SquareRooms October 2020 [Preview]

ALL ABOUT COLOUR

+

Hue combis that wow Picking shades with lasting power FUN RETRO FINDS

OCT 2020 ISSUE 185 S$5.50/RM10

Cheerful, pieces to perk up your space

FIX-IT-YOURSELF

Save money with easy home repairs

EXPERT OPINION

Smoke Grey

Windy Santosa

Brand Marketing Manager, Singapore & Export Markets at AkzoNobel Decorative Paints

Picking Paints Paint can make such a big difference to any space, but choosing the right shade and finish can be tricky. Windy Santosa shares her top picks and tips on finding a hue with lasting appeal

Universal grey

A warm and earthy neutral tone that comforts and inspires a sense of potential, giving us courage to embrace change.

By YUEN YI YING Photos AKZONOBEL

Brave Ground was chosen as Dulux’s colour of the year for 2021.

What other hues do you think will be big next year?

Neutral colours, be they off-whites, greys, beige, or anything in-between. 2020 has thrown us a curveball. All our plans were mostly down the drain and 2021 will be about embracing change while still focusing on self and community care.

Neutral colours will enable us to create soothing, calming, and protective spaces that are also inspiring at the same time.

Do you have any personal favourite colours?

Universal Grey. The name speaks for itself. It is a universal grey colour that instantly transforms any room into a cosy and tranquil space. It is especially good for use in bedrooms and also works well in general living spaces. Universal Grey keeps me feeling grounded at home despite all the hustle.

My other pick is Smoke Grey. This was Dulux’s Colour of the Year in 2017—it was also known as Denim Drift. This versatile shade of blue has become another

16

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

classic staple to me. It is ideal as a main player in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms and can also be used on accent walls.

Could you share advice on picking paint colours that have staying power?

Classic, muted, neutral colours will never go out of style. They work as a neutral colour base for your wall. You could then layer up with coordinating neutral hues or even bright, fun tones, and they will do the job just fine.

Are there any painting mistakes you wish people would stop making?

Not applying sealer or primer before painting your wall! We are often guilty of not reading the manual before using new instruments. I guess that’s what happens to most people when painting their homes. We don’t get to paint our walls every day, so we may not be familiar with recommended painting techniques to achieve the best finish.

Most people think that they can just

immediately apply the paint on walls, thinking that it will last forever but it will not because they don’t apply sealer. My tip: always read the paint manufacturer’s recommendations before applying any paint. It may advise you to apply sealer and wait for 1–2 hours before applying the paint, please do follow the guidelines and you will have beautiful and longlasting colour on your walls. Think of your sealer as the primer you apply before your foundation make-up. The tiny layer of primer will prepare the base and settle the foundation so it lasts longer.

Any tips on picking the right paint finish?

Flat or matt paint is more forgiving and hides any wall imperfections so well.

However, matt paint is not usually washable. I would probably go for a paint with a low sheen finish that is washable and stain-resistant, like Dulux Wash & Wear, but I would get help from a professional painter to ensure the application is done right.

Would you go light or dark with small rooms?

Naturally, light colours are an obvious choice for making a room feel bigger. It is no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space has a lot of natural light. It creates the illusion of a roomier space especially when you pair it with coordinating neutral pieces of furniture.

However, in a small room with little natural light, light colours may not be the way to go. Instead, choosing a dark hue like dark blue, charcoal or black can give the space an intimate feel and a touch of grandeur.

When you decide to go dark, try to paint the ceiling and trim in the same hue, and you will have the ultimate intimate feel.

Any other paint tips?

Have fun! Experiment with colours. Paint and colours have a powerful psychological impact on our mood, behaviour, and everyday lives. Dulux conducted some social experiments that revealed the surprising impact of paint and colors on our daily lives.

You can find out more here: letscolourproject.com/surprising-paintstories/lets-colour-social-experiments

In Focus FA D S

GPO Rydell Retro Radio in Pink, $72.99, ASOS

AGO Cirkus Chandelier, $877, Finnish Design Shop

Lemon Taper Holder, $65, Anthropologie

RETRO TREASURES Vintage finds that infuse your home with quirky hits of colour text & coordination YUEN YI YING

Salomi Lounge Chair, $349, HipVan

New Retro Desk Console (Study Table), $599, Born in Colour

Marimekko Suvi Cushion Cover 45 x 45 cm, $44.20, Finnish Design Shop Smeg Kettle, $228, Smeg Shop

Marimekko Kaivo Fabric, $53.90, Finnish Design Shop

Green Glass Vase with Brass Top, $54.90, Commune

Pillemark Door Mat, $15.90, IKEA Iittala Kastehelmi Universal Glass, $41.30, Finnish Design Shop

17

At a g la nc e Space 2 - STO R E Y S E M I - D E TAC H E D H O U S E

18

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

Location B E D O K

Home to FA M I LY OF F O U R A N D A D O G

Reno period E I G H T M O N T H S

Pride of Place Colour makes its way through this modern colonial semi-detached house in curated forms of personalised collections and striking artworks T e x t D I S A TA N

P h o t o s R I C H F I E L D I N T E G R AT E D

The Brief Finding the right team has helped the homeowners of this twostorey landed dwelling materialise their dream home—a classic modern space with a welcoming open flow across the ground level. Working with Design Manager Veronica Laborte and Project Manager Risan Sun from Richfield Integrated, the home’s married couple specified for a spacious area to cater to their two children, their dog, and a shared love for entertaining. That resulted in an extensive reconstruction, expansion and renovation where the Richfield Integrated team hacked away plenty of walls in a bid to introduce light, space and a greater indoor-outdoor connection.

With daylight now pouring into the confines, Veronica and Risan enhanced this newfound spaciousness with a monochromatic colour palette. This engages a continuous design language to define the home with a refreshed traditional style.

Furnishing the home was also a combined effort, with the careful curation of the homeowners’ eclectic collections of liquor and art pieces weaved into the harmonious backdrop of monochromes and classic detailing. Fusing together a fine blend of old and new with personalised touches, this beautiful outcome personifies an overall sense of timelessness for the whole family to enjoy.

19

Above

Living area Highlighting the grand expanse of the living room are the colonial-style accents and modern monochromatic colour scheme. The custom-made TV console, which sports a classic design with black trim, hosts hidden storage and cleverly conceals a structural column.

Right

Overall view Thanks to the well-planned open configuration, a fluid ventilation of light and air draws out a spacious yet relaxed atmosphere within the communal zones. The dominant white hue visually enhances the appearance and raises the ceilings.

20

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

Right

Whisky lounge The beauty of a neutral palette allows the male homeowner’s extensive whisky collection to take centrestage between the living and dining zones.

Made of laminates with a spray-painted finish and gold-hued stainless steel trimmings, the colourful selection is highlighted through a bronze mirror backing and warm white-coloured LED strips and spotlights.

Below

Dining area Before entering the multi-purpose dining and bar area, a row of woodeffect laminates clads the doors to the full-height storage compartments and helper’s room. For added flexibility, glass sliding doors have been installed to enclose this area from the living zone.

21

22

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

Wet kitchen With this cookspace a hotspot for regular gatherings amongst family and friends, it was important to install resilient surfaces that could withstand heavy wear and tear. For hard-wearing elegance, it is outfitted with jet black granite countertops, Black Oregon teak laminates for the overhead cabinets, and Hermes Marcella Walnut laminates for the counters.

23

INSPIRATION KIT

Perfect Palettes GIVING YOUR HOME A MAKEOVER? FLIP THROUGH THESE STUNNING COLOUR COMBINATIONS TO FIND THE IDEAL HUES FOR ALL OF YOUR LIVING SPACES t ex t YA I Z A C A N O P O L I

Bold tones Vibrant pairings to add plenty of personality to your space

IMAGE COURTESY OF FURNITURE VILLAGE

IMAGE COURTESY OF DULUX

Red and white While red is one of the strongest colours you can pick for your home, contrasting it with white helps to tone down the overall look. Even in the bedroom, this combination can be quite elegant and rather rejuvenating—something you probably wouldn’t expect with such a vibrant shade!

28

Orange and purple These two shades complement each other particularly well, resulting in an eye-pleasing look. If you want to take things even further for that extra kick, consider lending texture to one of the two hues.

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SCIENTIST IMAGE COURTESY OF VERSAFORM

Teal and pink One of the most underrated colours in interior design, pink is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a host of other shades. Combining it with teal and other blue tones has got to be one of our favourite applications, resulting in an uplifting environment that always looks fresh and welcoming.

Black and yellow Nothing stands out quite as much as yellow against a dark shade like grey or black. The dark hue keeps the space intriguing while the splash of yellow helps to lift the colour scheme and liven up the room.

29

IMAGE COURTESY OF DULUX

Blue and red This age-old combination is ideal if you’re looking to make your space truly unforgettable.

Consider blue subway tiles for your kitchen walls and red cabinets or countertops for the rest of the room. Alternatively, red appliances, such as ovens and kettles, are fairly easy to come by and help to take the boldness down a notch.

30

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

IMAGE COURTESY OF JOEY KHU

White and dark blue Worried that zingy colour combinations will make your home too energetic and take away from relaxing areas?

Opting for a dark blue shade and some white accents is guaranteed to provide all of the relaxation you need while still making for an inspiring space.

INSPIRATION KIT

Versatile hues

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOURS TO EVOKE THE MOOD YOU WANT IN EACH AREA OF YOUR HOME.

IMAGE COURTESY OF HAFARY

IMAGE COURTESY OF FREE SPACE INTENT

Yellow and blue If you’re aiming for especially striking interiors, contrasting bright yellows and blues is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Keep the space easy on the eyes by surrounding these punchy tones with more neutral shades, such as greys and whites.

Pink and black Soothing yet vibrant, this combination is for those who like a sleek, elegant look with a more assertive edge. In order to keep the surroundings pleasant, opt for a dusty pink as opposed to a blinding neon shade. You can add more dimension to the room by contrasting glossy tiles with a matte-finish paint.

1 Upbeat

2 Productive

3 Relaxing

Make yourself happy at home with a warm, invigorating orange, yellow or pink. These shades also encourage appetite, so they work particularly well in dining areas.

The best shades for a productive work space are bright reds, yellows and blues. Make sure to complement them with plenty of white to maximise brightness in the room.

For spaces dedicated to relaxation and sleep, you’ll want to choose calming colours such as cream, pale blue and pastel green. You can also pair stronger shades with more neutral tones, particularly whites and greys, for a more subdued ambience.

31

INSPIRATION KIT

FINDING THE RIGHT TONE YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY, BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT DIFFERENT SHADES OF THE SAME HUE CAN EVOKE VASTLY DIFFERENT FEELINGS? AHEAD, LEARN HOW TO NAIL THE RIGHT VIBE IN EACH ROOM. PHOTO BY RODION KUTSAEV ON UNSPLASH

t ex t YA I Z A C A N O P O L I

Pineapple yellow Pineapple yellow is what comes to mind for most of us when we picture any kind of yellow shade. It’s bright and cheery, which means that it’s a great choice for a kids’ bedroom, a kitchen, a dining room and any other space that you want to evoke positive energy. If you like the tone of this shade but find it just a tad too bright, consider watering it down or mixing the colour with a splash of white paint to dilute its brightness.

38

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

IMAGE COURTESY OF STUDIO FORTYFOUR

Yummy yellows

IMAGE COURTESY OF WALLHUB

Canary yellow (left) If you think yellow is too blinding to ever have a place in your home, canary yellow might just change your mind. This muted shade is almost golden in colour, giving the usually playful yellow an elegant, almost vintage-style spin. It works particularly well to brighten up darker rooms in the form of curtains, rugs, cushions and other small furnishings.

IMAGE COURTESY OF DULUX

Lemon yellow (right) This zesty hue with a green tint is sure to put you in a good mood. It works wonders to add a pop of colour to dull living spaces and bedrooms, blending in nicely with the outdoors when applied to balcony furnishings.

Consider surrounding this shade with some orange accents for a fruity contrast.

IMAGE COURTESY OF KUHL HOME

Mustard Who doesn’t crave a bit of warm ambience at home? A splash of mustard colour can achieve that in no time. Whether it’s a cosy armchair or a touch of colour on the walls, we especially recommend this shade to liven up a cool, modern design. Alternatively, pair it with a lush green or blue or a pretty pastel pink for an elegant contrast.

DID YOU KNOW?

Shades of red and yellow are known to increase appetite. That’s why so many fast-food restaurants have red and yellow signs and even storefronts! You can apply a combination of the two colours to your kitchen or dining area to get your family and guests particularly excited about home-cooked meals.

39

IMAGES COURTESY OF STUDIO FORTYFOUR

Blissful blues

Turquoise (right) On the flip side of a sleepinducing baby blue is the vibrant energy that turquoise can lend to a room. This is also a particularly versatile shade, which can be paired with a variety of colours and looks good applied to multiple surfaces, including walls, furniture, cabinets and bedding.

Do use it sparingly, however, as too much can quickly become overwhelming.

40

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

IMAGE COURTESY OF TATUM

Baby blue (above) If you’re aiming for a super relaxing bedroom or even a newborn’s nursery, you really can’t go wrong with baby blue. This sky-like tone makes for a dreamy and exceptionally peaceful space. Pair it with other light tones and pastels, such as soft yellows and pinks, for an even more restful environment.

INSPIRATION KIT

Indigo For those who like their blues leaning a little towards purple, indigo is the perfect choice. This calming shade has just the right amount of zing without being too vibrant, making for dynamic spaces that remain easy on the eyes.

IMAGE COURTESY OF DISTINCTIDENTITY

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE INSIDE JOB

IMAGE COURTESY OF DULUX

Teal Love the ever-changing colours of a deep sea and want to replicate that look on your walls? While teal ranges from blinding shades to richly dark hues, it never disappoints in just how closely it resembles the ocean. This brings about a particularly soothing effect in the bedroom especially, making for a great feature wall or even headboard that is sure to evoke tranquil dreams.

Royal blue Few shades are as lush and awe-inspiring as a rich royal blue, particularly when applied to the bedroom. Be careful when playing around with this shade however, as its darker tone can make smaller spaces feel moody. Try to contrast royal blue with white to brighten it up or alternatively with a creamy or wooden shade for a warmer ambience.

41

KEEP IT

HANDY HABITS

While the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to adapt to a completely new lifestyle, it also helped us realise that some of our old habits were not ideal and needed to be changed. From sanitising surfaces to helping out more in our own communities, these are the pandemic habits we’re keeping up for the long run. t ex t YA I Z A C A N O P O L I

COOKING MEALS Preparing home-cooked meals was not just a way to stay safely indoors during the pandemic, it also helped to cut the cost of eating out during a time when many people were financially impacted by COVID-19.

As we slowly recover from the circuit breaker, we hope to continue cooking our meals at home in order to keep minimising our expenses, as well as reducing the risk of incurring a second wave. We’ve gotten better at this by stocking our kitchens with pantry staples like dried foods and pasta, making large batches of food and freezing smaller portions, as well as washing and cutting veggies ahead of time to make meal prep as quick and easy as possible.

SANITISING SURFACES We all know that keeping our homes clean is important in order to create a healthy and pleasant living environment. What we didn’t know before the pandemic is just how much bacteria we bring into our homes every day and how these germs often end up on the surfaces we work and eat on. That’s why the most significant pandemic habit we aim to keep up is sanitising our surfaces regularly, ranging from the kitchen counter to the study desk. Our steam cleaners have served us well over the past few months, keeping furniture, floors, counters and even our air-con units in tiptop shape by decimating bacteria, deodorising textiles, reducing allergens like mites, and making it easier to tackle tough stains and grease.

46

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

GROCERY SHOPPING ONLINE Buying clothes and tech gadgets online is nothing new, having grown into a popular pastime all around the world. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, this style of casual online shopping has expanded to groceries as well, with many people ordering in everything from snacks to fresh meat. Not only will this shopping habit keep you safe in case of a second wave, it will also save you plenty of time and effort in the long run.

CALLING FRIENDS Putting the more practical pandemic habits aside, we all learned the hard way how crucial it is to catch up and check in with each other during difficult times. Whether it was a video call with the entire extended family or a quick catch-up with a friend, we certainly felt the benefits of escaping our pandemic loneliness for a while. Going forward, we aim to keep calling our loved ones, supporting each other through whatever may lie ahead.

STOCKING ESSENTIALS While we all learned not to bulk-buy things like toilet paper, we also learned that keeping a reasonable supply of essential items at home can make life a whole lot easier. Some of our future must-haves include first-aid kits, sanitisers and handy supplies like batteries and light bulbs.

HELPING OUT Last but not least, not everyone was affected by COVID-19 the same way, with many people losing their jobs and even their homes. Thankfully, these hard times brought us together to help those in need, be it our neighbours or those on the other side of the country. From mutual aid initiatives to supportive online events, people all over Singapore were willing to help, and we now wish to carry on this positive energy, continuing to assist each other and create better communities all-year round.

47

66

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

HOME INSPO

Easy charm Space Condominium Location Anchor vale Reno Period Six weeks

Instead of relying heavily on construction works and custom fittings, this light-filled dwelling was brought to life with thoughtfully selected furniture

Home To A young couple

Text

Creating a home that’s breezy, open and filled with light is a common request many interior designers get.

Another popular ask is for Scandinavian style decor.

The couple living here wanted both those things, but what they didn't want was something stale and uninspired. With designer Rashi of Home Philosophy, they found someone who understood their vision.

Instead of opting for heavy cabinetry works, which is the tendency when one engages a designer, the couple wisely chose to let furnishings switch up their apartment.

One of the first things to get addressed was how to make the home feel more roomy. With about 1,152 square-feet of space, the couple had a rather good amount of space to work with for local standards.

However, since the homeowners like to entertain, Rashi had to figure out how to meld the living and dining areas seamlessly so the homeowners could easily host without the two zones feeling disconnected. As “a bonus," Rashi even managed to get the balcony to flow with the living room so the communal areas function like a “really large, open-concept home."

Rashi achieved this with a careful selection of furniture, a service Home Philosophy provides as an

end-to-end interior design firm. It’s what “transforms the blank canvas of a house into a home," she explains.

Since the clients leaned towards a “Scandinavian palette of white and wood, ” she built on that aesthetic, adding touches of colour throughout with pink pouffes in the living area, grey furnishings, and gold-toned accessories sprinkled around to elevate the overall look. “Our clients were very trusting and let us completely have free reign when proposing all the furniture items,” Rashi shared. “We showed everything to them on moodboards and they loved it!” With the harmonious merging of the three communal spaces, Rashi tells us the homeowners now feel the home is “much bigger than they initially envisioned. They love that the spaces blend together well, yet have their own purpose.”

Moving further into the house, the room now used as a walk-in closet received a lot of personalised attention. Unlike the rest of the house, most of the pieces here were custom-built to maximise storage.

Wrap-around cabinetry was designed with plenty of open sections as well as mirror and glass elements to prevent the built-ins from looking heavy. The glass doors

YUEN YI YING

Photos HOME PHILOSOPHY

also create a pretty display area for the female client’s favourite bags, letting her find the pieces she wants at a glance while protecting the purses from dust. Long, brass handles added to the doors impart a luxurious feel and echo the gilded lighting in the hall and dining area.

For the master bedroom, the homeowners wanted the same breezy look as the rest of the home, but preferred a slightly darker colour scheme for a cosier environment. This was accomplished with the selection of a “calming, grey-blue for the walls, and lots of texture via the rugs, pendant lights and cushions,” explains Rashi.

The designer also added a storage bed here to eke out more space for stashing items without cramping the room or compromising the aesthetics.

By mostly relying on furnishings rather than custom fixtures and structural works to deliver personality, this apartment shows that it is possible to have a “Pinterestworthy” home without extensive fiddling. As Rashi sums it up, “even a living room can be brought to life with a good combination of furniture pieces and accent colours. It doesn’t necessarily have to have a TV feature wall.” At the end of the day, we are moving to a more sustainable and minimalist lifestyle after all.

67

68

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

HOME INSPO

Living room The homeowners didn’t want their space cluttered with cabinetry works as they wanted to keep the area feeling light and airy.

Thus, nothing was custom made in the living room.

Instead, Rashi relied on furnishings sourced online and throughout Singapore to create a personality-filled space. The sofa is from etch&bolts and the bean bags were from HipVan.

69

EPILOGUE

C AS U A L L U X U RY

88

OCTOBER

SQUAREROOMS

Not many things get better with

long strands that then get woven

These days, you’ll find linen

use, but linen is an exception.

into cloth that’s recyclable and

offered across mass and high-

Created from the strong fibres of

biodegradable.

end home decor retailers in most

flax plants, it’s highly durable and

What we love best about linen

categories. If you’re able to inspect

looks and feels softer with every

is its naturally rumpled texture

the item in person, the material

wash. Being an absorbent and

which creates a lived-in look

should feel strong and cool to

breathable material, it’s highly

of relaxed ease (read: it doesn’t

the touch with low elasticity. It

ideal for Singapore’s weather

look like it’s trying too hard).

should be evenly dyed with no

and one of the more eco-friendly

No wonder luxury furnishing

yellowing, and it shouldn’t appear

textiles too. It requires less water

companies and designers love

too smooth, which could mean it’s

to grow than cotton, and the

using it for everything from

not the real deal or blended with

whole plant is used to create the

bedding to drapes and sofa covers.

synthetic fibres.