 from Aesop

KAYUSt Tropez woven straw tote, $121.99 from Net-a-Porter

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White cotton lace kaftan, from $250 from Bells and Birds

Xéria mirror, from $66 by Doiy Design from Kapok

INSPIRATION

PERFECT PATTE RNS From graphic motifs to abstract designs, wallpaper is a fantastic tool to jazz up your space while showcasing your personality and design aesthetic

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SQUAREROOMS

IMAGE COURTESY OF FERM LIVING

KIT

IMAGE COURTESY OF HOLA WALL COVERINGS

Get it customised Consider making your own wall mural if you can’t seem to find the perfect design for your home.

Wallpaper specialists in Singapore are now capable of producing customised wallpapers easily based on an original artwork, photograph or stock image with digital printing technology.

IMAGE COURTESY OF JULIANA CHUA SAY WOON / INTERIOR DESIGNER

IMAGE COURTESY OF MURALSWALLPAPER

The days of gaudy wallpaper are long past.

Today’s options see a myriad of bold colour, textures, patterns and prints that easily create a wow factor in even the most simplistic of rooms.

And considering its versatility and low-commitment nature, its no wonder many homeowners are swapping out paint for print. Ahead, we explore 2020’s top wallpaper trends.

Retro fever Retro designs have never truly gone out of style, but this trend leans into the decadent Art Deco realm – a timely nod to the roaring ‘20s.

Signature features include symmetrical designs, and bold geometry decked in striking, contrasting colours. For homeowners who prefer a cleaner look, opt for the freshly sophisticated Neo Deco, which emphasises curvier edges, softer hues, mixed metals and jewel tones.

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B E S P O K E L U X U R Y T H R O U G H

L I N E A R I T Y

Striking yet functional, these horizontal defined lines exudes minimalism that reflects an inviting showcase for a lasting first impression

art direction & styling LEYNA POH photography WONG WEILIANG text GWEN SIN

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SHOP

BOL D STATEMENT

Accents in dark, contrasting colour add strong undertones without compromising on style and comfort

FEATURED LAMINATES

Gold ornament, $9.90, Maurice sculpture, $17.90, Kurt vase, $25.90, Birch candle, $7.90, podocarpus faux plant, $14.90, Fela table lamp, $36.90, at Hooga.

Neuros carpet, $219.90, at Fortytwo

HDG 401 Black, WAR 5349 Austin Walnut, PAT 5583 Visconti, PAT 5586 Azores, GEM 9003 Bronze Foil, AFX 9853 Anthracite from Greenlam.

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HOME INSPO

Family first Space 3-bedroom Condominium Location Ferraria Park Reno Period 3 months Home To A family of 5 with their 2 helpers

The owners of the condominium at Ferraria Park had first moved in seven years ago, but it was only after having three kids that they decided on a renovation. Although delayed, it couldn’t be timelier. With a more substantial budget in hand, they could now afford to build the ultimate family home to accommodate their growing children.

For the makeover, they engaged Lush Interior Design. The brief that they shared with Don Wong, the project’s lead designer, was simple and succinct. The dwelling had to accommodate seven people – particularly the ever-changing needs of the owners’ three young ones.

“For this family, I wanted to encourage that cherished communal experience,” explains Don of the common ground’s open layout.

“Combining living, dining and patio together helps promote interactions, conversations and family bonding.” To achieve this, the team had to demolish a wall that encloses the kitchen and level the floors across the adjoining living zones.

As a result, the linearity of the shared areas is augmented and light is able to flow seamlessly across the space. In addition, the crew stripped off and dismantled every bit of the pad’s existing cabinets – thus, presenting an entirely clean slate for the family to begin building their dream home.

But that’s not all. This open concept also allowed the addition of a brand-new dining cum dry kitchen area into the interior. Serveware, snacks and other daily supplies stocked within the recesses of the cabinets mean the kids don’t

Form meets function in an apartment built to adapt to the ever-changing needs of its growing household Te x t F I D Z A Z M I N

Photos LUSH INTERIOR DESIGN

have to access the wet kitchen for when they crave a bite or a drink – ensuring their safety.

“The apartment houses seven people, so customised storage is key to serving their varying needs,” says Don. “Furthermore, it will keep the surroundings clutter-free even with little ones around.”

Case in point, the end-to-end living room storage that spans an impressive seven metres in length. This feature wall is designed with a central open shelving that acts as a designer bookshelf centerpiece, while on its flank lies a combination of reconfigurable shelving to meet changing family needs. There’s also ample concealed storage for stashing away items that are not meant for public scrutiny. Clad in all-white laminates with black and wooden accents, this bespoke piece simply emanates contemporary vibe.

One of the perks of custom carpentry is the liberty of fully maximising a room’s square footage – no matter how restrained. Don designed the kids’ domains to be packed with pockets of utility spaces that serve their needs now and beyond. Take for instance the glass display unit and shelves at the foot of the bunk bed. Each child is entitled to a personal showcase area that holds favourite toys or storybooks. Once outgrown, these can be replaced with other items like a picture frame or a journal. On top of that, Don outfitted the place with a long desk for study sessions – useful even as they graduate from school to work. In fact, even the aesthetics in both rooms are adaptable.

Wood laminates appear timeless and will suit the children at whichever stage of life they’re at, while pops of pastel hue sprinkle a dash of fun and whimsy into this part of their home.

One of the homeowners’ wishes was to own a covetable master suite that exudes luxurious hotel-style vibes. Don proposed a setup where glass – in lieu of opaque partitions – demarcate the en suite bathroom from the sleep space. Although not for everyone, this layout strikes the right notes with the couple especially since privacy has never been an issue. What’s more, the love birds are big on communication and prefer catching up with each other even as they go about their daily routine whether in or out of the bath space. The lack of partitions also makes the area feel larger than it really is – fulfilling the pair’s request for a brighter and more spacious sanctuary. “Taking into consideration the fact that their room is on the first floor, we equipped the glass panel with blinds that are automatically activated whenever the windows are left open,” explains the designer as he pointed out this clever detail.

Witnessing their dream home finally take shape after seven years makes this moment a special one for the couple. But what transcends this experience is seeing how the overhaul went beyond a style revamp; the condominium has been transformed into a fully functional home that is adept in ensuring that transitions are made effortless for all members of the family.

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