SquareRooms June 2018 [Preview]

BUDGET HACKS

Clever ways to save on your renovation

STEP ON IT

How to choose the ideal flooring material for your utility zones

creative

RENO CONCEPTS HIDDEN STORAGE SOLUTIONS, MULTIPURPOSE ROOMS AND OTHER SPACE-ENHANCING IDEAS YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

JUNE 2018

ISSUE 158 S$5.50/RM10

HOTFADS

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NATUREL Silhouettes that celebrate nature’s imperfections make for a fetching style statement

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TEXT & COORDINATION Jolene Limuco

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4 7 5 6 1. Dexter table lamp, $59 at HipVan 2. Slug pendant lamp, $799 for a set of seven at HipVan 3. Bolia Grape floor lamp, from $1,296 at Kuhl Home 4. Natural jute rug, $396 at Bloomingville 5. Delicate lantern, $45 at BoConcept 6. Groove flowerpot, $35 at BoConcept 7. Bolia Balance dining table, from $8,556 at Kuhl Home 8. Flower wall decoration, $55 at BoConcept 9. GRÖNADAL rocking chair, $299 at IKEA

24 JUN

HOTWHO

SCARS NO MORE Reinventing the cooking experience,

Folks Kitchenware is a system of utensils that are designed to aid the blind by leveraging on sensory feedback and haptic cues.

KEVIN CHIAM,

kitchenware designer We talk to the founder of Folks Kitchenware about the inspiration behind his collection of tools that enables the blind to prepare food safely and with confidence INTERVIEW Germaine Cheah PHOTOS Kevin Chiam

INNOVATIVE THINKER Believing that design should be simple, engaging and pleasurable, Kevin is encouraging

conversation between people and the encompassing environment with his innovative products.

HOW DID THE IDEA OF FOLKS KITCHENWARE COME ABOUT? Folks Kitchenware was seeded

from the conversations I had with my visually impaired (VI) friends who I met while volunteering at the Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped. It was rather common to see scabs and scars on the hands of the VI and as it turned out, these scars were reminders of their unfortunate attempts at cooking. Realising the trials my friends had to undergo, it prompted me to question if the existing landscape can indeed be revised to lower the learning curve.

I was hence motivated to help them so that they can have the necessary confidence to overcome physical and mental barriers and eventually come to appreciate cooking as a joyful ritual.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON USING THE NAME “FOLKS” FOR YOUR PROJECT? The title “folks”

felt like an ideal fit with the project’s intentions – to empower the VI such that they can prepare meals with dignity, just like common folks. In addition, “folks” rides on a positive nuance and exudes a sense of familiarity which people can relate to.

WHAT WAS THE RESEARCH AND DESIGN PROCESS FOR THE COLLECTION LIKE?

The project is grounded by literature reviews on existing approaches and ethnography research.

TRACE THE CURVES The pot lid’s curved top provides a

convenient nesting spot for kitchen tools, and its pronounced spout helps the user identify the steam outlet with ease, avoiding risks of burns and scalds.

To better understand the users’ pain points, interviews and observations were done in the homes of the VI. From the research done, I realised that the blind relies heavily on sensory references like touch to make spatial judgements, and the lack of such often results in accidentals.

Thus, I came up with solutions that physicalise tactile guides for which they can use to reference the next step in the cooking process.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE KITCHEN TOOLS FEATURED IN YOUR CURRENT COLLECTION? These five tools – knife, chopping

board, stove ring, pot lid and teaspoon – were not selected by chance. They represent the five most rudimentary tools that are used to prepare

any meal, and they should be addressed in a way that allows the VI to prepare their own meals in the comfort of their own kitchen.

Moving forward, there are intentions to scale the project by leveraging on each tool’s core approach to provide sensory information for the VI in other aspects of cooking. For example, the notion of a retractable guard, which is currently implemented on the kitchen knife, can be integrated into other cutting tools like a peeler.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE BLIND COMMUNITY CAN ACHIEVE THROUGH YOUR PROJECT?

It is my humble wish for Folks to be a platform that empowers the VI so that they can independently prepare meals safely with convenience, confidence and dignity. More importantly, I hope that the VI can embrace their condition and recognize the fact that they can lead an enriched life even without vision as there are always tools available to lend a hand.

READ MORE ABOUT KEVIN AND FOLKS KITCHENWARE ON WWW.SQUAREROOMS.COM.SG

JUN 25

STYLE

WRAP IT AROUND When it comes to designing any bedroom, chances are the headboard, ceiling and wardrobe units will all feature a different design.

And while there is nothing wrong with this particular design approach, that’s not the only option available. For a more visually interesting and impactful effect, how about choosing to clad them in all the same finishes instead? As seen in this home here, the four walls of the bedroom – from headboard to the ceiling design feature to the wardrobe units – was covered in the same teakwood strip, creating a cocoon-like structure with a cosy ambience that wraps around the occupant sleeping within.

30 JUN

UNUSUAL WORKS STEP UP YOUR HOME RENOVATION GAME WITH THESE CLEVER AND UNCONVENTIONAL ALTERNATIVES TO BUILT-IN FURNISHINGS

IMAGE COURTESY OF AKIHAUS

IMAGE COURTESY OF ASOLIDPLAN

TEXT Germaine Cheah

FLEXIBLE LIVING Contrary to popular belief, demolishing partition walls to create an open-concept floor plan is not the only way to introduce flexibility between the various spaces in your home. You can also convert partitions into full-length door panels that follow a sliding track system. According to your different needs on different occasions or even time of day, these frameless movable walls are able to be rolled out to close off certain spaces or kept away for more room, providing homeowners with flexibility to create multifunctional spaces within a home’s limited physical confines.

JUN 31

STYLE

HIDE AND SEEK If you are the owner of a home with a small square footage, allocating one room to be converted into a home office may not be something that is high on your priority list. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be allowed a dedicated space where you can burn the midnight oil to meet your deadlines. Consider setting up a hidden workspace within a closet instead. All you’ll need to do is to hack out the original cabinetry in the closet, install a sturdy tabletop and some shelving units. Hidden workspaces are not limited to small homes, though. Big homes can benefit from this feature as well for it provides a way to keep unsightly papers, appliances and cables from sight. Note that having this design element means you’ll have to sacrifice wardrobe space, so unless you have spare units, make sure you take all things into consideration and weigh which option is more important for you to have.

32 JUN

TUCKED IN From providing additional countertop space for food preparation to encompassing storage units within, it’s no secret that kitchen islands are a highly useful design feature in any cooking zone. Additionally, its ability to accommodate seating arrangements around its perimeter also allows you to transform a utilitarian zone into a cosy entertaining space. But instead of leaving the seats slightly protruding out from the tabletop – which may disrupt the flow of traffic when walking around the perimeters – make your island unit work extra hard by customising bar stools that can be totally concealed when tucked away, creating a neat and streamlined appearance.

IMAGE COURTESY OF RENAISSANCE PLANNERS & DESIGNERS

IMAGE COURTESY OF AKIHAUS

For small homes where space is particularly precious, think of how you can maximise every inch of available space – which include walls, sides of cabinets and even on the insides of doors.

IMAGE COURTESY OF PARK ASSOCIATI

ARIGATO, HORIGOTATSU Our takeaways from Japanese interiors should not only be limited to their minimalist and organised designs, for their use of Horigotatsu-styled seating is also something we can bring into our own homes. An elevated platform with a recessed niche that allows users to stretch their legs while seated, a table is fitted above the niche that can be pulled up during use, or stowed away into the platform when not needed.

Not only that, the niche is also great for storing things below, which in turn keeps your space neat and tidy.

IMAGE COURTESY OF KHOO GUO JIE FOR WHITE

GIVE AN EXTENSION Uneven walls are not something most homeowners will want to see in their home. After all, these jagged edges are not only unappealing, there is also a high level of difficulty trying to fit anything into this odd pocket of space. However, all is not lost. Simply asking your contractor to construct a false wall to level these columns and beams out is an easy way to create a neat and streamlined appearance in your home. But don’t just stop there. Take things one step further by creating a niche in the centre of the false wall and add a personalised touch to the space by displaying a favourite painting, pictures of loved ones or decorative ornaments from your travels.

JUN 33

SHOP SHOP

GRAND TOUR Bring the world home by furnishing it with craftinspired designs.

42 JUN

PRINTS CHARMING STYLISH PATTERNED PICKS THAT WILL INJECT SOME PERSONALITY TO YOUR SPACE ART DIRECTION Pow Sin Ye STYLING Karin Tan assisted by Amanda Mikayla Lim PHOTOGRAPHY Wong Weiliang

(Clockwise from left) Ethnic tapestry, $75, from BoConcept. Chambray tent, $183, and floral doorstopper, $19.96, both from Bed Bath N’ Table. Printed cushion, $49.90, from Commune. Faux fur cushion, $75, from BoConcept. Printed cushion, $49.90, from Commune. Horn vase, POA, from Departures & Arrivals. Cotton rope basket, $51.95, from Bed Bath N’ Table. Wooden teardrop sculpture, $85, from BoConcept. Zacarias chiller backpack, $689, from Edit Lifestyle. Woven rattan stool, POA, from Departures & Arrivals. Woven basket, $85, from BoConcept.

JUN 43

SHOP

S TAY C O O L Keep calm in your private sanctuary with the help of some Shibori patterned soft furnishings.

44 JUN

ANIMAL INSTINCTS Indulge your inner wild child with accessories printed with animal motifs.

(Clockwise from left) Table linen, $7.16 each, from Bed Bath N’ Table. Porcelain mini plate, $2, from Daiso. Metal container, $45 for a set of three, from Home & Giving. Linen coasters, $2 for a set of four, from Daiso. Mugs, $6 each, metal tea light holder, $12.76, all from Bed Bath N’ Table.

Porcelain plate, $2, from Daiso. Octaevo brass Bon Virant bookmark, $39, from Edit Lifestyle.

(Opposite page, clockwise from left) Canvas painting, $143.96, from Bed Bath N’ Table. Belton Queen size bedsheet set, $169, from Akemi Uchi.

Woven cushion, POA, from Departures & Arrivals. Hikaru chair pad, $12.45, from Bed Bath N’ Table. Tie dye Mandere round cushion, $14.90, from Akemi Uchi. Aztec print cushion, $49.90, from Commune. Bohemian cushion, $14.90, from Akemi Uchi. Citrus tie dye scarf with pom pom trimmings, $149, from Edit Lifestyle. Bedroom slippers, $29.90, from kikki.K. Anna by Rablabs coasters, $285 for a set of four, from Edit Lifestyle.

Porcelain mini vase, $7.16, from Bed Bath N’ Table. Horn canister, POA, from Departures & Arrivals.

JUN 45

SOLUTIONS

HACK YOUR BUDGET FINANCING A RENOVATION CAN BE TRICKY. BEFORE YOU GET STARTED, TAKE SOME TIME TO ASSESS WHETHER YOU SHOULD SPEND OR SAVE ON THESE COMMON BIG TICKET ITEMS TEXT Germaine Cheah

LIVING & DINING ROOMS

LET THERE BE LIGHT In the grand scheme of a major home renovation project, lighting too often gets forgotten about. However, we believe that it should be factored in from the very beginning. Not many people may know this, but there is a difference between task lighting and accent lighting, and making the distinction between these two will ensure

48 JUN

that the various spaces around your home are suited to their functions. For example, your kitchen island should have plenty of task lighting above so you can fully concentrate on food prep, and your bedroom would benefit from having ambient lighting so that you can create a cosy ambience when you’re getting ready for bed.

IMAGE COURTESY OF POETUS

IMAGE COURTESY OF MADINTENT

PA I N T, N OT PA P E R When it comes to deciding on the type of covering to use for your walls, we’d strongly recommend sticking to paint instead of using wallpaper. Apart from the high cost and the additional time needed to put into place, wallpaper doesn’t work well in humid conditions where the moisture will cause peels and cracks within the design, which is expensive to replace. Instead, stick to paint, and use a combination of colours for added interest. And with the many painting packages available from various paint brands in Singapore, chances are you’ll be able to paint your entire home for much less than what it would cost to wallpaper a single room.

OPEN IT UP Changing your home’s configuration by demolishing certain walls is a big decision, but it’s one that we think is worth the investment, as this design modification has the potential to dramatically improve the look and feel of your home, as well as enhance the way the various spaces function as a whole. But before you bring those walls down, consider whether the home will need to function differently in the future. For example, you might want to expand the living room by hacking the perimeter walls of an adjoining bedroom now, but the latter might be able to serve as a baby room in the future should your family grow. To get the best of both worlds, do a full hack but replace the wall with glass panels instead. This way, you’ll get the look of an open-concept space, but with a distinction between the two spaces.

JUN 49

SPACES

pastel DREAMS This apartment blends simple fixtures and a dreamy colour palette to create the perfect dwelling for all its two- and four-legged occupants alike TEXT Germaine Cheah PHOTOS Studio FortyFour

AT A GLANCE

SPACE

5-room BTO unit

LOCATION

Yishun Ave 4

RENO PERIOD

3 months HOME TO

2 adults

62 JUN

LIVING ROOM

In order to achieve a bright and lighthearted home, the living room boasts a predominantly wood-toned colour scheme on the floor and walls.

But to imbue a sense of colour and vibrancy into the space, a custommade pink couch from Blafink and multi-coloured poufs were used.

JUN 63

SPACES

E N T R Y W AY (above)

Catering to the female homeowner’s request of having two doors in the home, a lineal screen door was added along the entryway. The space between the main door and this screen door was then converted into a foyer where dirty shoes can be left before entering the clean home.

64 JUN

W

hen it comes to interior design, a good design plan should be something that results in a space that is closely related to our lifestyles, while being beneficial to everyone in the family. And this concept is best expressed in this five-room BTO flat located in Yishun. Hoping to create a home that combines their Korean influences – the female homeowner being originally from Korea – and the specific requirements that came with having two dogs in their lives, the homeowners turned to designers Wilson Teng and Vandra Png of Studio FortyFour to transform their vision into a reality.

Similar to how Korean homes are designed, the inhabitants requested for their abode to have two doors. As such, Wilson separated the entryway from the living room with a screen door. By doing so, a new foyer was created that allows the homeowners and their guests to leave their dirty shoes outside before entering the home. The space also serves as

F E AT U R E WA L L

Although not encompassing any storage units within, the half-height feature wall was put in place to balance out the design with the opposing main living room wall. To keep the accompanying entertainment system hidden from sight, a television console was installed, with the lineal design echoing the screen door along the entryway.

wall was converted into an arch-shaped house for them to sleep under. Meanwhile, the original flooring was laid over with textured tile flooring from RICE. Speaking of the material choice, Wilson says, “The grainy texture allows the dogs to grip onto, preventing them from unnecessarily slipping when they’re walking or running around.”

Maintaining the home’s open concept floor plan, the kitchen is framed by a large arch that is highlighted in light blue and wood laminates. A space most often used by the female occupant, the kitchen is predominantly splashed in her favourite colour. Seen on the upper and lower cabinetry as well as the kitchen island, a soothing blue hue is accompanied by wood tones on the countertops and backsplash. These are paired with strong black fittings that provide a visual contrast to the pastel shade. As the couple’s meals are similar to that of Korean

a prelude to the apartment with the use of textures and materials that mimic those used in the interior. Not only that, the lineal design of the screen door is repeated in the living room’s television console and in the base of the kitchen island, serving as the unifying element between the different spaces.

In the living room, a bright pink customised sofa from Blafink and coloured poufs add punches of bright and vibrant colour into the space. But what really steals the show is a half-height storage feature that goes the full way lengthwise of the main living room wall. Clad in light wood laminates, the built-in storage houses the male owner’s extensive collection of architecture books, and features a two-tiered design to prevent it from looking too bulky.

Keeping the two dogs in mind, a corner of the feature

JUN 65

SPACES

LIVING ROOM

The immediate room that people see upon entering the home, the living room makes a grand statement with the use of real marble on the television feature wall, cabinetry and the customised coffee table. Additionally, a modular sofa allows for different seating arrangements to be configured whenever necessary.

86 JUN

a class ABOVE Home to a power couple with successful careers and their two children, this fivebedroom apartment is a luxurious yet serene sanctuary filled with marble and nature-inspired elements TEXT Germaine Cheah PHOTOS Wong Weiliang

AT A GLANCE

SPACE

5-bedroom condominium unit

LOCATION

Lorong Kismis

RENO PERIOD

3 months HOME TO

3 adults, 2 children

JUN 87

SPACES

A

sk any interior designer and they’ll probably tell you that it’s important that the result of any home renovation project should be a space surrounded by things that reflects one’s taste and personality. Your home should make you truly happy day after day. After all, your home is uniquely yours, and it’s the one major thing in your life that is the biggest identifier of who you are as a person. Adhering closely to this notion is this five-bedroom condominium unit located in the western end of Singapore.

Redeveloped after an en bloc sale at the end of 2017, the homeowners of the apartment engaged designer Emily

88 JUN

Tan of local interior design firm Weiken.com@Midview City to bring the vision of their dream home to fruition.

Their design brief? A modern home that is not so complicated in its design, resulting in a home that looks spacious but not cluttered.

Satisfied with the way the various rooms were separated, the family of five didn’t require any walls to be demolished. However, they wanted a change in the flooring throughout the whole home, which required extensive hacking works. The other general consensus that the family had was they needed plenty of storage solutions wherever Emily could provide them.

S TA I R C A S E

Continuing the striped design that surrounds the main door, the staircase that leads to the private living spaces uses the same pattern for visual consistency. As a safety feature, each wood panel that flanks each individual step features its own LED lightstrip that illuminates the space.

In the living room, the flooring now features the use of grey homogeneous tiles. Its marble-lookalike effect gives a prelude to the homeowners love of marble that are used on the higher surfaces. A statement piece within the space, the television feature wall was designed using two slabs of real marble, limiting the grout line to only being at the middle.

Meanwhile, the family needed ample storage units for their extensive collection of shoes. And that is what the feature located towards the end of the display shelves behind two huge casement doors is used for.

Although sharing the same space, the dining area is tucked within an alcove next to the main door. “If someone was to walk through the door during meal times, the homeowners didn’t want the gathering of people over plates of food to be the first thing that the person sees,� Emily

DINING

Complementing the luxurious vibe of the home, the customised dining table features a marble top, but the wood accents from the dining chairs and adjoining display shelf imbue some warmth into the space.

JUN 89

SHORTCUT SHORTCUT

COLOUR BLOCKED

Dare to make a statement by juxtaposing a muted wall with brightly hued furniture IMAGE COURTESY OF DULUX

You spend hours here catching up on work or labouring over your next big project, so don’t you think the home office deserves some love when it comes to decorating? Add a jolt of drama to a neutral toned study by furnishing it with boldly hued accessories. Keep colours to a minimum to underline the striking contrast – and to keep things from looking too busy.

112 JUN