SquareRooms Issue 113 (September 2014)

I N T E R I O R S

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I D E A S

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S O L U T I O N S

squarerooms.com.sg

Win!

MUST-READ!

Refresh your space

A vintage sofa worth

S$2,600

from Egg3

Awesome room diffusers & why we love them

spaces SEP 2014 ISSUE 113 S$5.50/RM10

+ UPSIZE your bathroom + Create cosy corners + Space-enhancing furniture

E IV US L C EX

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Select your Shower Pleasure ®

With Raindance Select S hand shower ® and ShowerTablet Select thermostat.

Pure

showering

pleasure:

Select

technology

guarantees unique showering pleasure at the touch of a button. With the Raindance Select hand shower, you press a button to choose one of various spray types: gently stroking, strong and revitalising, or a concentrated massage. All it takes is a touch of the Select button on the thermostat to turn the water on or off. Pure showering pleasure is this easy.

Find out more about Select technology at www.hansgrohe.com.sg/select

√ Good Water consumption: 7.20 litres/min Type of Product: Shower Taps and Mixers Brand: Hansgrohe Model: 13171 Registration No.: SHT-2014/014281

Hansgrohe Pte Ltd · 69 Mohamed Sultan Road · Singapore 239015 · Tel: 6884 5060 · Fax: 6884 5071 · Website: www.hansgrohe.com.sg Email: info@hansgrohe.com.sg Bathroom Solutions by Econflo Systems Pte Ltd: 263/265 Beach Road, Tel: 6396 3738 · Bretz & Co Pte Ltd: 9 Penang Road, #B1-07, Park Mall, Tel: 6336 9926 · Carera Bathroom Pte Ltd: 26 Tai Seng Street, #01-02/03, Tel: 6533 0455 · Hafary Pte Ltd : 18 Boon Lay Way, #01-132 Tradehub 21, Tel: 6570 6265 · Homeplus 2000 Building Products: 312 Changi Road, Tel: 6846 8749 · Homewerkz Pte Ltd: 28 Sin Ming Lane, #03-144/145 Midview City, Tel: 6659 5955 · Home & Bathroom Bldg Products Pte Ltd: 566 Balestier Road, Tel: 6253 4655 · VolumeFive Pte Ltd: 51 Anson Road, #01-53 Anson Centre, Tel: 6348 2508 · Wan Tai and Co. Pte Ltd: 25 Changi South Avenue 2, Tel: 6546 5900

Issue 113 Contents 39

sep

practical

master builder Put your childhood Lego bricks to practical use with these 10 awesome ideas

FEATURES 30 Bare Basics – boutique

bathrooms

Three different bed and bath concepts 36 Focus – aroma therapy Tried-and-tested room diffusers 44 Elements – sparkle & shine Splash out on a statement faucet in your bathroom

spaces

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spaces

SPACES 58 happily ever after A ‘Scandindustrial’ home houses all of its occupants’ favourite things 66 woody wonderland The lavish application of raw plywood gives this condominium unit its rich character 80 party of five A clever feature wall makes all the difference in this living space for five

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bare basics

“It was a fruitful union because the homeowners already knew what they wanted.”

On the cover Raw plywood strips are the main design element that tie this family home together as one.

Styling Nicco Lim Photography Justin Loh, Shining Head Media

86 good as new Rather than move, this family chose to refresh and revamp their old place

Leon Lou, senior designer, Free Space Intent (p.66, Spaces)

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spaces

74

home ground

elements

A modern family home rife with local symbols, prints and design

An Everyday Masterpiece The of Art; The Masterpiece Quality of Caesarstone AnBeauty Everyday

®

New Calacatta Nuvo™ The Beauty of Art; The Quality of Caesarstone® www.caesarstone.sg™ New Calacatta Nuvo www.caesarstone.sg

September 2014

www.squarerooms.com.sg publisher foo mei siah associate director (business development) kelen koh creative director aris lai

spotlight

operations manager emmeline lee

Departments

EDITORIAL

For editorial matters, email sr-ed@key-editions.com

8 Editor’s Note The editor has her say

editor disa tan

12 News What’s in, what’s up and what’s hot

senior writer jasmine goh

18 Catalogue Clocks that tell more than just time 26 Month by Month September is a good month for... pet projects!

look

contributors deborah jane goon | joseph lim justin loh | max ng | mike tan nicco lim | rossara jamil

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interns lee jing hui | phoebe low

ART

art director kevin wong

36

designers khaili teoh | michelle lim

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

for advertising enquiries, email: enquiry@key-editions.com

50 Look 6 ideas for a cosy corner 55 Spotlight Furniture with an airy, space-enhancing factor 92 ProAds Intelligent interior design solutions from our advertisers

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130 Resources ID and shop listings

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catalogue

associate business director douglas lee associate manager (business development) darran ong business executive angel tan associate manager (marketing & communications) maggie mok executive (marketing & communications) loke pei ling for subscription enquiries email: subscription@key-editions.com SquareRooms is published by KEY EDITIONS PTE LTD 20 Bedok South Road, Singapore 469277 Email: info@key-editions.com Tel: (65) 6445 3313 Fax: (65) 6445 3373

18 month by month We are always looking for homes with style. If you think your home has flair, please send photos and your contact information to the editor: disatan@key-editions.com

Printer & Colour Separation: KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Tel: (65) 6543 2222 Fax: (65) 6545 3333 Business Registration No. 197801823M Distributor (Singapore): MediaCorp Pte Ltd Distributor (Malaysia): Pansing Marketing Sdn Bhd Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, neither the publishers, editors and their employees and agents can be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions, howsoever. We shall not be liable for any actions taken based on the views expressed, or information provided within this publication. You should always seek professional advice from the appropriate advisor, professional or institution. Copyright 2004.

news

new & noteworthy Latest home news and exciting furniture launches

fresh ideas The new IKEA 2015 catalogue is out and there’s more cluttercutting tips and space-maximising solutions than ever! What’s new is more interactive digital features to sync with the IKEA Catalogue App. Just use the app to scan the plus-sign icon located on selective pages of the printed catalogue for previews on inspirational content. Or enable the augmented reality function to place life-sized, 3D images of IKEA furniture pieces in your room.

made with love

Each of Alexandra Foster’s cushions is printed and hand sewn in northern Italy, with even the braided trim crafted by hand. Individually chosen by the designer herself, all of the motifs and designs are directly inspired by her world travels. Each cushion cover features a 100% silk front and back, and lovely coordinating hand-braided trim.

For more information, visit www.alexandradfoster.com

brand new Designer furniture store, OM, has expanded their variety of furniture by bringing in a new range of established furniture labels such as Sean Dix, Sand, Grado, Entune Living and Activcor. Their showroom has undergone a revamp which not only makes way for the new brands, but also boasts a home-like setting with a cosier atmosphere to shop for furniture.

Located at 16 Tai Seng Street Level, +65 6235 0777, www.extremelyfashionablefurniture.com

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SEP

advertor ial

go flow with the

Always the trendsetter, KLUDI,s innovative bathroom designs keep them at the forefront

By anticipating looming trends, KLUDI is constantly on top of their game. The trendsetter is able to create fresh products according to changing lifestyles. The transformation of KLUDI’s product design is driven by the changing design of bathrooms today.

To flow with the rest of the living space, soft edges and organic shapes are now the design trademarks of KLUDI products. In this respect, the design of bathroom ceramics is primarily rectangular with soft edges on the outer sides and organic shapes on the inner sides.

Puristic inspirations Finding inspiration in natural shapes, the main idea for the handle of its Balance range came about from holding a pebble in one’s hand and experiencing the feel of its soft shape and smooth touch combined with water. This feeling was then translated into the product design.

Amba is another range of products that was developed with a strong organic feel and a very unique handle. The new integral design was inspired while watching a whale shark and observing its shape and its slow, silent motions. This allowed the design team to come up with a more natural way of operating the faucet handle: an easy touch towards the back starts the water flow and a swivel to the right or left selects either cold or warm water.

Future aspirations

Our aim is to design a new faucet or shower that is on top of trends while carving something special and unique.

This uniqueness should remain over time.

Taking into consideration the tastes of the Asian market gives KLUDI a competitive edge. Faucet designs like Zenta and Bozz feature integrated Asian puristic styles while the latest designs like Amba, Balance, Objekta, and Fizz are international modern styles catering to well-informed and well-connected consumers around the world including Asia. The design team has always been and is currently investigating Asian styles and the inspirations of consumers to develop new products.

In view of global demands for sustainable design and technology, KLUDI continues to keep itself on top of these industry challenges and design trends. Much attention and effort have gone into developing products that offer the best water saving capability while preserving a unique and relaxing bathroom experience, offering consumers the best of both worlds.

Michael Stein, Head of Design

For more information, visit www.kludi.com

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month by month

7

We all love personalised stuff so why not immortalise your favourite companion’s mug on an art piece? Choose from comic or realistic works, available in various sizes, painted in gouache.

Featuring Custom Pet Portraits, S$80.90-S$752.97 (US$65-US$605), retailing online at www.etsy.com/sg-en/shop/ArtbyManda

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Another dual-function piece for pets and owners. This side table has a stowaway litter pan within its compartment. Also, a perfect hideout for your shy cat!

Featuring The MINI Cabinet, S$558.83 (US$449) onwards, retailing online at www.modernistcat.com

A wool felt ball within a playful isosceles structure?

This engaging play bed will keep your cat busy for sure.

Featuring Isosceles Play Bed, S$155.57 (US$125), retailing online at gopetdesign.com

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You won’t want your dog playing with the real thing. So here’s an oversized paper clip chew toy! Perfect for playing fetch or tug-of-war by unwinding the rubber toy.

Featuring Back to Cool Paperclip Rubber Dog Toy, S$4.98 (US$4), retailing online at www.waggo.com

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now you see it, now you don't.

Enjoy picture perfect views with invisible window grilles.

Better air ventilation Anti-rust Can last up to 20 years from 2 to 6 inches Built-in alarm system (optional) n

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I nv i s i b le Gril l e

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Iron gril l e

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Withstands impact of up to 360 pounds Choice of window gap space Stainless steel cable smooth to the touch Five years warranty

I ron gate

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Ar ti f i c i al grass

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Au tomati c G ate

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C arpe t t il e

Blk 1006 Aljunied Avenue 5 #01-04 Singapore 389887 n Tel: +65 6848 2542 n Fax: +65 6547 8946 n Web: www.lehome.com.sg Like our Facebook page at Le Home Creation invisible grille

4 Barn & Potter Antique Lamp Nebulizer

S$209, from Mt. Sapola Mt. Sapola Pure Essential Oils, retailing from S$23.90 each

Power consumption: Plugged-in How it works: Essential oils. Fill the glass chamber with only essential oil. Switch the device on to start the diffusion.

Fragrance diffusion: Continuous diffusion for two hours. Strength and speed of diffusion can be adjusted using the knob.

Water tank: None. A nebulizer breaks down the essential oils into microscopic droplets which become suspended in the air.

Range of fragrances: 20 Additional functions: None Verdict: Charming vintage design.

Its nebulizing diffusion also makes it a stand-out among the others.

5 Novita Aroma Diffuser NA 300

S$129, from Novita eStore, Audio House, Best Denki, BHG, Courts, Challenger, Harvey Norman, Isetan, Mega Discount Store, OG, Robinsons, Parisilk, Takashimaya, and Tangs Essential oils, retailing from S$22 each

Power consumption: Plugged-in How it works: Essential oil and water. Fill the bowl with water and a few drops of your selected essential oils. Ultrasonic technology turns scented water into a mist.

Fragrance diffusion: Option of either continuous or 30-second intervals Water tank: 0.05 litres Range of fragrances: 22 Additional functions: LED light of various colours with two levels of brightness Verdict: This has the most number of personalisation options, from mist strength to the colour of the LED light.

6 Mr & Mrs Fragrance George Electric Diffuser S$149–S$169, from Robinsons Orchard Mr & Mrs Capsules On Air, retailing at S$29.90 each (pack of two)

Power consumption: Batteryoperated How it works: Scented capsules.

Slide one into the diffuser and switch the device on to start the diffusion.

Fragrance diffusion: Option of either continuous diffusion or 10-minute intervals Water tank: None. This hi-tech diffuser uses air currents to distribute the scent.

Range of fragrances: 22. Each capsule can last for approximately 60 hours of use Additional functions: None.

Verdict: Its quirky shape and easy use of capsules make it a great fit for contemporary homes.

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5

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Editor’s Pick!

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37

Opposite page

There must be certain keepsakes that you hold dear, so why not showcase them in good light? Create a stunning display corner of all your favourite things and pull up a chair! Just so you can admire your mementos and then reminisce.

Featuring (L-R): Vintage armchair, S$850; Cushion, S$119; Wood base vase, S$89; Vase with wooden ball, S$89; Birdy art piece (on mannequin), S$79; Polka dot mannequin, S$350; Ottoman, S$390, all from Egg3

WIN

THIS SOFA! DETAILS ON PAGE 129

How can we miss out on a must-have lounge area to catch up on some Z’s? Besides, with this statement sofa looking so stylish, entertaining pals here will be one fine experience.

Featuring (L-R): Mona coffee table, S$1,200; Tall vase, S$89; Lady bust, S$89; Wine decanter, S$89; Wine glasses, S$29 each; Kimono stool, S$550, all from Egg3 Brush stroke painting, price upon application, from Ode To Art SEP

53

spotlight

tables

Mini red console table Retailing at S$199, from CB2

Peekaboo clear nesting tables (set of three) Retailing at S$199, from CB2

Ding Side table

Retailing at S$656, from Danish Design Co

Cup Table

Pedrera Coffee Table

Retailing at S$1,293, from Danish Design Co

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Retailing at S$573, from Grafunkt

storage

Occa bookcase

Price upon application, from BoConcept

Hancock White Bookcase Retailing at S$199, from CB2

Shuts flat when storage space is unneeded!

Flaepps regal shelving system

Retailing online from S$257 (for each shelving unit), www.ambivalenz.org

Peekaboo Rolling Shelf

Retailing at S$349, from CB2

SEP

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spaces

KEYIDEAS

1 2 3 4

To maximise the space of a small room, get furniture pieces that have dual functionality.

Dress up plain walls and pillars with your favourite prints. Have them all framed in one colour for a neat and uniformed look.

For an industrial feel, leave electrical trunking exposed. Make it a design statement by painting it in a bold shade like black.

Don’t be afraid to use colour but do limit the number of colours in each space to three.

Adhering to the same colour palette throughout your home establishes a consistent theme.

PASSAGEWAY Plastered with posters of Disney and Pixar films, the walls turn the corridor into a gallery-like space. Wall hooks in the shape of a round knob provide space for the couple to keep their everyday accessories like scarves and bags within easy reach.

MASTER BEDROOM The open-concept wardrobe acts as a privacy screen and a room divider to separate the sleeping area from the entryway.

Hira pillow; and Quilt cover, both from Crate & Barrel.

Storage box; Glass bottle; Flowers; and Candle holders all from Egg3

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What ties all the different elements together is the industrial-styled Scandinavian feel of the home, which is actually the result of combining both their preferences. Calling it a ‘Scandindustrial’ theme, Eddie said, “I wanted industrial and rustic while my wife wanted the Scandinavian concept. To balance these contrary requests, merging both ideas was the only way to go.”

Forming the backdrop for the living-dining area is a raw brick wall. Exposed electrical trunking, black track lighting, and floor tiles with cement screed finishing are applied here to achieve the rustic industrial look. For the Scandinavian touch, furniture pieces made of

light-coloured wood were selected. A pink sofa, which the newly-weds purchased from CB2, adds a bright pop of contrast, creating a vibrant and cosy communal living area.

Creating a space of their own in such a short time was indeed no easy feat, especially with the amount of attention paid to details such as material and colour. Eddie recalls, “I actually visited my place every day after work for a week to resolve the electric works. I even ‘DIY-ed’ and spray-painted my bulb holders to get the specific colour we wanted.”

White Attic Interior, +65 8223 6258, www.whiteattic.com.sg SEP

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