I N T E R I O R S
.
I D E A S
.
S O L U T I O N S
www.squarerooms.com.sg
FROM THE EXPERTS
Genius reno tips to make the most of a small cooking zone
GET ORGANISED
How to always keep it tidy in the prep space
COOK
in style STUNNING YET PRACTICAL MAKEOVERS FOR THE MODERN-DAY KITCHEN
The best appliances and tools for home chefs MAY 2018
ISSUE 157 S$5.50/RM10
STYLE
GO WITH THE FLOW Roadblocks in this part of home may cause accidental bumps that not only hinder productivity and workflow they can be downright dangerous as well. Make way for more room by first working with a layout that works best for your pocket-sized space. One that’s a fan with owners of tiny homes is the galley. Formed by two parallel runs of units that form a central aisle for traffic, this layout fully optimises the available floor area for both storage and prep work. Another variation is to install cabinetry at only one side of the wall – this frees up space, which means no more elbow rubbing when two’s in the kitchen.
30 MAY
THE BIGGER PICTURE STYLE TIPS AND TACTICS TO OUTSMART A KITCHEN OF PETITE PROPORTIONS TEXT Fidz Azmin
DESIGN BY CRESCENDO INTERIOR & LIFESTYLE
DESIGN BY MESH WERK STUDIO
When all that you have is limited square footage for a kitchen, the best plan is to make the most of what’s given. Take on tiny with these nifty renovation strategies designed to stretch the diminutive kitchen to its limit – metaphorically speaking, of course. Let’s get cooking.
Instead of closed cabinets, incorporating open shelving can visually enlarge a petite prep zone.
SEE IT THROUGH Replace one or some of the solid fronts with glass doors. This leads the eye to see beyond the frames and into the depths of the cabinet, making the walls feel further away. It’s important that you keep the contents neat and colourcoordinated though – else, the visual chaos will simply thwart all of your efforts.
MAY 31
DESIGN BY DB STUDIO
STYLE
CABINET MEETING As the cabinet takes up the largest expanse of a kitchen’s real estate, how it looks determines your space’s overall aesthetic. In terms of hue, white wins hands down for its ability to optically expand interiors. Besides, pale toned fronts work with a diversity of styles, from contemporary and modern minimal to classic country or the ever-popular Scandinavian style. High gloss laminates with smooth clean lines exude modernity and also augment the illusion of spaciousness. Shaker style cabinets, on the other hand, are a classic favourite. Its recessed paneled woodwork creates shadows and thus, depth and interest in an all-white environment.
IMAGE COURTESY OF H AND G DESIGNS
BETWEEN SPACES Up on the walls, the backsplash – that’s the canvas between the upper cabinetry and countertop – can afford a dose of low-key drama because of its diminutive dimensions. This may come in the form of patterned or coloured tiles. But if you prefer it even more understated, choose a unique design in a low-contrast colour or a classic subway tile that sparks just the right amount of interest without overwhelming your light toned space. We also love how a tinted glass backsplash provides a reflective surface that amplifies the bounce of light – but in a subtle manner.
32 MAY
DESIGN BY THE MONOCOT STUDIO
HARD AT WORK Most of us come into contact with the countertop more often than other parts of the kitchen. But it does more than merely serve as a surface that bears the brunt of everyday living. As the worktop runs the span of the lower cabinet units, it’s a key ingredient in crafting a kitchen’s aesthetic. What’s more, it offers cramped quarters much-needed uniformity – an element that space-crunched areas thrive on in order to open up optically. Set the tone with marble for a luxurious take on the lightweight look, or brighten up with reflective surfaces such as stainless steel that subtly amplify the effects of both natural and artificial lighting.
Don’t be afraid to spice up a predominantly white scheme with pops of colour. An attentionseeking red fridge or cobalt blue details can enliven the space tremendously.
DESIGN BY FREE SPACE INTENT
COUNTER MEASURES With boxy layouts, consider going for an L- or U-shaped arrangement. These layouts will afford you with more counter space for food prep as well as give you additional space for storage compartments. You can bring an island in the middle if you have the square footage to spare. But don’t compromise practicality – ensure there’s enough leeway to open your cabinet doors with ease as well as sufficient walking and maneuvering space all around the island.
MAY 33
STYLE+
STYLE KIT BRING OUT YOUR PERSONALITY IN THE KITCHEN WITH THESE MUST-HAVES TEXT & COORDINATION Rossara Jamil
CUISINART VERTICAL WAFFLE MAKER $228.90 at ToTT
NOTRE MONDE GOLD LEAF MINI GLASS TRAY from $45 at Ethnicraft Online
DIAMOND SIDE TABLE $445 at BoConcept
BREVILLE THE ORACLE 980 COFFEE MACHINE $3,598 at TANGS
METALLIC MODE KÃœPPERSBUSCH COPPER EDITION OVEN POA at Kitchen Culture
These accessories will add shimmer and shine to your daily cook. STELTON EM77 VACUUM JUG $256 at bibliotek
36 MAY
FRENCH CASSEROLE PAN $56 at IUIGA
LOTUSGRILL PLUM PURPLE GRILL $408 at TANGS
MYNSTERI TRAY $139 at Marimekko
POP OF COLOUR Mood-lifting bold and fun essentials for the cooking zone.
KITCHENAID POWER PLUS BLENDER $1,999 at major home appliance stores
MUM5 KITCHEN MACHINE $999 at Bosch
UNIVERSO POSITIVO FRUIT BOWL $155 at Ethnicraft Online
OTOTO DESIGN MON CHERRY MEASURING SPOONS AND EGG SEPARATOR $20.90 at Mrphy
APOTHECARY JARS POA at Vanilla Home
MAY MAY 37
SQUAREROOMS AWARDS
KITCHEN EDITION
After calling for nominations, testing out products and assessing them for efficiency, we have finally found the most useful and efficient cooking appliances for the inaugural SquareRooms Awards: Kitchen Edition. From smart ovens and eco-friendly refrigerators to versatile hobs and multi-purpose cookers, these tools and appliances are perfect for busy homeowners and frequent cooks alike. Here are the winning products.
40 MAY
BEST CHIMNEY HOOD
La Germania Wall Mounted Chimney Hood With an extraction power of up to 600 m3h, this stainless steel and glass wall mounted chimney hood surprises with a quiet motor. $1,588. available at authorised Bertazzoni La Germania dealers
BEST SIDE-BY-SIDE REFRIGERATOR
LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator with InstaView Door-in-Door This stylish refrigerator allows you to simply knock twice on the glass panel to check its contents without opening the door, thus eliminating unnecessary cold air loss. It is also equipped with the HygieneFRESH+ filtering system capable of removing 99.9 per cent of bacteria and odours. $4,999, available at major home appliance and electronics stores
BEST BLENDER
Tefal Blendforce Maxi Glass Blender
BEST COFFEE MAKER Nespresso Lattissima One
Along with a new fresh milk system, this compact coffee maker allows the amount of milk to be adjusted to your preference. The machine also offers you a choice of having an espresso or lungo thanks to its programmable coffee selections. $448, available at Nespresso boutiques
This powerful blender brings both efficiency and value to the table. With its six-bladed structure involved in three blending actions and ease of cleaning, this compact kitchen tool is essential for all home chefs. $109, available at major department stores and home appliance stores
MAY 41
SQUAREROOMS AWARDS
BEST DOWNDRAFT HOOD
OBRO Vornehm Legend HD6 The perfect cooker hood for compact kitchens, the Vornehm Legend HD6 is a sleek retractable downdraft hood that effectively eliminates odours released by cooking while keeping the kitchen looking neat and tidy. $3,199, available at OBRO
BEST WATER PITCHER novita HydroPlus Alkaline Antioxidant Water Pitcher NP 3290UF
BEST TOASTER Tefal Toast and Egg 2-in-1 Toaster
Combining elegance, innovation and convenience, this stylish black-based water pitcher is equipped with a four-step filtration process to give you alkaline, hydrogenated and oxygenising water at your fingertips. $99, available at novita eStore
This two-in-one toaster frees up both space and time thanks to an attached warming tray that lets you heat up pre-cooked meals and eggs. Plus, the wide slots of the toaster is ideal for heating up bread, muffins, bagels and even croissants. $75.90, available at major department stores and home appliance stores
BEST WATER PURIFIER 3M Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser
Free from BPA, this 3M Filtered Water Dispenser sieves out odour and sediments and sterilises water from bacteria. Its 25cm dispensing space makes it user-friendly with the luxury of space to fill up 1.5 litres bottles easily. $1,588, available at all Selffix DIY stores
42 MAY
BEST ELECTRIC KETTLE
Bodum Bistro Electric Water Kettle With the use of clear borosilicate glass for its inner wall to keep water pure, this double-walled glass kettle aids insulation and is bound to keep your water hot for a longer time. $179, available at major department stores
BEST TOP-MOUNT REFRIGERATOR Hitachi MIJ Refrigerator R-X730GS
BEST GAS COOKER HOB
Step into sustainable living with this refrigerator that features an advanced frost recycling cooling technology that reuses chilled air to cool refrigerator compartments, all while providing an ideal environment to keep your greens fresh. $6,199, available at major home appliance and electronics stores
TURBO Incanto Hob T773GV With four types of flames for a myriad of cooking styles, including a rapid burner flame that heats up your wok quickly and efficiently, this gas hob is perfect for home chefs who cook frequently. Plus, with its new sleek design and user-friendly dial controls, this hob will complement all modern kitchens nicely. $610, available at City Gas Gallery and select home appliance stores
BEST MULTI-PURPOSE COOKER Philips Premium Collection Multicooker This all-in-one cooker is able to perform slow cooking, pressure cooking and multi-cooking, all within a single appliance. Its non-stick inner pot also makes washing up effortless. $299, available at major home appliance and electronics stores
BEST JUICER BEST STEAM MICROWAVE OVEN
Hitachi Superheated Steam Microwave Oven We love how this microwave oven makes healthy living easy and fuss-free. Equipped with five different cooking modes and 200 auto modes, this machine lets you enjoy healthier meals by having dishes steam-grilled rather than deep fried. $2,399, available at major home appliance and electronics stores
Bosch VitaExtract Slow Juicer This slow speed extraction juicer gives you control over the consistency of your juices while retaining its nutrients. Its Tritan screw enables it to squeeze through even frozen fruits and nuts. $699, available at Bosch Experience Centre and major home appliances and electronics stores
MAY 43
SHOP
CULINARY WONDER GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH THESE EYE-CATCHING CUTLERY AND COOKING TOOLS THAT COMBINE FORM AND FUNCTION IN EQUAL MEASURE ART DIRECTION Aris Lai & Pow Sin Ye STYLING Karin Tan assisted by Shiyun Teo PHOTOGRAPHY Wong Weiliang
(Clockwise from left) Copper mug with handle, $11.80, from ToTT. Ownland measuring cups, $19.90 (for a set of four), from Akemi Uchi. Tom Dixon brew biscuit tin, $209, from Edit Lifestyle. Ownland solid spoon with bronze coating, $8.90, from Akemi Uchi. Tom Dixon brew coffee tray, $419, Tom Dixon brew stovetop, $365, both from Edit Lifestyle. Rose gold cutlery, $39.90 (for a set of 16), from Akemi Uchi. Copper mini saute pan with bronze handle, $62.50, from ToTT. Ownland measuring spoons, $16.90 (for a set of seven), from Akemi Uchi. Tom Dixon brew milk pan, $229, from Edit Lifestyle. Mini sauce pan, POA, from ToTT. Featuring GSC5574 Statuaric laminates from Greenlam
46 MAY
SHINE ON Stay polished throughout your cooking and dining sessions with these rose gold and copper tabletop accessories.
MAY 47
SHOP
SERVICE PLEASE Impress your guests and add a touch of class to your dishes with these stylish platters and trays.
48 MAY
DRINK UP Transform your beverages into something fit for royalty by serving them up in these exquisite stoneware jugs, cups and saucers.
(Clockwise from left) Stone dust cup, $45, from Hotel & Home. Bamboo coaster, $6.96 (for a set of six), from Bed, Bath N’ Table. Blue Jug, $16.90, from Akemi Uchi. Magisso Terracotta mini carafe in black, $33.90, Magisso Terracotta mini carafe (white line edition), $33.90, colourful life ceramic cup in cream, $7.90, all from ToTT. Just white tea pot, $11.90, from Akemi Uchi. Sweetheart mug, $7.95, from Bed, Bath N’ Table. Stone dust mug with lid, $40, moonlight tan mug, $38, both from Hotel & Home. Bamboo rectangle tray in white matte, $14.95, from Bed, Bath N’ Table. Misty ink rain cup, $45, misty ink rain mug, $35, both from Hotel & Home. Cerabon essentials cappuccino cup in matte grey, $4.40, Cerabon essentials saucer for cappuccino cup in matte grey, $4.40, both from ToTT. Featuring WVB5316 Oak Radiance laminates from Greenlam (Opposite page, clockwise from left) MYE wooden oval serving board, $39.90, MYE wooden rectangle platter serving board, $28.90, both from ToTT. Nixon cheeseboard and knife set, $415, from Bungalow55. Efay display tray in granite finish in black, $29.50, Efay rectangle platter in earth oak, $17, Cerabon noms espresso cup in purple, $3.10, Cerabon noms saucer for espresso cup in purple, $3.10, all from ToTT. Wooden chopping board, $35, from Shop Mint Home. Round platter in white Carrara marble, $19.80, from ToTT. Pang Objects ravin tray in medium, $45.50, from bibliotek. Featuring SIR5605 Grey Euclid laminates from Greenlam
MAY 49
SURFACE
COUNTER PROPOSAL KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS FOR ALL BUDGETS TEXT Jasmine Goh
IMAGE COURTESY OF DEKTON
The countertop is one of the most important components of your kitchen. This is where you carry out most of your food preparation and perhaps even have meals. It needs to be hygienic, durable, and tough enough to handle the everyday workings of the kitchen. With the numerous options available in the market, selecting a suitable material for the countertop boils down to a few factors: How often do you cook? How much time are you willing to spend cleaning it? How careful are you and the rest of the household in maintaining it? What look are you going for? And of course, what is your reno budget? Each material has its own set of flaws and advantages. To help you make a decision, we have categorised some of the most popular options according to different price points.
58 MAY
BUDGET: $250 PER FOOT RUN
DESIGN BY EIGHTYTWO, FEATURING FENIX NTM, AVAILABLE AT EDL
FENIX NANOTECH MATTE This nanotech material is known for its thermalhealing ability. Micro-scratches on the surface can be easily removed by simply applying heat to the area. Made from nanoparticles and acrylic resins, Fenix is soft to the touch yet extremely functional for the everyday activities in the kitchen. Pros:\
Cons:
Fenix is anti-fingerprint and resistant to scratches and abrasion. If there are micro-scratches, the surface can be heat-repaired any number of times. Its low light reflectivity also makes it a truly beautiful matte surface.
Limited colours and designs are available at this moment, but if a matte surface is what you are looking for, this is it.
Pros:
Cons:
Dekton is very easy to maintain as it is highly resistant to scratches, abrasion, stains, and chemicals. It is strong, durable, and able to withstand high temperatures, allowing hot pots to be placed directly on the surface without any damage.
Its smooth, sleek appearance may not be suitable if you are looking for something more organic and naturallooking. Also, be prepared to shell out for this very premium product.
IMAGE COURTESY OF DEKTON
DEKTON Manufactured using a high-tech sintering process that simulates accelerated metamorphic change, Dekton is an ultracompact material made from a mixture of natural materials. It promises extremely low porosity and zero micro defects. In addition, the production of Dekton in large slabs allow for the creation of seamless surfaces without any joint lines.
MAY 59
SURFACE
BUDGET: $150 PER FOOT RUN
DESIGN BY MINIMO & MINIMOLOGY
NATURAL STONE Granite and marble are the two popular options when it comes to choosing a natural stone countertop. They are beautiful and add a touch of elegance to the home. Due to their porous nature, these natural stones need to be properly sealed before use.
60 MAY
Pros:
Cons:
Stainless steel does not get stained and is easy to clean. You can also place hot pots directly on the surface without damaging it. The area where the pot is placed will feel hot, but not anywhere else along the length of the counter.
Stainless steel is susceptible to fingerprints, scratches and dents. Be prepared to put in an extra hour of polishing every week if you’re the type to be bothered by fingerprints and smudges.
IMAGE COURTESY OF DE DIETRICH
STAINLESS STEEL Stainless steel is commonly used in commercial and professional kitchens because of their non-porous surface and easy maintenance. In recent years, homeowners have begun to recognise the benefits of stainless steel tops and it is no longer a surprise to see this material being used for countertops in home kitchens.
Pros:
Cons:
The beauty of natural stone lies in its unique veining. No two pieces are exactly the same, so you will have a countertop that is truly yours. In addition, granite and marble are both heat resistant and durable materials that will definitely stand the test of time.
Joint lines will be present for L-shape tops or counters longer than six feet. For marble, depending on the source and rarity of the stone, prices can go beyond $150 per foot run.
ENGINEERED QUARTZ Sometimes called by brand names such as Caesarstone, Silestone and Smartstone, engineered quartz is a material made from a mixture, of which at least 85 per cent are quartz crystals and the rest, polymer resin. Engineered quartz offers the beauty of natural stone but with added benefits of toughness and zero porosity. Cons:
Resistant to stains and scratches, engineered quartz is non-porous. It's a hygienic surface for the kitchen and comes in a variety of colours and patterns.
Depending on brand and design, the price of engineered quartz surfaces can often go beyond $150 per foot run.
IMAGE COURTESY OF HAFARY, FEATURING SMARTSTONE
Pros:
MAY 61
SPACES
roomy REVAMP The combination of smart spatial planning, a monochromatic colour scheme and updated fittings result in a welcoming abode for this family of six TEXT Germaine Cheah PHOTOS Ethereall
AT A GLANCE
SPACE
5-room HDB unit
LOCATION
Yishun Ave 7
RENO PERIOD
8 weeks HOME TO
6 adults
64 MAY
KITCHEN
As the homeowners are regular users of the kitchen, the renovation project saw the space outfitted in a variety of durable materials like a KompacPlus countertops and white herringbonepatterned subway tiles for the backsplash. Meanwhile, cladding the upper and lower cabinetry in black laminates give the space a more elegant and sophisticated look.
MAY 65
SPACES
LIVING ROOM
For the living room, the family requested for a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. But as they didn’t want to hack away the pre-existing marble flooring, the designers instead laid over the area with woodgrained vinyl flooring. On the ceiling, cove lighting was used, further enhancing the restful ambience in the space.
66 MAY
W
hen the new homeowners took over this 1,560-square foot unit in Yishun, it originally had only three bedrooms. But the new family had a total of six people, and they were definitely not keen on sharing rooms. In addition, the pre-existing look and feel of the home was dark and drab, and still had furnishings and fittings that had not been updated for a very long time. As such, a renovation was in order, and they soon decided on interior design firm Ethereall for their home’s overhaul.
On the whole, as they didn’t have a preference towards a particular design style, the homeowners left it up to the Ethereall design team to come up with various options. And it was the proposal of an industrial-style home that won them over. Splashes of white, black and grey tones were used all throughout the apartment to achieve the desired look. But to prevent the home from looking too heavy and cold, elements of dark and light wood tones were included in the design, imbuing a warm and cosy ambience throughout the unit. Additionally, to keep things in the home visually interesting, colours and textures were also used by the
Dining room flooring
Patterned tiles from Soon Bee Huat DINING AREA
Instead of purchasing a standalone dining set, the homeowners had the design team customise a dining table that is an extension out from the adjoining kitchen sink cabinet. Made from a black steel frame structure and topped with a KompacPlus surface, the streamlined piece provides visual and design consistency in the space.
MAY 67
SPACES
contemporary COMFORT This four-bedroom home treads the line between country-cottage and industrial to result in a welcoming and wholly original abode TEXT Germaine Cheah PHOTOS Prozfile
AT A GLANCE
SPACE
4-bedroom condominium unit
LOCATION
Tampines Street 86
RENO PERIOD
7 weeks HOME TO
2 adults, 1 child
88 MAY
LIVING ROOM
Using a mixture of elements like an exposed red brick wall, timber ceiling beams and a muted green colour scheme on the walls, interior designer Alvin managed to adhere to the client’s request of a home that has a combination of rustic and industrial design concepts.
MAY 89
SPACES
DOUBLE DUTY
As a space saving feature, the television cabinet encompasses a detachable cabinet-on-wheels that can be pulled out to double up as a coffee table in the living room. That’s not the only thing that’s interesting – the pigeonholes up above are another playful feature, and they provide visual connection between the living room and study when both doors are pulled open.
W
hile homes with a country-cottage design concept are not a common sight here in Singapore, there was no deterring the homeowners of this four-bedroom apartment from their chosen style. Then, it was down to choosing an interior designer. In came senior designer Alvin Ang from Prozfile, who came to the homeowners highly recommended from their cousin, who was a
90 MAY
previous client of the designer. But although what the owners requested for their home’s renovation was a territory that Alvin had never ventured before, it was the instant connection and rapport he felt with them that motivated him to take on the project. One of the major decisions the designer had to make was to find the perfect wall colour for the communal zone. Because it is the main living area, the homeowners wanted it to make a bold statement,
Service yard flooring
Coloured hexagonal tiles from Hafary S E R V I C E YA R D
Originally cramped and closed off from the rest of the house, the wall that separated the service yard from the passageway was knocked down to open up the space. This new design configuration also allows for those who are doing laundry to be able to interact with the rest of the family.
and Alvin knew that the standard wall colours would not be able to achieve that look. After much consideration, he decided on a muted green hue as the colour has a timeless appeal. As he didn’t want to dwarf the room’s height with false ceilings, he installed timber beams across the ceiling instead. Not only are they used for mounting lights and to conceal the accompanying wiring, the beams also help enhance the rustic cottage aesthetic of the space. The long corridor that leads to the private spaces used to be claustrophobic as all the rooms that were situated along this path were walled up and closed off. As such, Alvin suggested to hack the walls between the first bedroom and the service yard to open up the floor plan. Used as a space that the family can either engage in some serious desk work or indulge in their musical hobbies, the first bedroom was converted into a study-cum-music room.
MAY 91
SHORTCUT SHORTCUT
ADD SOME
GREENS Transform a blank wall into a feature with the help of nature IMAGE COURTESY OF BoConcept
Love the Jungalow look but too intimidated to try it on for size? Start small with a few pots of succulent greens placed on a chic side table or entryway table. Varying the heights of the plants will create a visual interest. And if space is an issue, suspend them from the ceiling with a hanging basket – this will free up precious floor space for other things.
120 MAY