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editor ’s note
t r a n s f o r m i n g s pac e s
Yo u n g l i m e d i to r
subject of fervent discussion when I meet with them. In this issue, we asked Home & Decor’s design experts to share projects that have seen the most outstanding changes. And I’m sure you will be as amazed by the differences as I was. I also hope they will be of help when you attempt to revitalise your existing or new home as well. Behind every dream abode lies plenty of hard work that deserves our appreciation, so it is important to bear in mind that interior design is not a form of magical art. It requires dedication on the part of the homeowners as well as a stellar design team.
photography AngelA guo art direction nonie chen
It may sound voyeuristic but I love looking at pictures of homes that have gone through tremendous interior changes. I am always fascinated by how old and outdated spaces could be given a new lease of life with a few deft interior design touches and new coats of paint or wallcovering. Not only am I surprised by the vast potential these homes possess, but I am also struck by the innovation and quality execution when it comes to giving them new purpose or functionality. I suspect our designloving audience relishes this as well because our home features are a favourite with readers, and are constantly the
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contents
OCTOBEr
now
design news, places to v i s i t, t h i n g s t o b u y
19 shiny shimmering splendid Designed by Henning Koppel, the Koppel pitcher looks as beautiful today as when it was first launched in 1965. 20 Colour of the month Usher in the warmth with rich earth tones.
s ho p ping 22
great buys Our monthly roundup of the hottest new design products for the home. 28
living Jazz up your spces with stripes and zigzag patterns.
h ot sp ot 30
le Jules verne Eiffel Tower’s legendary gourmet restaurant gets a brand-new look.
34
the berkeley bar & terraCe Standout interiors at The Berkeley’s new watering hole in London’s Knightsbridge. 36
the audo This creative hub in Copenhagen has a co-working space, coffee shop, restaurant, concept store and hotel all under the same roof. 38
gatehall A cultural center located at Jade Valley Winery, Xi’an, China.
n e w sto r e
40 simmons gallery Napping is encouraged at Simmons’ new flagship store.
35
30
Immerse in creativity
32
moxy Chelsea In New York City’s Flower District, this new hotel accommodates a series of striking spaces designed by Yabu Pushelberg.
4
20
There’s plenty to look at in this swanky English restaurant.
contents
OCTOBEr
peopl e 43
trash to treasure Anastassia Elias and Junior Fritz Jacquet have perfected the art of transforming toilet paper rolls into miniature artworks. 48
farouk merChant
design
i d e a s a n d i n s p i r at i o n f r o m those in the know
43
Toilet Humour Meet an artist who is upcycling toilet paper rolls into prized creations.
Ask Teak’s business development manager tells us why Burmese teak is the wood of choice when it comes to parquet flooring in the home. 50
top notCh Award-winning interior design firm Design Intervention does it again. 52
bryan o’sullivan The Irish interior architect fills us in on his daily life, things that inspire him and his personal design style. 53
kelly Cheng One of the most recognised personalities in the design circle, Kelley Cheng shares her tips on how to succeed in the business without losing one’s passion.
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CONTENTS
OCTOBER
54
HOMES THE NEW MODERN
A PARISIAN PIED-A-TERRE When not in Beirut, Lebanese interior designer Claude Missir spends time with family in this very personal, modernist haven in the heart of the French capital. 60
GEM OF A FIND This creative couple, who met at a flea market, about their colourful, art-filled abode. 68
FAMILY HISTORY This fossil collector’s home that was designed to house his prized possessions. 76
CLEAN SLATE What started as a plan to refurbish the old kitchen in their resale apartment led to extensive renovation of this HDB home.
84
BEST OF ALL WORLDS Why stick to one aesthetic when you can combine a few favourites into a unique fusion? 90
TABLE TALK A love for entertaining resulted in the kitchen becoming the highlight of this home. 94
SUBSTANCE MEETS STYLE Seamless surfaces belie ample storage space in this quietly sophisticated apartment
on the cover
76
This three-bedder resale HDB gets a total revamp by Ehka Studio. PHOTOGRAPHY PHYLLICIA WANG STYLING NONIE C HEN & KR ISTY QUAH
54
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contents
october
fe at u r e 96
Basic Beauties 10 stunning seating appointments, which continue to captivate our senses with their understated yet bold forms and sleek silhouettes. 10 0
those magic changes Genius space planning, thinking out of the box, and an eye for form and colour can change a space beyond recognitions. 10 8
timeless appeal A shopping guide to achieve the four bathroom styles that homeowners love.
pro p er t y 114
Five most popular hdB mature estates Find out which are the most sought-after mature estates now.
01
editor’s note 16
h&d.com.sg 17 digital edition exclusives 1 18 where to Buy 1 19
Buying guide 1 20
the hard truth
96
features T h e L aT e s T i n D e s i g n anD Decor TrenDs
100
From blah to beautiful Our 10 design experts share projects that made the biggest changes to the interiors.
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real-Time design updaTes www.facebook.com/ homeanddecor.singapore read new content on home decor and more – daily.
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modern yet nostalgic hdb flat The owners retained some elements that revealed their flat’s age. https://tinyurl.com/y34fdm9n
understated design in this yishun apartment The luxurious-feeling home is designed with plenty of storage space. https://tinyurl.com/y3qqq686
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IN THE OCTOBER DIGITAL ISSUE… SUBTLE BUT SO LOVABLE Take a walk through this beautiful apartment dressed in earthy tones and light colours.
bonus galleries & Videos BONES & MORE BONES! Wander through Calcin Chu’s home museum of prized fossils.
BLISSFULLY ECLECTIC From flea market enthusiasts to loving married couple, they now have a home for all their treasures. 17
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RIVER VALLEY | 11 KIM YAM ROAD | T 6883 1005 | TALKTOUS@DWELL.COM.SG BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
d e s i g n n e w s , p l a c e s t o v i s i t, t h i n g s t o b u y
S h i n y, Shimmering, Splendid! When it comes to channeling fine scandinavian style into glossy reflective surfaces, few names come to mind as predominantly as Georg Jensen. The eponymous brand was established in 1904 by the Danish silversmith, who blazed a trail with his stunning works in silver and gilt that were way ahead of their time. Since then, the brand has collaborated with notable designers on iconic collections of hollowware, flatware
and jewellery in stainless steel, aluminium and wood. Henning Koppel’s stainless steel pitchers, inspired by a fat duck, are as modern and stylish today as they were when launched in 1965. The new pitcher has a billowy form and graceful curves. The Koppel pitchers, ranging from small to large, retail for between $360 and $570 at Georg Jensen, #B1-03A Ngee Ann City, and www.georgjensen.com/global.
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c o lo u r o f t h e m o n t h
pantone 7554C
c o lo u r o f the month
usher in t h e wa r m t h Earth tones have always been popular with homeowners desiring a cosy ambience, and especially if one is going for a laid-back, scandi-chic look. While most would pair complementary colours for a subtle, soothing effect, a rising trend puts a new twist on earth tones by adding a glint of sparkle and setting them against a dark backdrop for dramatic effect. We are seeing more furniture accented with bronze or matte gold trimmings, and warm, honey-hued fabrics in sensual textures like velvet, suede and distressed leather. Combining shimmery earth tones with a textured feature wall in bold grey or black elevates them from their usual supporting role in a colour scheme to becoming the centre of attention.
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pantone 7509C
pantone 7525C
These plush stools and sofa from Koket by Covet House exude a subtle yet luxurious feel with upholstery in rich blonde and rose gold colours.
the expert says
Wong L i a ngyua n Colour Specialist, Haven Lifestyle
“When it comes to earthy colours, homeowners usually think of light tones, such as straw, beige and brown, but we are seeing more opting for darker tones with some shine to the finish, such as matte gold, burnt umber and chestnut. These are very versatile and can be easily worked into any space.”
Clean & mop Clean your home efficiently and effectively so you can spend more time doing things you love! The FC 5 Cordless, Karcher’s latest two-in-one cleaner loosens dirt and wipes it off the floor simultaneously with two rotating microfibre rollers that are kept moist for mopping. With just 400ml of clean water in this appliance, you can wipe approximately 645sqf of hard floor in just 20 minutes!
editor’s CHoiCe
Karcher FC 5 Cordless floor cleaner retails for $798 at major electrical stores.
Custom Carpets Can’t find a carpet to suit your home’s interior design? Create your own with Dutch homeware design company Moooi. Its Chromojet printer and accurate tones produce an unlimited mix of colours to create high-definition, photo-realistic prints. Moooi Carpets are available at www.nest.co.uk. Prices range from $2,800 and up.
Wide Spectrum Have you ever seen a light that lets you choose from 16 million colours, and syncs with the music you’re listening to, videos you’re watching, and even games you’re playing? Integrate the Philips Hue Play into your home and you’ll be able to create special lighting effects and a fun ambience for just about any occasion. It even serves as a TV backlight feature. Philips Hue Play is $209 for a double pack and $99 for an extension pack at major electrical stores.
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Geometric marvel Designed by DanishIcelandic artist Olafur Eliasson for Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen, the OE Quasi pendant light is an ironic product. Unlike most lights, where a central light source is cocooned by reflective cladding, the OE Quasi’s light is reflected inwards from its external aluminium icosahedron structure, and bounced outwards via the inner reflector with a dodecahedron shape.
New aNd Improved Local lighting studio Sol Luminaire, responsible for providing homeowners with clever indoor LED lighting solutions for the longest time, has launched its first-ever outdoor lights series – Terra and Carra with recessed and surface-mounted options. And, new to its Halo range is the Halo Trimless V2 which can be angled.
The OE Quasi pendant light retails for £10,000 ($16,887) and is available at www.nest.co.uk.
add to cart
In BalI If you’re trying to recreate the resort vibes of Balinese villas at home, the look would not be complete without the woven rattan and teak furniture central to the aesthetic. Eliminating the hassle of flying to the Indonesian island, InBali Furniture Lab
Visit Sol Luminaire at 395 Guillemard Road or www.solluminaire.com.sg, to learn more about its collections.
brings authentic furniture, textiles and decor made there to your doorstep via its online store. What’s more, it currently only ships to Singapore, making access to its affordable custom-ordered products exclusive. Visit www.inbali.co.
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adoraBle additioNS
relaX and unwInd
Dressing up your kids’ bedrooms just got a whole lot more fun. Local children’s furniture specialist Deer Industries now carries
Nobodinoz, a French-Spanish brand with a range of canopies, tepees, cushions, and playmats to get little ones excited.
Nobodinoz is available at Deer Industries. Visit www. deerindustries.com for more information.
When you get home today and everyday afterwards, treat yourself to a soothing, calming bath or shower. Sabon’s Ginger Orange summer collection’s citrusy top notes of lime and orange, middle notes of ginger and cardamom, and base of Guaiac wood help energise and uplift your senses. Sabon’s Ginger Orange includes hand cream from $27 to a body scrub for $72. The Sabon Boutique is at #B1-30A Ngee Ann City.
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trendinG
have some toast
1 . DeLonghi Icona Vintage toaster, $129, from Tangs. 2 . Smeg TSF01 two-slice toaster, $258, from www. smegshop.sg. 3. Kitchenaid two-slice toaster with motorised lift, $299, from Tangs
According to new research, you should toast bread for two minutes and eight seconds to get the perfect, slightly golden colour and crunch. These chic toasters should make your breakfast feel extra fancy.
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3
artIst of the month irfan Hendrian Trained in graphic design, the artist and industrial printmaker works mainly with paper to compose
great Coffee at home Now you can enjoy your favourite Caramel Macchiato, Cappuccino, Espresso and more from the new Starbucks at home range developed exclusively for Nescafe Dolce Gusto machines. Starbucks by Nescafe Dolce Gusto capsules ($8.35 for 12) are available at www.dolce-gusto.com.sg.
visual arrangments. His exhibition Some Other Matter showcases sculptural forms replicating machinery and deserted buildings made entirely of paper. This re-emphasises its versatility and relevance in modern society as synthetic construction materials such as concrete and steel find more favour with consumers. Some Other Matter is on until
Oct 13 at Aloft at Hermes, Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Road.
tile oF tHe montH
marBle maGiC Inspired by the rare Calacatta marble, said to be Michelangelo’s favourite stone to carve, this light wood-bordered glazed porcelain tile complements most homes with a classic aesthetic. It even replicates the elegant gray veining that characterises Calacatta marble. Square Calacatta retails at Hafary, 105 Eunos Avenue 3. Visit www.hafary.com.sg.
Commune goes dIgItal Before, imagining what furniture in a store would look like in your living room was hard. Now that furniture company Commune’s new mobile app is up and running, it’s easy-peasy. Commune: In Motion uses your phone’s camera to scan a room, and then places virtual 3-D models of furniture in the scan so you can see what they’d look like in your home. The Commune: In Motion app is available for free download from mobile app stores.
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news Bathroom Basics Toto Asia Oceania’s newly refurbished, 3,000sqf technical centre at Apex @ Henderson allows you to experience products, including the Neorest NX II, through cutaway models, live demos and interactive displays.
Toto Asia Oceania is at #03-01 201 Henderson Road. Visit www.asia.toto.com for more information.
Craft Culture Archifest (Singapore Architectural Festival) returns from Sept 27 to Oct 9. Curating this 13th edition of the festival is Formwerkz Architects, which was was established in Singapore in 2004. Activities include hands-on workshops, panel talks, film screenings and walking tours.
New Ride Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Austria, has a brilliant new attraction. Shimmering with 15 million Swarovski crystals across 12 ceiling panels and 16 wall panels, Carousel is a merry-go-round installation designed by award-winning Spanish designerJaime Hayon that will delight everyone who loves some sparkle.
Visit www.archifest. sg.
Visit kristallwelten. swarovski.com.
MEAN ClEAN MAChiNE eCovaCs’ Improved deebot 710 Is powered by a new mappIng teChnology for ComprehensIve floor CleanIng that follows a systematIC CleanIng path. Controllable vIa a mobIle app, users Can sChedule, monItor and reCeIve updates of Its CleanIng progress. The Ecovacs Deebot 710 retails for $429, and is available at authorised retailers and online consumer electronic stores.
on the ball If you are already weary of this year’s design trends, furniture retailer Harvey Norman’s new Lifestyle range may have something to get you excited again. Ontrend for 2020, it has over 50 additions that
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include three-seater sofas such as the chic velvet Lipari, and stylish dining sets like the Bofo with rose gold leg finishes. The new Lifestyle range is available at Harvey Norman’s flagship superstore in Millenia Walk.
text DomeNiCa TaN, isaBelle Tow
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1. Jarris bubble lamp, from Missoni Home. 2 . Fabrics, from Missoni Home. 1
3 . Voyage Immobile, from Roche Bobois Paris.
2
4 . Anglepoise and Paul Smith Type 75 desk lamp.
3
5 . Angel Fautuils, from from Roche Bobois Paris. 6. Cylinder pouf, from Missoni Home. 7. Smeg FAB28RCS1 refrigerator, from Paul Smith.
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BETWEEN THE LINES You can definitely count on these colourful stripes and bold zigzags to keep your home cheerful.
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TOPS ON TOP Cindy Crawford on New Silestone Eternal Noir
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h o t s p ot
Le Jules Verne Eiffel Tower’s legendary gourmet restaurant gets a brand-new look.
A
fter a spectacular legal spat that led to the eviction of its former chef, the acclaimed Le Jules Verne in Paris has reopened on a new footing, complete with a new superchef and look. This coincides with the Eiffel’s Tower 130th anniversary, and its interiors pay homage to the iconic monument it calls home. Taking inspiration from the Eiffel’s moniker, “the Iron Lady”, Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d’Amman presents a silver-gray, black, gold and white palette with a feminine twist paralleling the raw industrial tones of the Eiffel’s wrought-iron lattice structure. After riding 125m by elevator to the restaurant from its private entrance, guests first enter the le Quai Branly room. Featuring sculpted panelled walls by French-Swedish artist Ingrid Donat and a handpainted ceiling, its dramatically dark and narrow entrance incites anticipation of the lightfilled dining area ahead. References to the Eiffel Tower’s architecture are also woven into Le Jules Verne’s aesthetic, with bespoke designs by d’Amman and a team of French craftsmen. The founder of design studio Culture in Architecture, d’Amman says, “My goal was to introduce elegance and attitude
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l ef t
Diners enjoy panoramic views of Paris with their meals. B ot tom, far le ft
Le Jules Verne’s private entrance at the Eiffel Tower’s south pillar features a stretched stone staircase and busts of novelist Jules Verne and engineer Gustave Eiffel. B ot tom, l ef t
The Quai Branly room leads to the main dining space.
in the restaurant through contemporary decorative arts and the broad talent of French artists.” The circular overhead lighting fixtures in the dining spaces mimic the mechanical wheels spinning in the tower. And the silver velvet banquettes as well as two chair designs – the curved-back cane Lace chair and the Iron Lady, an elegant seat with arched legs and intricate sculpted details inspired by influential, 20thcentury French jewellery designer Paris Suzanne
Belperron’s 1930s fine jewellery – are a classy complement to the French oak tabletops with mother-of-pearl. The luxurious, paredback interiors paired with the panoramic views of Paris and the amazing food are bound to make the entire gastronomic experience here out of this world. Jules Verne is located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower at Avenue Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, France. Visit www.lejulesverne-paris.com.
B ot tom, righ t
The comptoir or bar counter faces the Eiffel Tower’s yellowgold pulleys.
good to know Le Jules Verne, which reopened in mid-July this year, has a dedicated entrance and elevator that zooms guests straight up to the restaurant on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor. If you are visiting Paris, you will need to make a reservation at least 90 days in advance.
text isaBelle tow photos stephan Julliard
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h o t s p ot
F M ox y C h e l s e a In New York City’s Flower District, this new hotel accommodates a series of striking spaces designed by Yabu Pushelberg and Rockwell Group.
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rom the street, the industrial facade of the 35-storey building with a glass atrium revealing the vertical gardens inside catches the eye of passersby. Opened since February with an architectural design by Stonehill & Taylor, Moxy Chelsea is an ode to its location – New York City’s Flower District. Its interior spaces — comprising bedrooms and a hotel entry/ check-in designed by Yabu Pushelberg, as well as Rockwell Group-designed restaurants, bars and a lobby — reinvent the concept of an urban jungle with Italian touches throughout. Upon arrival, guests discover the charming Putnam & Putnam boutique florist, which immediately sets the tone for the overall botanical atmosphere. Instead of a traditional reception desk, four butcher blocks suspended from the high 3.6m ceiling adorned with a digital art installation — where sentences such as, “Good Morning, Stranger” and “You Love Me, You Love Me More” appear on LED panels —are used as check-in kiosks. Also located on the ground floor, two Italian culinary options. First, the charming Feroce Caffe with delicious
good to know The third Moxy hotel in New York City, this follows the successes of the other two in Times Square and Downtown Manhattan.
coffee and fresh pastries; then, the indoor/outdoor Feroce Ristorante serving food created with the best ingredients in an intimate space where jewel and cognac tones combine with terrazzo floors and a terra cotta ceiling. Accessible via the elevator or a sculptural, wood-cast concrete staircase, the secondfloor lobby lounge consists of a series of spaces that allow guests to work, play and relax throughout the day and night. For example, Bar Feroce has an alfresco garden terrace with a terra cotta pizza oven and a made-for-Moxy bocce drinking game ideal for spending casual moments enjoying authentic food. At the front, the Conservatory is a glassenclosed space filled with natural light, thanks to the greenhouse-style windows, where an impressive threestorey-high living wall is the main protagonist. Designed to have different functions, these dining, meeting, working and lounging spaces each have their own personality, creating a specific ambience in every corner. With their floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that create a feeling of openness, the Moxy Chelsea’s 349 rooms were created by Yabu
Pushelberg to be highly functional with customdesigned, multipurpose furniture, including folding desks and chair/luggage racks, which hang on the walls when not in us. The restrained colour palette goes with wood-like floors and wax-dipped canvas headboards. The icing on the cake is The Fleur Room, currently New York City’s highest rooftop bar on Moxy Chelsea’s 35th floor. Decorated with floral fabrics, a giant water droplet chandelier, a massive vintage disco ball and a copper-clad bar, the glass-enclosed lounge offers exceptional 360-degree views that run from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building. What’s more, at the touch of the button, it can transform into an open-air sky veranda, thanks to its retractable window wall. Here, the magic of the Big Apple becomes a reality.
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The glass facade of the atrium in this 35-storey building is instantly eyecatching. top, left
The chic design of the common spaces in the hotel reflect the hip and active lifestyles of the millennial travellers the hotel targets. left
The bar at the top floor of the building offers an unobstructed view of the breathtaking New York City skyline.
Moxy Chelsea is at 105 W 28th
.
St, New York, NY 10001, USA Visit www.moxychelsea.com.
text Karine Monie photos Michael Kleinberg
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the Berkeley B a r & t e r r ac e Standout interiors at The Berkeley’s new watering hole in London’s Knightsbridge.
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very inch of this intimate 40-cover spot at The Berkeley hotel in London has been so designed that a leisurely tipple enjoyed here feels almost otherworldly. The brainchild of Irish interior architect Bryan O’Sullivan, key features include a half-moon marble bar and a hideaway corner called The Snug. The terrace part of the equation, on the other hand, is pretty small. Its glass doors open out onto a space with four seats overlooking nearby St Paul’s Knightsbridge church. The old-world charm of the indoor space is not only evoked by its Art Decoesque furnishings – from the globe table lamps and frosted glass sconces to the marble countertops and inlaid floors – but also in the plain fact that each element is bespoke and custom-made for the establishment. The 300-year-old walnut wood panels – obtained from a single, storm-felled tree in Fulbeck Estate, Lincolnshire – lining its entire length are also central to the effect. The delicate finish of their complex and beautiful grain produces a warmth that cocoons the space.
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Far l eFT
Lighting, including this wall sconce, were customdesigned and handcrafted. leFT
The half-moon bar features a carved limestone front and Belgian Bluestone countertop. below
Perfect for private parties, The Snug has its own sound system and call-for-service button. opp osITe
When it comes to a rare whisky or cocktail, The Berkeley’s new baby complements its legendary Blue Bar.
good to know The drinks menu highlights exclusive champagne and wine, as well as whisky, cognac and rum from under-the-radar producers.
Most endearingly, the tale of this tree and its former home in Fulbeck Estate is captured in the plaster frieze that runs above the walnut panels. Even the soft corals, creams and pinks of the furnishings were selected to complement the richness of the wood. Arguably the most iconic space is The Snug, a lounge set away from the main bar that seats up to nine. One’s eye is immediately drawn to the mural of female faces with worldly and enigmatic expressions floating between crisscrossing lines. Inspired by the snug spaces in old public houses reserved for women to gather for a gossip or to share secrets, it is the work of American painter TM Davy, and based on a concept he developed with O’Sullivan. The first hospitality project by Bryan’s studio, The Berkeley Bar & Terrace has the design world thrilled. Of course, we’ll be enjoying a leisurely tipple or two at the bar while patiently anticipating the next best thing they’re working on. The Berkeley Bar & Terrace is located at The Berkeley hotel, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL, United Kingdom. Visit www.the-berkeley.co.uk.
text Isabelle Tow photos The berkeley hoTel and James mcdonald
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good to know The Audo is located close to the Osterbro district, which is full of restaurants and cafes.
The Audo This creative hub in Copenhagen has a co-working space, coffee shop, restaurant, concept store and hotel all under the same roof.
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onouring a collaborative spirit according to the philosophy of Scandinavian furniture and lighting brand Menu, The Audo, which opened in May, is an inspiring hybrid space. Located in the old harbour district of Nordhavn, The Audo is nestled in a 1918 neo-baroque building, whose facade has been preserved by Norm Architects. The team at Menu – former CEO and current manager of The Audo Bjarne Hansen, in particular
— launched this project with the objective of gathering creative minds to give life to a space that is not only the brand’s headquarters and showroom, but also a meeting place for design lovers. “It is a hub for powerful ideas, beautiful design and inspiration”, says Menu’s chief design and brand officer Joachim Kornbek Hansen. “Through openness, knowledge-sharing and collaboration, Menu takes a new approach to running a design business. Our move to The Audo highlights the multidisciplinary, unifying nature of design, while serving as a showcase and testing ground for our new concepts.” Designed in collaboration with Norm Architects, and under the creative direction of Nathan Williams (co-founder of Kinfolk magazine), The Audo
seems like a collector’s house, where furniture, lighting and accessories by Menu, which can be experienced in an authentic and natural way, are complemented by pieces from other renowned brands such as Aiayu, August Sandgren, Dedar, Dinesen, Dux, Geberit and Kronos Ceramiche. Original and new elements, as well as references to industrial architecture and pure lines, make up the space. Every object or accessory can be purchased in the concept store on the ground floor. The coffee shop, bistro-style restaurant and charming outdoor patio on the same level were created to encourage interaction. On the first floor, the library houses a collection of natural materials, textiles and leathers, as well as wood and stone samples, architectural details, visual references and catalogues. With only 10 rooms, the boutique hotel on the upper levels displays a curated selection of products, books, ceramics and artworks by Benjamin Ewing, Bente Hansen, Nicholas Shurey and Sofia Tufvasson, among others. Its peaceful atmosphere, with soft colours, oak parquet and exposed beams, gives the feeling of being in a cosy cocoon. Written on the exterior facade is a sentence in Latin from ancient Roman poet Virgil. “Ab uno disce omnes”, which means “From one, learn all” inspires the name of the project. The philosophy also reflects the overall approach of focusing on collaboration. For Danny Feltmann
Espersen, CEO of Menu, “Blurring the lines between home and work, and uniting design, business and community in one innovative, physical space under constant renewal, The Audo is an experiential, sensorial residence”. The Audo is located at Arhusgade 130, 2150 København, Denmark. Visit www.theaudo.com.
top, l ef t
The colour scheme throughout the building is dominated by earth tones. top, righ t
The lack of bright hues focuses attention on architectural details. bottom
The partitions on the first floor were hacked away to create an open space.
text Karine monie photos mario Depicolzuane & Jonas bJerre-poulsen
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U G at e h a l l This unique cultural centre welcomes you to Jade Valley Winery in Xi’an, China.
p until recently, wine tourism has mostly revolved around destinations such as Napa Valley in the US, Bordeaux in France, Veneto in Italy, and Barossa Valley in Australia. Now, thanks to architect Qingyun Ma, China is making its mark as a wine-producing nation as well. We are, of course, referring to the mountainous terrain of Jade Valley in the city of Xi’an, which he has spent the last 15 years transforming from a rural farmland, and the homeland of his parents, into the wine destination named Jade
Valley Winery that produces what Ma says is arguably the most respected wine in China. However, the vineyard is just a fraction of Ma’s vision. He sees Jade Valley as the gateway to Chinese culture and tourism, which would improve the region’s socio-economic conditions, and he has achieved this by combining wine, art, architecture, and culture in Gatehall, his latest installation. Spanning 32,300sqf, visitors must pass through the cultural centre’s art gallery, artist’s residency,
The white horse is already a well-respected motif in Chinese mythology. A pregnant, double-height white horse, however, symbolises bountiful blessings.
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TOP, LE F T
Collected from nearby creeks, the boulders walls demarcate several spaces including a parking lot and events yard. TOP, RIGHT
A white palette, and paper-like cut-and-fold approach to the interiors and exteriors create a light, calming atmosphere.
THE 101 ON CHINA WINE
RIG HT
Gatehall may be a large building on its own, but it takes up only a fraction of the Jade Valley terrain.
restaurant and event space before discovering the winery and the rest of Jade Valley. It’s a concept influenced by traditional ceremonial Chinese architecture – “in which the process of entering a building requires a passage through a sequence of welcoming interior and exterior spaces,” says Ma. The all-white Gatehall has a commanding presence. Its exterior walls comprise local boulders assembled together by local craftsmen. Inside, are an enclosed courtyard — another Chinese architectural element — and a doubleheight pregnant white horse by Beijing artist Wei Wang that symbolises great prosperity. “I chose white as the main colour for its lightness and purity, and the fact
Architect and winemaker Qingyun Ma on China’s growing wine industry.
that it allows Gatehall to stand out among the other buildings,” shares Ma. By combining cultural significance with contemporary architecture, Ma has been able to bring Jade Valley to the forefront of tourism. It also encourages an appreciation for the revitalisation of traditional elements and techniques. Next, Ma is planning to restore Old Town, an old countryside centre, by designing new structures that will refresh it through wine-related programmes. Visitors can expect a bustling marketplace, theatres, residences and hotels. More about Jade Valley Wine at www.jadevalley.com.cn.
“Wine is neither part of China’s food nor its agricultural tradition, which is a key reason for the slow growth in production here. The metropolitan consumer culture has, however, pushed wine onto people’s tables, leading to a better understanding and appreciation for it,” says Ma. In fact, Jade Valley Wine has gained much attention from wine experts — particularly from those in the West. “Wine is not just a drink, it is a holistic representation of a place. Winemakers have moved from wanting to recreate the best from established wine countries to actually producing varieties befitting our terroir.” So the soil is conducive to growing grapes for winemaking, Ma says it is important
text ELIZA HAMIZAH
to ensure three main factors. One, minimise human intervention and let nature take its course. Two, to protect the vitality of the vines, ensure low yields of fruit. Lastly, cultivate other vegetation between the grapevines to harmonise the surface of the land. Currently, Jade Valley produces cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and a Ten Thousand Purple & Thousand Red.
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simmons Gallery Napping is encouraged at Simmons’ new flagship store.
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attress brand Simmons recently made its mark as a leading purveyor of luxury mattresses with a new flagship gallery in the heart of the CBD, and a new initiative to encourage stressed-out executives to take a well-deserved rest. The 2,045 sqf store was designed by award-winning interior designer Peter Tay. Like the many celebrity homes he has worked on — Zhang Zi Yi’s and Zoe Tay’s included — Simmons Gallery Capitol Singapore exudes a sleek, contemporary look with high ceilings and ambient chandelier lighting. It sets the mood for the brand’s newest concept:
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Simmons 45 winks, a nap service available exclusively at the flagship store. Comprising three hotel-like suites, each with a mattress of different firmness, this paid service allows customers to repay their sleep debt for 45 minutes in a private and conducive sleep environment (think mood lights, luxurious pillows, bedsheets, and a fresh set of pyjamas), and provides a pantry where they can help themselves to tea and treats while they freshen up. “Research has shown that naps of 20 to 45 minutes are known to increase alertness, improve cognitive memory processing, and boost
text eliza HamizaH
emotional and procedural memory to aid creativity. As advocates for better sleep, Simmons wants to offer our guests 45 minutes of interrupted rest before they get back to work,” says Casey Tay, Managing Director of Simmons (SEA). Open to everyone, 45winks is also an ideal way to test out Simmons mattresses such as the Beautyrest Reef Water Suite, Beautyrest Black Radiance, and Backcare Luxury. Visit Simmons Gallery Capitol Singapore at #B2-40 to 42, Capitol Piazza. The 45winks service can be pre-booked at www.45winks. simmons.com.sg.
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Visitors to the new Simmons flagship can view its mattresses in realistic bedroom settings. l eft
Private areas are set up within the gallery, allowing visitors to nap on a mattress of their preferred hardness.
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i d e a s a n d i n s p i r at i o n f r o m t h o s e i n t h e k n o w
trash to treasure ever wondered how to reuse toilet paper rolls, instead of simply discarding them? well, paris-based artists anastassia elias and Junior fritz Jacquet have found creative ways to transform them into whimsical miniature universes and captivating face masks.
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spotlight
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rom a mother and child observing giraffes at the zoo and rock climbers scaling a mountain, to couples dancing and lionesses jumping through hoops in a circus, Anastassia’s multi-layered, three-dimensional Rouleaux dioramas reproduce scenes from nature and everyday life, which, when backlit, draw your eye, as the characters and objects are brought to life. As for Junior, who has been passionate about paper from an early age, folding and crumpling techniques are innovated to create objects inspired by the traditional art of origami – resulting in a diverse collection of masks presenting intriguing faces of fictional characters. ANASTASSIA ELIAS A self-taught illustrator, painter and collage artist, Anastassia creates narrative artworks that always tell a story, whatever the medium. Drawing in black ink, she uses a pen and her fingers, with her fingerprints forming gradations of grey and shadows. For her torn collages, she manipulates pages and fragments ripped from magazines, packaging and other printed paper, starting with large pieces of paper and progressing to smaller pieces to focus on the details.
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In her mixed media collage experimentations, some are cut with scissors and a box cutter and some feature gouache or black ink. In her ongoing Rouleaux series, she creates minuscule scenes inside toilet rolls by carefully affixing tiny paper cutouts to the inner surfaces at varying depths, using manicure scissors, a box cutter, glue and tweezers. She shines a light through them to form shadows and silhouettes. The paper shapes are in the same colour as the toilet roll to give the illusion that they are part of the roll, with each artwork requiring two to three hours to craft. In her creative process, coming up
“What i like about recycling is its ability to fuel creativity. you have in your hands an object you are about to throW aWay, or you discover on a sideWalk, next to a garbage can, something that nobody Wants.” – anastassia elias, a self-taught illustrator, painter and collage artist
with a concept takes the most time, while the realisation of the piece takes the least. She says: “I sometimes have fun reclaiming waste objects. What I like about recycling is its ability to fuel creativity. You have in your hands an object you are about to throw away, or you discover on a sidewalk, next to a garbage can, something that nobody wants. You look at this object and suddenly an idea pops into your head, or at least you have an intuition. “One day my eyes fell on an empty toilet paper roll. I wondered if I could do something with it. Thus the Rouleaux series began. This work is inspired by everyday life, by the people who surround me, by the cities I visit, by the movies I watch... In other words, I am inspired by my environment. “As often when I’m working, I completed the first roll at night. Once I’d finished it, I moved it towards my desk lamp and then discovered a play of shadows inside. The light passing through the roll created effects I didn’t expect... It’s important to me that the elements do not encroach on one another and that the scene captures the light in the best possible way. Not all subjects can be represented in a roll. The
scene must be concentrated, while spread across the length of the roll with its different elements. The more small elements, the better the effect.” Born in 1976 in eastern Russia and raised in the Ukraine, Anastassia studied French language and linguistics then journalism at university, before moving to France in 2001, where she started working full-time as a book illustrator. She has exhibited in France, Italy, Portugal, Hong Kong and Singapore, and her works have been so well-received that she even published Rouleaux, an art book featuring 67 of her paper sculptures made between 2009 and 2012 – through more than 150 photos and 28 sketches. She states: “I believe that the role of an artist is to engage the viewer, to provoke a reaction, a thought, an emotion. In any case, that’s my goal. As for my message, most often I don’t aim to convey one – it’s useless sometimes. Each person perceives things according to his or her personal experience.” She is working on 32 illustrations in gouache and acrylic representing imaginary bank notes for a book of poems by David Dumortier entitled Achete, Achete, Achete, which will be published by Editions Motus in France this year.
op posite far left
Anastassia Elias makes use of the length of a toilet paper roll to create depth. op posite far right
A painting by Anastassia, who creates narrative artworks. top
Materials used in the making of the paper art.
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JUNIOR FRITZ JACQUET Junior was facing a bleak future as a teenager in a group home, after encountering problems with the law. One day in a library in Saint-Ouen, he began folding paper out of boredom, and became captivated by the art of origami. This technique was born in the 2nd century in China shortly after the invention of paper, before being imported to Japan then Europe. “I grew up in an environment where there was no space for art,” he notes. “I started to become interested in origami at the age of 14. It was a very prompt interaction with origami, and I understood quickly that you could go far, starting from only a single sheet of paper.
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“I consider myself to be someone who likes to feel close to the material. I use it as a means of expression to develop and give shape to experiences, to tell the beginning of a story. Then it is up to each and every one to continue it. There is, I think, a large dreamlike element to the paper characters and the objects that I create.” Having learnt the art of paper-folding in Paris, the self-taught artist is today influenced by the smell, texture, thickness and possibilities of paper, and his work tells stories through different types of this most ordinary of materials. Whether using standard paper, wax paper, silk paper, toilet paper rolls or cardboard, he draws inspiration from his surroundings – such as a small plant fighting for life. Using only his fingers as tools, he picks up a piece of paper – which may be of different colours and sizes – and begins folding, crumpling, creasing and modelling, always abiding by the principles of origami: one sheet, in one piece, no gluing and no adding on. The piece of paper begins to take shape, giving birth to faces, bodies and movements, and interacts with light, underlining tired eyes in masks or the fragility of a coral flower. Junior says: “My love for nature is an important influence. Certainly because it is closely linked to paper, the basic material of my work. Vegetal, full of life, varied, rich and flourishing, nature is the very image of paper; it can be just as
flexible, malleable and infinite as it is unexpected and surprising when you manipulate it. Paper is a material as surprising in its fragility as it is complex in its properties like weight, texture, elasticity, capacity to absorb light, colours and even humidity, as well as its memory when folded or crumpled.” Originating in 1997, Junior’s masks are hand-sculpted out of a single toilet paper roll using original folding techniques he developed himself, which is then coated with natural pigments and lacquer. No glue or extra paper has been added. Each requires three or four hours to create, and their highly expressive faces remind you of close-up portraits, drawing you in to their stories and realities. Representations of joy, sorrow, anger or fatigue, they reflect real human emotions and states of mind. He comments: “I am aware that each paper has its own ‘personality’, properties and sensitivity. I choose the paper depending on the type of model I would like to make. For example, my masks, which are created from toilet paper rolls, are the result of more than five years of research. I first concentrate on the construction of the eyes, then the nose, the mouth and the general expression.” Born in 1979 in Haiti where he spent the early years of his life, Junior arrived in France with his two sisters seven years later, where they were reunited with their parents. In 1994, he took a beginner’s class in paper-folding that allowed him
to become aware of his abilities in this art, until then practised with a technique that his instinct dictated. That led him to meet the talented Vincent Floderer in 1999, who accompanied him in his evolution and became his mentor, and with whom he founded Crimp (International Research Centre for Folded Sculptures) a year later, where he acquired a critical perspective and rigour in his creative work. In 2013, the jury of the Living Treasures of Arts and Crafts of France awarded him a special mention. He participates annually in the Masters of Origami, a prestigious international encounter of origami virtuosos, and his works may be found in the permanent collections of the two most important temples of paperfolding and origami in the world: Gallery Origami House in Tokyo, Japan, and Mingei International Museum in San Diego, USA. Junior states: “I don’t like to force paper to follow my technique. I prefer to adapt my technique to paper. In my work, experimentation with paper and research are compulsory. For my masks, I take the time to explore the toilet paper roll. “The experience of folding this type of material is very interesting because my folding technique is forced to adapt to the cardboard, as it is too resistant to be able to do what you want with it. With each modification of the cardboard, you are witnessing the creation of a new character.” Ever the inquisitive artist, Junior creates a universe out of
“My love for nature is an iMportant influence. certainly because it is closely linked to paper, the basic Material of My work.” – Junior fritZ JacQuet, a self-taught artist
paper for his miniature figures. His pieces tell an ongoing story of the lives these paper figures lead, reflecting the depth of detail that exists within Junior’s imagination too. He adds: “My work offers a gateway towards the imagination, a voyage that hasn’t reached its conclusion. As a result, to touch my audiences, I consider that the paper that I use and transform is just as important as my experiences and sensibilities. Paper carries its own universe that I must listen to.”
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Junior Fritz Jacquet’s style of paper folding does not follow a strict rule or method.
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Junior shows how a toilet paper roll can be turned into a work of art with the help of some paint. TO p
The lines and indents on Junior’s finished mask are inspired by the natural texture of the paper.
text Y-JEAN MUN-DELSALLE photos ANASTASSIA ELIAS AND JUNIOR FRITZ JACQUET
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people
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Farouk Merchant Ask Teak’s business development manager tells us why Burmese teak is the wood of choice when it comes to parquet flooring in the home.
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arquet may be a popular flooring material in Singaporean households, but there has been a growing demand for a particular tropical hardwood, the Burmese teak. Ask Teak, a brand of Burmese teak flooring distributed by local teak specialist Aero Leaf Pte Ltd, was launched this year to meet the demands for the golden brown solid wood. We speak to Farouk Merchant, Ask Teak’s business development manager, who shares the unique characteristics and uses of Burmese teak flooring in homes.
are smaller and better suited to compact spaces. For indoor use, we also carry teak wood skirting, and anti-slip decking. Tile decking is for outdoor use.
what are some of the
what are some
unIque sellIng poInts of
maIntenance tIps for teak
ask teak’s teak floorIng?
wood floorIng?
Ask Teak specialises in Burmese teak wood with naturally golden grains that give it a signature dark gold hue that sets it apart from other hardwood varieties. Being an end-to-end manufacturer with full control over sourcing and supply, we are able to guarantee authenticity of our teak products that are sourced sustainably from Myanmar. All our products are kiln-dried and ready for installation. They include solid wood flooring, which is available in tongue-and-groove joint formats and parquet formats. Tongue-and-groove joints allow wood pieces to be fitted edge to edge in a seamless manner. They typically use lengthier wood strips – up to 1,650mm – which make them suitable for larger floor areas. Parquet formats, on the other hand,
As solid teak flooring is made from natural timber, it requires some maintenance to ensure it retains its natural rustic look. To clear simple spills and stains, using a damp cloth or mop to wipe the surfaces clean will suffice. Treatment and polishing of the floors depend on the wear and tear they are exposed to. We recommend applying a fresh coat of varnish or lacquer every
Is teak wood floorIng suItable for all homes?
It is ideal for all homes. We recommend using it in spaces where there is heavy footfall such as the living room and bedrooms so homeowners can maximise the feel and contact with the hardwood. Its natural leathery fragrance and golden glint also add a soothing earthy ambience to any space.
text Isabelle Tow
three months. Oil-finished wooden flooring requires a fresh coat of oil from one to four times a year. Proper care of natural products such as teak wood is essential to ensure their longevity and the maintenance of their glossy appearance. what are some modern non-floorIng applIcatIons of teak wood In the home that ask teak also provIdes?
In addition to flooring, we also manufacture custom solid and finger-jointed furniture. We’ve had clients apply teak in a range of applications such as wall cladding, ceilings, doorframes and patio decking, too. To find out more about teak flooring from Ask Teak, contact them at 6238 5920 or email teak. sg@askteak.com.
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Top-NoTch Award-winning Design Intervention wins again with five awards at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2019.
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Design Intervention has won Best Residential (Architecture) Singapore for two years running. L ef T
The Best Kitchen Design Singapore. Righ T
This Twelve Cupcakes outlet won Best Retail Interior Singapore.
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n 2013, Design Intervention participated in the International Property Awards and won Best Interior Design (Private Residence) Singapore. Since then, it has been achieving new accolades year after year. Founder and co-CEO Nikki Hunt talks about these achievements. How do you feel about being one of tHe few consistent singapore award winners?
It is a great honour and validation of all the hard work our team has put in over the years. We have been awarded at both the regional and global levels, and are absolutely thrilled to be showcasing Singapore design to the world. please tell us more about
to be among the best across Asia and have been selected to represent the region in the International Property Awards in London at the end of this year, where the best of global designs will be unveiled. do you feel a pressure to win every year?
Of course! It is always nice to get a pat on the back. Striving to win awards also ensures we continue to push up our standards. These wins also give clients confidence because it means that our projects have been seen by experts and found to be of a commendable standard. I think what is more important is also the consistency of our wins. Over the years, we have established a consistent quality that gives peace of mind, and instils trust in clients.
“New advaNces iN NeuroscieNce are revealiNg what maNy desigNers have kNowN iNtuitively – that elemeNts like colour, ceiliNg height aNd symmetry caN affect our metabolic rate, mood, aNd eveN behaviour. ” – Nikki huNt, desigN iNterveNtioN
tHe projects you submitted tHis year, and wHy tHey
How do you se e tH e
wHat’ s you r tak e o n tH e
are unique.
inte rio r de sig n sce n e
tr e n ds co m ing ou r way
This year, we won Best Interior Design (Private Residence) in Australia, making it our second win for an Australian project. We also won Best Residential (Architecture) in Singapore for the second year in a row, which clearly showcases the talent of our architecture team. We were also awarded Best Kitchen Design in Singapore, similar to last year. As kitchen design is a niche specialisation, we excelled by prioritising function in a design. In fact, this is something we apply to all our projects. Function and comfort are paramount, and we make it look beautiful and full of personality, too. The other awards we’ve won this year are Best Interior Design (Apartment) and Retail Interior Singapore. Both designs were judged
e vo lving?
in 2020?
The biggest change over the next few years will be the growing realisation that good design can actually transform the way we feel, and affect our health and well-being. As city dwellers, we spend much of our time indoors so the design of our interiors is especially important. New advances in neuroscience are revealing what many designers have known intuitively – that elements like colour, ceiling height and symmetry can affect our metabolic rate, mood, and even behaviour. The right design can encourage us to sleep better and interact more. I think these new scientific discoveries will help advance a stronger focus on the true power of design.
There is a strong move towards cheerful homes and colour is a big part of that. The love for soft, organic shapes and curved sofas that look warm and inviting is also apparent. Ten years ago, Western designers led the design world and their aesthetics were key drivers of taste and trends. In recent years, consumers have been driving the trends. For example, the Chinese, Indians and Russians have become increasingly wealthy, and I think they have been a big influence on the market. Hence the pronounced shift to more glamorous and colourful interiors. Visit Design Intervention, 75E Loewen Road, Tanglin Village, or www.designintervention.com.sg.
text Domenica Tan
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Design Intervention’s co-CEOs, Nikki Hunt (right), also the founder, and Andrea Savage.
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u p c lo s e
B ryan
O’Sullivan The Irish interior architect fills us in on his daily life, things that inspire him and his personal design style.
Q
What gets you out of bed every morning?
Exercise. I need to exercise every morning before work to feel on top of things. I love heading into a new day feeling pumped.
Q
What puts you to sleep?
I try to read and avoid using my phone once I’m in my bedroom, but I don’t always stick to that.
Q
What is the music track you most like to listen to while you work?
I love Radio Fip. It’s not a music track, but a radio station I used to listen to when I lived in Paris. It has an incredibly varied and eclectic playlist that’s perfect as background music in the studio.
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Q
Q
Q
Q
What animal is your favourite pet?
That would be Elka, my golden retriever and the most incredible dog ever. She was really part of the family. We had her from when I was four and until I was 18. I still have dreams about her. Elka was part of every adventure we kids had. What is your personal design style?
Quite classic. I don’t wear anything too out there and I don’t follow cuttingedge styles closely. I like a simple colour palette. In terms of work, the design at Bryan O’Sullivan Studio is timeless and elegant. I find these qualities help create a beautiful atmosphere which will stand the test of time.
What natural element inspires you?
Mountains. The place where I feel most relaxed in is Kenmare, my hometown on the south-west coast of County Kerry in Ireland. It’s surrounded by some of the tallest mountains. My favourite thing to do there is to climb them with my dad. What would your last meal on earth be?
I’d like Chef Martin Hallissey of Packie’s Food & Wine, a long-established, awardwinning spot in Kenmare, to cook for me. The food is exquisite, especially the incredible seafood that’s cooked very simply. Its menu is mostly based on seasonal local produce.
text Isabelle Tow photo Mark CoCksedge
vo i c e s
B
eing a designer is tough. If you are working for people and things get to be too much, you can just walk away. However, if you are running your own studio, no matter how difficult things get, you need to stay strong - find solutions, find compromises, find help, and most importantly, find friends - to ride through the dark times. Here’s advice for young designers wishing to start their own company:
Pick yOur bATTLes
You will meet unreasonable and impossible clients along the way. When that happens, just try your best to finish the job quickly. No matter how well you do, they will never be satisfied. FinD wAys TO reLAx
There will be extremely stressful or painful days. Be it taking a walk, going to the beach, or doing meditation or yoga, you need a distraction on such days. LeArn TO sAy nO
ADOPT A menTOr
THAT TAll, dArk, HAndsome sTrAnger mIgHT noT eXIsT one of the singapore design circle’s most recognised personalities, Kelley cheng shares her tips on how to succeed in the business without losing your passion.
It helps to get advice from someone with more experience. They may offer a solution that never even occurred to you. It also helps to have a second opinion when things get difficult. HAve A suPPOrT grOuP
the objective Being successful in the design business takes plenty of hard work, sweat and tears. As an industry veteran, Kelley makes it a point to ensure new designers are aware of what they are getting into.
I’m grateful that I have found true friends in my life; some I went to school with, and others I got to know through work. They always make me feel better when things get rough. We can bitch and laugh about it one drunken night, and then be more ready than ever to face the next day’s challenges. LeArn nOT TO TAke cLienTs’ cOmmenTs PersOnALLy
This is easier said than done, but you must always remember this: never take clients’ comments as a personal attack.
photo sarah choo
Sometimes, clients can be unreasonable and ask for the impossible, or multiple rounds of changes. DOn’T sTOP LeArning
Success comes with hard work and practice. Don’t ever stop learning. insPirATiOn cOmes FrOm everywHere
Go to the museum, go watch a dance, go for an afternoon walk, go for a morning coffee. eAT weLL AnD exercise
I am guilty of not doing enough of this myself, but if you don’t have a healthy body, everything else doesn’t matter. Lastly, when things hit rock bottom, it can really only get better – provided you try to make it better. And stop waiting for that tall, dark, handsome stranger because he might not exist. Instead, make the most of your current situation because it might lead you to places you’d never imagined.
Kelley Cheng Editor, Curator, Designer, Video Director, Educator, Entrepreneur
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A PArisiAn Pied-A-terre When not in Beirut, Lebanese interior designer Claude Missir spends time with family in this very personal, modernist haven in the heart of the French capital.
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S
ays Lebanese interior designer Claude Missir: “The purpose is not to change the soul of the space I am working on. I merely attempt to preserve and enhance the outstanding spirit of timeless architecture and interiors.� Missir stayed true to this commitment in his Parisian pied-a-terre located on the ultra-chic Avenue Montaigne, in the 8th arrondissement. Nestled in a beautiful Haussmann-style building, the 145 sq m apartment has everything one could dream of in Paris. Charm and history pervade the interior spaces, while culture and luxury are immediately accessible outside, with the Champs-Elysees within easy reach.
Above
Despite the room's interesting accessories, the focus remains on the iconic architecture of the home. Left
The quaint dining nook looks out into the vibrant streets of Paris. oppos it e
Designer Claude Missir and his wife.
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Above
The art pieces are carefully curated so as to maintain the chic modernist feel of the home. bottom
Plain stainless steel panels in the kitchen add to the sense of sophistication.
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opposi te
Bold forms dominate the living area, anchoring the look of the entire apartment.
Missir spends much of his time in Beirut, where he founded his eponymous studio in 1998, but also enjoys being in Paris with his wife and children, especially during weekends and holidays, as well as for some business trips. As the interior designer recalls, it was far from easy to find the perfect place. “We searched and viewed over 100 premises all around town,” he says. What made him fall in love with this particular one? “The sun orientation; the way natural light propagates across the entire space, and the fact that the apartment is located in a corner, on the fourth floor, which is a rarity in this particular arrondissement.” In addition to the luminosity, the size of the space and its proportions also convinced him that it was truly ideal. “Compared to our other homes, this apartment brings out an air of communication between all members of the family,” Missir explains. “Here, we are in closer proximity to one another, constantly mingling with one another, and we love that.” The interior designer also describes the home as a space of freedom. “It is a pleasurable home – a pearl in the city,” he adds. An admirer of French modernist designers and architects of the 1930s, Missir naturally chose to reflect his passion throughout his Parisian home. His vision of elegant simplicity and sophisticated minimalism – combined with the fusion of modern and vintage furnishings in neutral tones and contemporary artworks in vivid colours – is masterly executed.
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This pag e
The marble-clad bathroom is accented by large mirror panels on the wall and cabinet doors. o p p osiT e
With its monochrome palette of black and white, the master bedroom offers an atmosphere of calm and serenity.
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In an elegant backdrop that honours the spirit of the Belle Epoque era and the historic soul of the apartment, the herringbone oak parquet flooring, white gypsum moulding and panelling, and black and brass frames embody Missir’s will to nurture a sense of peace. These carefully curated materials collectively create a perfectly balanced atmosphere. “It is essential to transform a house into a home at every level,” Missir says. Pieces of furniture by Pierre Jeanneret, Martin Szekely, Pierre Guariche, Pierre Paulin, Robert Mathieu, Joschua Brunn and Ron Arad complement artworks by Agostino Bonalumi, Enrico Castellani, Glenn Ligon, Raymond Pettibon, Andy Warhol, Cassandra MacLeod, Gilbert & George, Richard Prince and Paul McCarthy. “The history of styles inspires me; I like to rewrite them my way, with a twist
of minimalism and fancy,” Missir says. “I love the notion of mixing pieces. I did not buy these particular pieces for this particular apartment; I have collected them from many different places and over a long duration of time.” The soft colour palette of the furniture and overall space form an invitation to focus on the art pieces that add touches of surprise and humour, such as the Richard Prince one in the living room that says “My parents wouldn’t take me to Disneyland. They told me Mickey Mouse got eaten by a cat”. “Deep inside, we are big kids and always will be,” smiles Missir. When it comes to his favourite tones, black and white top the list. He explains: “They are neutral so I don’t get tired of them, especially when I am constantly seeing and using many colours, patterns and textures. Here, I feel happy – and grateful.”
text karine monie photos GiorGio Possenti & Jean-Francois Jaussaud portrait GiorGio Possenti
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The decorations in this home include the couple’s own artworks, gifts from friends, and quirky finds from their travels. o p posit e
Keith is an interior designer and Lin Na works in marketing and advertising. They often work from home.
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gem of a find Eliza HamizaH chats with this creative couple, who met
at a flea market, about their colourful, art-filled abode.
T
he previous owner of this four-room Bedok flat removed all of its non-structural walls and upgraded its bathroom fittings and windows before selling it. When Keith low, owner of interior design firm Woodworks, and his wife Lin
Na, found the property two years ago, they saw it as the perfect blank canvas. The couple even kept the mint-condition window blinds and oven. Here’s how they transformed the resale unit into a vibrant home for $45,000.
Who lives here
A 30something couple and their pet dog home Four-room HDB resale apartment in Bedok size 1,000 sq ft
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How did you incorporate
tell us more about your
your style into tHis
love for arts and craft.
resale unit?
Lin Na and I actually met at a Red Dot Museum flea market, where we sold handmade items. We are both into decoupage, so we like to buy and hoard “rubbish” — like brochures and wrapping paper — for it. A lot of the collage-like art you see around the house was made by us. It’s why the house is a mess, and why we needed a large dining table. We cleaned it up for you (laughs).
We liked the openness of the space, but needed more privacy for the bedroom, so I designed a double-sided bookshelf with a sliding glass door that separates it from the living room. It’s a great solution for our books, too. There were also parts of the flat without proper flooring. For instance, we removed the vinyl planks in the foyer, patched up the empty spots and laid on Moroccan-inspired patterned tiles. We also erected a wall for privacy and added a cabinet for our craft materials on the other side.
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How would you describe your style?
We don’t have one, but our home does revolve a lot
left
The music corner features an orange, vintage-style Yamaha radio, books, vinyls, and a record player. The owners enjoy listening to Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse. oppos it e, to p
The diagonal wall, erected to accommodate extra storage space in the bedroom, adds an odd yet charming touch. oppos it e, bottom
“Lin Na’s banana piece from one of her still-life painting phases,” says Keith.
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top, le ft
The chair is a replica of the Diz by famous Brazilian furniture maker Sergio Rodrigues. top, right
This 1920s 2.3m dining table that was made in Europe nearly did not fit into the HDB lift. The bench is from Arthur Zaaro. bottom
Keith and Lin Na left one living room wall free for projecting movies and other shows. opp os ite
The kitchen features a brick backsplash and shaker-style cabinetry.
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around Lin Na’s love for colours and patterns, and mine for textures and plants. I wanted a jungalow-style home, but she did not approve. We also really feel a connection with Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, and the vibrancy and bohemian nature of her art. While Nordic bohemian style veers towards cool hues, we like warmer and spicier shades like those in Kahlo’s work. We have a picture of her — she’s like our little goddess. wHat style of furniture and cabinetry did you go for?
Nothing overly polished. We prefer a mismatched look. There is a balance of both clean and raw-style furniture such as the weathered 1920s European dining and study tables, and upholstered fabric sofa throughout the home. Despite the mess, a strong colour palette anchors this combination. We also spray-painted our shakerstyle kitchen and craft cabinetry. This way, we can change the colours any time.
“our home is made up of the colours, textures, and raW-look finishes We love.”
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to p
The foyer includes a space for their shoes and bags. righ t
As the previous homeowner had expanded the master bathroom, all the couple had to do was tile it up. op posite
Two wardrobes flank the Australian-made king-sized bed. To fit the bed frame from The Shophouse, they had Dreamworld customise the mattress.
photography frenchescar lim art direction kristy quah
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Calvin Chu started his fossil collection after he got his first trilobite at age 10. Holding pride of place in the showcase is the impressive skull of the Prognathodon giganteus.
Family History Eliza HamizaH is intrigued by this fossil collector’s
home that was designed to house his prized possessions.
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His fossil collection include a flying dragon lizard Draco Volans taxidermy (below, left) and the upper mandible of a Tyrannosauridae (right, second shelf) Calvin bought in Kazakhstan.
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ri ght
Calvin runs his own innovation strategy consulting firm, and Cindy is in sales and marketing. The family of four and their helper, moved from a HDB flat to this terrace home. below, top
The jaw of a Mosasaur, an extinct marine reptile. below, bottom
To maintain an outdoorsy vibe, Calvin designed a skylight that runs across the kitchen and dining area.
W
hile most homeowners want large cabinets to store household appliances and crockery, Calvin Chu needs them for his collection of over 1,000 ancient fossils and artefacts. The avid fossil collector — founder of Singapore Fossil Collectors, whose members organise regular fossil swops and exhibitions, as well as conduct interactive talks to show students how to handle real fossils — owns one of the world’s oldest rocks (4.4 billion years) and a 65 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex tooth. Some fossils sit neatly in the dining area of his terrace home, where he lives with his wife Cindy and their two young children. The couple chose a minimalist, all-white design for the first storey, where the living room and kitchen are. “I wanted to recreate the peace and serenity of a museum, while Cindy preferred a more casual and [coastal] interior seen in many Australian homes,” shares Calvin.
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Who lives here
A family of four and a helper ho me Two-storey terrace with an attic size 1,558 sq ft (land), 2,000 sq ft (build up)
What used to be the backyard is now the kitchen, two bedrooms and lots of cabinetry. On the wall is an Ichtyosaur skeleton cast.
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The apothecary drawers are filled with all sorts of mementos, from rocks to a growth removed from Calvin’s brain.
“In my lIne of work, I often have to plan for the future, whIch means I need to understand the past as well. thIs Is why I am also Interested In how cIvIlIsatIons, socIety and humanItIes have evolved,” says calvIn.
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Furniture such as a fabric sofa and a long wooden dining table, as well as a textured stone wall in the kitchen, helped fuse the two styles. The colour palette darkens as you move up. The interior design also transitions from a museumesque setting to an explorer’s workspace. “My interest in natural history expanded into history itself, so I started collecting maps and paintings dating as far back as the 1500s, relics, and even items associated with myths. In a way, it also explains my fondness for English-style furniture from past eras.” The couple’s study, in particular, features antiquestyle pieces such as apothecary drawers, a telescope, and a banker’s lamp. More shelves, clad in dark wood laminate, stretch across the length of the room while a staircase leads to a half-height attic dedicated to pop culture memorabilia, and is where the children sometimes play. As a finishing touch to this discovery-themed abode, Calvin designed a two-way door between the study and the walkin-wardrobe.
top, le f t
Calvin also collects rare action figurines. These are from the late 70s and early 80s. top, right
The master bedroom looks like a New York loft. be low, le f t
Two rooms were combined to make way for a study, extra storage space and a staircase to the attic, as well as a walk-in wardrobe. be low, right
A trap door connects the walk-inwardrobe and study. Like Calvin, his kids also have a nose for wonder and adventure.
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b elow
Calvin fashioned this Batman light signal out of an Ikea lamp. rig ht
He enjoys pop culture as well, including superhero franchises, the Star Wars series and comic books.
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“I use The aTTIc To InTroduce my chIldhood playThIngs To my kIds. IT’s become lIke a memory box.”
photography Veronica Tay art direction nonie chen
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The owners incorporated this existing Commune dining set into their newly renovated home. It blends perfectly with the oaktoned interiors.
Clean Slate What started as a plan to refurbish the old kitchen in their resale apartment led to extensive renovation of this HDB home. Domenica Tan tracks its makeover.
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Who lives here
A couple in their 40s ho me Three-bedroom resale HDB apartment in Sengkang si z e 1,184 sq ft
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The island, which stretches across the breadth of the living room, is where the homeowners enjoy breakfast and do their work, thanks to the legroom.
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“I
enjoy cooking, but the previous kitchen space was not very functional. One thing led to another when we were planning to re-do the kitchen, and eventually we renovated the entire home,” shares homeowner Foo Mei Wan. She and her husband Ong Kia Meng engaged Hsu Hsia Pin of EHKA Studio following the recommendation of a friend. The renovation was a longoverdue project. Mei Wan shared that over the years, they had only done minor carpentry work to complement the countrystyle resale apartment they had bought. “The flat had very nice marble flooring, and as the cabinetry was made with solid wood, our relatives advised us not to remove it because of the quality,” adds Mei Wan. Eventually, it had to be done. And, as she is quite a “neat freak”, their brief to Hsia Pin included the need for extensive storage, a dedicated wardrobe space, a kitchen island — which has always been one of her dream features — as well as interiors that would complement existing furniture they wanted to retain. To keep the home looking sleek and clean, an oak woodtoned laminate was chosen as the main palette. Storage cabinetry, such as pull-out shoe racks, umbrella space, and even shallow display shelves for the homeowners’ collections of tea pots, ceramics, books and other knick knacks, were included. Hsia Pin also incorporated a long island counter as part of
Top, l ef T
Concealed doors – no visible knobs and handles – give the home a more streamlined look. Below, lefT
Pull-out shoe racks cleverly maximise the depth of the cabinetry, while also allowing the homeowners ease of access and visibility. Below, righT
The design of every nook in the home was well thought out, including the umbrellas that now sit in a dedicated cabinet next to the entrance so they can be easily retrieved.
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above
Blue is Mei Wan’s favourite colour, and she wanted it in the study, so it would exude a calming, inspiring vibe.
the main living area. Mei Wan now enjoys preparing food on the island while watching TV and bonding with her husband in the same space. It has also become a place for gatherings. “When we have guests, we serve a buffet spread on it.” Showcasing impeccable space-planning, most walls have been replaced with sliding and concealed doors. When shut, the living area remains bright and spacious, while private spaces are concealed. When opened, everything is easily accessible. Walk through and you’ll be surprised by pops of colour, too, thanks to artworks and a brightly-hued wall in the study. “I don’t like my home to look too busy so I chose to colour just one wall in each room. The one in the study is in my favourite blue,” says Mei Wan. The couple also incorporated a stark contrast in the bedroom to create a restful ambience. With the use of black Fenix laminate from EDL across the hidden bathroom door, the master bathroom is perfectly camouflaged. The complete makeover set the homeowners back by $130,000, excluding furnishings and fittings, but they now enjoy a refreshing new space they can finally call their dream abode.
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This homeowner enjoys preparing food on The island while waTching TV and bonding wiTh her husband in The same space.
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ab ove
A matte black feature wall in the master bedroom adds a touch of masculinity and sophistication. o PPos ite
The husband requested for a cosy corner in the study, which is now complete with a standing lamp and beanbag seat.
ri ght
Mirrored wardrobe doors create an illusion of space and reflect more natural light, while offering convenience and function when the couple get dressed.
photography Phyllicia Wang art direction nonie chen
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Best of all worlds Why stick to one aesthetic when you can combine a few favourites into a unique fusion? That’s exactly what these homeowners did, as Isabelle ToW finds out.
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Timeless Georgian tiles emphasise the dominant monochromatic look in the kitchen.
Who lives here
A family of four, and their helper h ome Four-room HDB apartment in Boon Lay s ize 1,000 sq ft
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candinavian, industrial, a pastel colour palette. each of these constitute a distinct look, and have adoring fans that bedeck their personal sanctuaries according to their tenets. For homeowners Marina Chang and her husband Kenny Wan, however, instead of taking the purist approach, they decided to blend the three looks for their HDB flat in Boon Lay. as anybody can imagine, putting together a patchwork of looks is no easy feat, so they roped in their interior designer friend Gwenn Chua from ethereall to turn their dream into a pretty reality.
The industrial inspiration is noticeable from the cage lights in the hallway, sleek black borders that frame corners all over the home, and concrete-look surfaces in the master bedroom. At the same time, neutral tones, lightfilled interiors and wood-look floors and doors are a nod to the Scandinavian aesthetic. Gwenn kept the use of pastels controlled, with just one or two pops of vibrant furniture pieces in the house, in order to keep the overall look cohesive and sophisticated. The homeowners spent a modest $40,000 on the renovation, excluding furnishings.
top
Shipyardinspired cage lights illuminate the hallway. left
They maximised the kitchen space by positioning island counters lengthwise. The mirror not only gives the illusion of expanded space, but reflects lighting for extra brightness. o pposite
The entrance area features an industrialinspired mesh screen above the custommade shoe cabinet.
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right
The bathroom follows the same greyblack theme as the master bedroom. fa r ri ght
The interior of the couple’s custom wardrobe features a woodgrain finishing, that sets it apart from the typical white finishing for shelves and drawers.
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Below
The master bedroom is kept simple and clutter-free. oppos it e
The wardrobe in the master bedroom was designed to look like a feature wall when seen from afar.
photography darren chang art direction Kaffy tan
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Table Talk A love for entertaining resulted in the kitchen becoming the highlight of this home. JAcqueline TAn checks out the unconventionally long island and dining table.
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O Dining in Style Custom-made in solid white acrylic for a clean, modern look, the tabletop is mounted on mirror cabinets that add a “floating” effect and serve as extra storage space, too. It also doubles as a work counter if extra space is needed for kitchen prep work. Benches occupy one side of the table, while individual custom coloured chairs on the other side add a bright burst of colour to the otherwise earthy-toned space. Ambient lighting is also important in creating the right atmosphere for dining, hence the “down-and-up” lighting above the table. The stove is tucked away at the furthest corner just next to the windows in the wet kitchen, so fumes from any heavy cooking can escape easily.
nce dingy with poor ventilation, this HDB executive flat underwent a $150,000 makeover (not including the $50,000 for the soft furnishings) that has transformed it into a bright and much bigger space. Taking centre stage is the dining section, now seamlessly incorporated into the kitchen. Liew Kok Fong, founder-architect of Studio Super Safari took into
account the couple’s passion for cooking and entertaining when designing the home and came up with this dream dining space-cum-kitchen. “Stretching to 5m, the table is the longest I have ever designed! The island counter is around 2m and the table is three,” says Kok Fong. The table also enhances the length of the 7m kitchen that stretches right into the wet kitchen. Kitche n confiDential
Who lives here
Large panels in dark wood tones hide the kitchen cabinets, gadgets and sink area when not in use, and act as a sombre feature wall, too. Slabs of grey Rice Field tiles (600mm x 1,200mm) in the living room and kitchen create the illusion of a seamless, spacious interior. The wideopen area also makes it conducive to comfortably entertaining up to 30 guests.
A couple in their 30s, their baby and his parents ho me Three-room resale HDB executive flat in Bishan si ze 1,440 sq ft
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Niche corNers Recessed shelving in the wall above the bed is an understated way to exhibit treasured knickknacks. To minimise clutter, the bedside table is also carved into the wall. Timber-like tiles are a warm contrast to the whitewashed walls.
Deep purple
Huge slabs of grey rice field tiles in tHe living room and kitcHen create tHe illusion of a seamless, spacious interior.
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The purple sofa adds a bold burst of colour and elegance to the predominantly warm, earthytoned living room. The generouslysized cushioned seating also lends a touch of relaxed sophistication. Cleverly designed to “blend” with the wall, there’s even more storage space built in behind the TV.
Room The parents’ room (left), a newly carved-out space, is next to the master bedroom. It’s fitted with windows that look out on the master bedroom’s sink and vanity/ makeup area to promote better ventilation. This part of the house is paved with assorted patterned tiles and has a bird’s eye view of Bishan Park.
photography veronica tay art direction kristy quah
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p r oj e c t s h owc a s e
SubStance meetS Style Seamless surfaces belie ample storage space in this quietly sophisticated apartment. iSabelle tow takes a look.
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ust like most farsighted homeowners, this young family wanted to ensure their new home would have sufficient storage space to hold possessions they would accumulate over time. tasked with the renovation, the main challenge facing Shermaine wong, principal designer of Mow interior, was creating adequate storage space without making the place looked cramped. She achieved this by integrating storage units for separate purposes into a single monolithic unit. a perfect example is the living room’s full-height, tV consolecum-storage unit. Utilising the full length of the wall, the left portion serves as the tV console, while the right conceals a shoe cabinet and more storage options. the graphite wood-look laminate casts a visual shadow over the unit, subduing its scale and presence in the mostly-white living room. Shermaine installed a tinted mirror on the living room wall beside the dining table so the living space would look wider. To fulfil the en suite master bedroom walk-in wardrobe on the couple’s wish list, one bedroom had to go. it has full-height cabinets on both walls – an open cabinet on one side, and a glass-doored one on the other – and the leD lights along the shelves make looking at and picking out clothing convenient.
As for the master bedroom, the full-height headboard adds a loftier feel, while the white volakas marble from Greece, used on the bedside tabletop, adds an understated touch of elegance. The renovation, excluding furnishings, was $60,000.
tOp, le f t
The master bedroom evokes a hotelinspired look. tOp, rIght
Ceiling track lights and LED lights installed in the shelves sufficiently illuminate the walk-in wardrobe. rIg ht
Storage units are cleverly concealed with sleek surfaces.
O ppOsIt e
Tinted glass gives the illusion of a larger dining area.
Who lives here
A young couple and their baby boy h ome Three-bedroom resale apartment in The Topiary s iz e 1,140 sq ft
photos MOW InterIOr
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f e at u r e
Designed in 1969 by Italian architect Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia, this voluptuously shaped armchair is reminiscent of a female silhouette. A fun piece for the home, it is upholstered in elastic fabric. Even in monochromatic tones, its expressive form makes it unique.
Basic
Available at Space Furniture
Beauties Good design will never go out of style, and when it comes to interior decorating, these timeless classics rank high on any homeowner’s to-get list. Here’s a tribute to these 10 stunning seating appointments, which continue to captivate our senses with their understated yet bold forms and sleek silhouettes.
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serie up 2000
Launched in 2010, Walter Knoll’s Jaan Living Sofa is a more recent piece. This chic seat is made for modern living, with complementary boards in glass or leather so you can set your cup or book down when necessary. Available at Proof Living
Verner Panton, who designed the Panton Chair in 1959, was an influential figure in design during the ’60s and ’70s. Captivated by the materiality of plastic, he aimed to design a comfortable seat without joints. Verner partnered with Vitra in 1963 to produce another version of this chair.
Another iconic seat by designer duo Charles and Ray Eames is the La Chaise, which was created in 1948 as an elegant lounge chair for a competition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It’s inspired by the Floating Figure sculpture by Gaston Lachaise. Available at Vitra
Designed by one of the most famous architects in the world Le Corbusier, together with Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret and French architect Charlotte Perriand, the LC2 was created in 1928. Its timeless metal frame makes it easily recognisable and it embraces a design language peculiar to industrial production.
Available at Vitra Available at Space Furniture
J a a n L i v i n g S o fa
LC 2
Pa n t o n C h a i r
La ChaiSe
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Terminal 1
C l ay To n S o fa
Designed by well-known French architect Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau, the Clayton sofa embodies a modern aesthetic with an haute couture influence, featuring luxurious stitching and premium leather or fabric. Although it was launched only recently at Salone del Mobile 2018, it is an elegant piece to have, thanks to its clean form and leather-clad external structure. Available at Proof Living
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Also by Jean-Marie Massaud is the Terminal 1 chaise he designed for B&B Italia. Sculptural, sophisticated and sleek, this seat embodies characteristics that will make it stand out in the home, with a design that easily speaks for itself. Available at Space Furniture
M a x S o fa
E a M E S Lo u n g E C h a i r a n D o t to M a n
D.270.2
Italian architect Gio Ponti designed D.270.2 as a wide, foldable chair in 1970. He wanted to create a seat that was minimalist and light, yet solid. To boost its statementmaking quality, the chair can be upholstered in the “Poesia del Mare” fabric – which means “Poetry of the Sea” in Italian – also designed by Gio Ponti in the same year.
Italian architect Antonio Citterio created the Max sofa in 1983 and incorporated a lightweight tubular metal structure that supports a curved seat and cylindrical backrest. Trendy yet one-ofa-kind, this sofa elevates the sophistication in any space. Available at Flexform
The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is no stranger to any design lover. Designed in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames, it was ahead of its time, with a modern take on a 19th century club chair. Today, this seat remains highly relatable, instantly recognisable and is even a statement of luxury in many homes. Available at Xtra
Available at P5 Studio
text Domenica Tan
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f e at u r e
Those Magic changes Genius space planning, thinking out of the box, and an eye for form and colour can change a space beyond recognition. These amazing transformations show the possibilities of what your home could look like.
O r i e n ta l i l l u s i O n
Architology breathed new life into this 49-year-old condominium apartment at Peach Garden in the East Coast area with a luxe contemporary concept. The design team replaced the dull palette and dim spaces with rich wood surfaces that contrast with white walls and marble flooring. With the overhaul, the home has an open, flowing feel that allows the owner to showcase her antique collection and sentimental pieces. “The challenge was in being able to represent items in a poetic new light. The pieces were rearranged to better suit the apartment’s functional layout,” says Bu Shukun, Architology’s Design Director.
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tip Identify your personal aspirations when renovating the home so the designer can suss out the full potential of the space. and guide you through potential design pitfalls.
Before
from cluttered to minimalist
A four-storey Bright Hill Crescent house gets a bright, minimalist makeover by MOW Interior Design. Principal designer Shermaine Ong kept the 30-year-old marble and parquet flooring as it added warmth, but reworked the windows to allow for more natural light, and replaced the wood of the balustrade by the elevated dining area and staircase with tempered glass to enhance the sense of space. Shermaine adds, “We also altered the kitchen and created a new and larger entrance at the side to make space for an island.”
Before
“We altered the kitchen and created a neW and larger entrance at the side to make space for an island.” – shermaine ong, principal designer, moW interior design
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Before
b o l d S c a n d i n av i a n lo o k
Owned by a bachelorette, this four-room DBSS unit went from a space with dated storage units, wardrobes and wallpaper to a Scandinavian home with a twist that includes details customised by design studio Wolf Woof for visual interest. Today, it features a combination of earthy and black-and-white surfaces interspersed with geometric patterns. The underutilised
balcony now serves as a place to relax and can even be a secondary dining area in the evening. “We tore down the wall shelves and mirrored wall, and then created a custom banquette, complete with metal bars, leather straps and customprinted fabric for the backrest. This has made the area a huge talking point,” says design director Carmen Tang.
Before
S pac e e x pa n S i o n
The kitchen in this resale condominium apartment used to be enclosed. While the window maintained a visual flow to the living and dining areas, the home still felt constricted. The owner shared a desire for an open kitchen with a modern and luxurious concept with The Orange Cube’s design director Karen Bohn. Today, the kitchen, fronted by a bar that’s an outstanding feature of this home, and the dining and living areas, which share a palette of dark finishes, marble and gold trimming, co-exist in one big, open space.
“Hacking tHe wall waS neceSSary to create tHe bar, wHicH iS one of tHe outStanding featureS of tHiS Home.” – karen boHn, deSign director, tHe orange cube
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Before
tip U n d e r s tat e d a p p e a l
Rethinking the layout is an effective way of catering to specific lifestyle needs. In this case, two bedrooms in a fourbedroom resale apartment at Robertson Quay were removed and absorbed into its living area. The extra space is now occupied by a newly created lounge area that connects the living and dining areas. A free-flowing arrangement like this, accented by walls in colours and textures, is perfect for the couple who entertains frequently.
“the walls characterise the space: a sUitably blank canvas for the owners’ mix of fUrnitUre and fUrnishings – from antiqUe and modern to mid-centUry and contemporary.”
In order to serve the interior and its occupants, it’s important to fully understand the constraints of an apartment. For instance, bay windows can be used to house customised storage units.
– william ng, principal architect, stUdio wills + architects
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Flexible living
Now home to a family of three, this 40-year-old Spottiswoode Park apartment used to have three bedrooms, an enclosed kitchen and a T-shaped living area. Design studio Upstairs_ stripped the entire place to create a spacious, openplan home. The structural beams overhead were also reimagined as a tic-tac-toe grid for wired glass doors. And the sliding doors mean the spaces can be closed off or opened up. Upstairs_ also introduced a 4.5-metre dining counter, a lounge area and a reading room to the T-shaped living area. As a nod to the apartment and building’s history, the original embossed-metal unit numbers were repurposed for the entrance. Before
“We bring natural light into homes by shiFting Walls, removing obstructions, or simply replacing solid Walls and partitions With glass or screens. this helps to visually connect spaces.” – dennis cheok, creative director, upstairs_
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Before
M O D E R N M A K E OV E R
Once decked out in cream and lime green, this old walk-up is now a sleek abode with wood finishes, black slate tiles and black tinted mirror panels by Metaphor Studio, which retained the three bedrooms in its new design. By removing several walls, including those in the storeroom and kitchen, the space planning now includes a host of storage solutions, as well as privacy with a camouflaged entrance to the bedrooms.
Primarily, the home is designed for frequent large gatherings. An island in the kitchen, customised for more seating, is great for when the family entertains. “All built-in storage compartments were carefully configured in the wall panelling design for the entire interior. It appears as a single entity that stretches from the entrance and all the way to the service yard located beyond the kitchen,� says creative director Stephen Goh.
tip Instead of glass windows or doors, consider vertical blinds for closing off the kitchen during heavy cooking.
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MONOCHROME MOOD
This condominium apartment now wears a chic palette of white and black. Studio XMSL catered to the owners’ preference for a light and airy aesthetic with white finishes and contemporary European trimmings. Fittings, furniture and furnishings all contribute to the sense of lightness. For instance, a TV console feature wall of rare white marble finished in an acid wash creates visual impact in this largely black and white space. And furniture in dark walnut imbue warmth and contrast.
Before
Before
tip Be precise about the design vision and outlook of your space, and stay unrelentingly focused on your desired outcome.
C u lt u R a l H E R i tag E
What initially began as a refresh to update the living area and electrical system in this HDB maisonette became an extensive project involving the flooring, windows, ceiling and décor. Among other things, new furniture and soft
furnishings were brought in, and brightened up the living area instantly. Interior design firm Aiden T also commissioned a decorative screen, which took four months to hand-carve in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Wallpaper from France was another impactful update. Even the curtains were carefully considered for the grand ambience.
“tHE skiRtiNg is sOliD OgEE EDgE MaRblE witH a pOlisHED fiNisH. aND tHE CuRtaiNs aRE tRiMMED witH sEED pEaRls. tHE ExtRa tExtuREs OffER ElEMENts Of suRpRisE.” – aRjaN NijEN twilHaaR, fOuNDER, aiDEN t
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Before
A SENSUOUS E N T E R TA I N M E N T S PAC E
Home to a couple and their two dogs now, this five-room Tiong Bahru walk-up, formerly a home office, is enjoying a new lease of life, thanks to a dramatic change by Three-D Conceptwerke that retained much of the original features. Striking architectural elements such as the curved walls have been embraced and assimilated into the swanky new concept. The living area with the curved wall, for instance, is an entertainment area with a dark and cosy barlike ambience. Also, with a reconfigured layout, the long hallway has become a walk-in wardrobe passageway flanked by dark-framed doors.
“SOMEThINg lIkE A hAllwAy OR ThIS wAlk-IN wARdRObE CONCEPT CAN bE CONvERTEd TO INTEgRATE STORAgE SySTEMS.” – dESS ChEw, PRINCIPAl dESIgNER, ThREE-d CONCEPTwERkE
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f e at u r e
Timeless AppeAl A shopping guide to achieve the four bathroom styles that homeowners love.
T
he smallest detail, from the style of a bathtub to the patterns on a tile, can evoke different moods in a bathroom. We list down the essential factors that make up four bathroom styles – raw, classic, luxury and modern – so you will know what to shop for and where to go.
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R AW
Though concrete screed is the quintessential finish for a raw-look bathroom, consider unpolished wood as well. Balance these distinctive features with sleeker, minimalist surfaces like chrome or block colours like white — or it will just look like one grey mess. The charm of a raw-look bathroom also lies in its utilitarian approach, so consider showing off organisation boxes in the open.
Get the look Raindance Select S Showerpipe with thermostat, $2,116.80, from Hansgrohe
Uniquestone Nite wall tile, from Hafary
Dragan four-piece bamboo bathroom set, $19.90, from Ikea
Lillangen mirror cabinet, $84.90, from Ikea
4044 Airy Concrete quartz wall cladding and countertop, from Caesarstone
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CLASSIC
A classic-style bathroom needs more decorative elements, such as wood trimmings for the bathroom vanity and a claw foot tub. Large checked tiles give a dramatic touch, while a crystal sconce adds elegance. Swop the silver (vintage-style) fittings for brass or even copper-hued ones for more warmth.
Get the look
Op Art porcelain trinket box, $140, from Bungalow 55 Little Diamond sconce, $280, from Meraki Decoration
Marble-look hexagon tile, from Hafary
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Black Schwarz Zermatt Esche laminate, from Lamitak
Florin 9 Art Deco basin mixer set, $2,450, from Victoria + Albert
Get the look
Sensa Black Beauty granite, from Cosentino
Panaria Cross Wood tiles, from Rice
Nickel trinket box, $80, from Bungalow 55
Anti-mould Cair Interior Paint, $289 (20 litres), from Gush
Axor Citterio mixer with pin handle set, $1,187.10, from Hansgrohe
LUXURY
As space is a luxury, create the illusion of higher ceilings and lengthier walkways with long panel tiles, as well as reduce visual clutter by using sleek bathware. Create impact with intricate and large stone slabs where patterns run naturally with minimal grout lines.
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Standing WC (CW275J), from W. Atelier Essence basin mixer in hard graphite, from Grohe (available in 2020 only)
GET THE LOOK
MODERN
Less is more in modern bathroom designs. Stick to a neutral palette, but pay attention to textures and interesting forms. These include simple tiles that transform into an impactful backdrop, as well as minimalist ďŹ ttings in angular shapes that will look good in years to come.
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Toto x Hayon mixer (4131) in black, from W. Atelier
Cythera Aromatique Room Spray, $73 (100ml), from Aesop
text ELIZA HAMIZAH
Mutina Lane subway tile, from Rice
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prope r t y
5 PoPular HDB Mature estates Fans of resale flats in these HDB estates know that they’re pricier than newer ones in non-mature estates but still love them for their unbeatable location and amenities.
Fancy living by the sea… or on the sea? Marine Parade, the first housing estate built entirely on reclaimed land, gives some lucky households the chance to do just that. Before the sea was filled in, Marine Parade was part of Katong and was formerly a beach front. Its breezy name came from a promenade near the sea along East Coast Road. Today, there are some 21,600 HDB residents in 7,862 flats (as of 31 March 2018), with the first dwellers moving in as early as 1972. Some of the highest priced ones offer gorgeous views of the sea, and Marine Parade, despite its ageing homes, is often seen as one of the most desirable HDB addresses in Singapore. Well loved for its proximity to East Coast Park, Marine Paraders enjoy all the commercial, recreational and leisure amenities you’d expect of a mature estate, on top of seasports like sailing and windsurfing. Parkway Parade is the main shopping mall, Katong Shopping Centre the oldest, and new additions like 112 Katong and Katong V adding 114
photo 123RF
m a r i n e pa r a d e
much vibrancy. Marine Parade is also home to plenty of good grub from Peranakan fare to Katong Laksa and more bellybusters at the popular Marine Parade Food Centre. HDB flat prices: It may have been
built in 1977 but a roomy 126sqm five-roomed flat at Marine Drive is being marketed at $948,000. Even the cheapest five-roomed flat we found at Marine Terrace, built in 1975, costs $720,000; that’s about the same as a Bishan flat that is a good 12 years younger. The four-roomed flats, also built in 1975, go from $470,888 to $618,000 for 87sqm of eastside real estate.
Some of the higheSt priced oneS offer gorgeouS viewS of the Sea, and marine parade, deSpite itS ageing homeS, iS often Seen aS one of the moSt deSirable hdb addreSSeS in Singapore.
photo 123RF
serangoon
Bishan
Located in the central part of Singapore, Bishan is morbidly named after Peck San Theng cemetery, which was cleared to make way for the living. Early residents among the 63,200 residents in 20,072 HDB flats today certainly have the dead to thank. Today, Bishan’s flats are among the highest priced in Singapore today and have made millionaires out of at least 17 households in the last 12 months. The most expensive? A 163sqm Maisonette on a high floor that was built in 1987, but still sold for a record-breaking $1,138,000. This popular neighbourhood is served by Bishan Interchange MRT station, Marymount MRT station and the upcoming
Bright Hill MRT station. There’s Junction 8 shopping mall at the town centre, Bishan Harmony Skate Park, and two popular Bishan Parks where Singapore’s beloved Bishan otter family dwells. Several popular schools here, such as Ai Tong Primary School, Catholic High School and Raffles Institution, have helped to jack up property prices. HDB flat prices: If you have a
spare $1.2m, there’s a 146sqm Executive Maisonette at Bishan St 13, built in 1987, that has your name on it. A 121sqm, five-roomed flat in the same block is going for $740,000. The cheapest 84sqm, four-roomed flat we found costs $398,000 along the same street.
According to HDB, Serangoon has 21,634 flats and boasts an estimated HDB resident population of 68,800 (as of 31 March 2018). Once a mish-mash of kampongs settlements, villages, rubber plantations, and other agricultural activities until the 60’s, today’s Serangoon is a wellequipped mature housing estate. The seven-storey NEX Shopping Mall is the biggest in the northeast region and conveniently integrated with a bus interchange and Serangoon Interchange MRT station. Another must-visit hangout: the famous Chomp Chomp Food Centre, where locals and tourists queue for their Michelin Plate-winning Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Mee and Chomp Chomp Satay. Families also like Serangoon for its good schools in the region, like Rosyth School, St. Gabriel’s primary and secondary schools and CHIJ Lady of Good Counsel. HDB flat prices: A 140sqm HDB
Executive apartment built in 1998 at Serangoon Avenue 2 was recently marketed at $980,000. A 103sqm four-roomed flat at Serangoon Central, which was built in 1989, was put up for $625,000. Good news: We found one HDB 5I corner unit at Serangoon North Avenue, a roomy 121sqm unit built in 1992 and near Rosyth School, at just $468,000.
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Q u E E n s t ow n
Jurong East
Singapore’s first satellite town, named after Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her coronotion in 1952, was built in the ‘50s by the Singapore Improvement Trust which is the predecessor to HDB. It was the first town to have its own amenities such as a Sports Complex and a Town Centre. Today, there are 82,500 people living in 32,678 flats as of 31 March 2018 – and some are real fancy flats indeed. The new SkyVille @ Dawson and SkyTerrace @ Dawson projects, for example, are often mistaken for condominiums. In 2018, a five-year-old five-roomed HDB flat in Queenstown set a new record for the area with a whopping $1.1m price tag. In fact, in the last 12 months, there were 10 flats with million-dollar sales in the Queenstown area from Ghim Moh Link, Holland Drive,
Commonwealth Drive and Meiling Street. Shopping malls are a 10-minute drive away at Orchard Road, though there are neighbourhood malls such as Queensway Shopping Centre, Ikea, Anchorpoint and Alexandra Central Mall nearby. Schools include New Town Primary, Queenstown Primary and Secondary School, Queensway Secondary School, and a little further away, Crescent Girls School along Tanglin Road. HDB flat prices: A rare 121sqm
landed HDB house at Stirling Road with 3+2 bedrooms is being advertised for $1,281,280 but do note that it was built in 1968. The second most expensive unit we spotted is a five-roomed flat at Commonwealth Drive built in 2015, modestly sized at 114sqm but demanding a cool $1.2m.
It was thE fIrst town to havE Its own amEnItIEs such as a sports complEx and a town cEntrE.
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Its name may be inspired by the unsexy malay word ‘Jerung’ (meaning ‘shark’) but Jurong East has indeed come a long way since its gambier plantation days. It is touted as Singapore’s second Central Business District and with five malls ( Jem, J-Cube, Westgate, Big Box and IMM) surrounding the Jurong East interchange MRT station area, has been hailed the ‘Orchard Road’ of West Singapore. Covering the area around Jurong Town Hall Road and the Pan Island Expressway, as well as the Teban and Pandan estates, about 78,000 people in 23,897 flats (as of 31 March 2018) call Jurong East home. Despite some hiccups on Malaysia’s end which led to a deferment of the Singapore-Malaysia High Speed Rail project, plans to develop Jurong East are zipping ahead. Come 2026, a new seven-hectare integrated tourism development will offer a hotel, attractions like a new Science Centre, eateries and shops at the Jurong Lake District. Already, the new Jurong Lake Gardens (a
text STELLA THNG photos SPH
sprawling 90-hectare space comprising Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens and Garden Promenade, has been drawing visitors. It even has its own family of otters! There are several neighbourhood schools like Jurong Primary and Secondary, Yuhua Primary and Secondary, and Crest Secondary School. Young parents may want to get on the waiting list of the awardwinning Caterpillar’s Cove @ Jurong East infantcare and childcare centre at the Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability near IMM. HDB flat prices: A 140sqm
Executive apartment at Jurong East St 21, built in 1998, is being marketed at $850,000. A 121sqm, five-roomed flat built in 1984 just across Jurong East MRT station is selling for $660,000. In Teban Gardens, an 87sqm, four-roomed unit built in 2013 is going for $437,000.
I N S TO R E
HELPING HAND Achieving spotless floors is usually a two-step process: you need to vacuum to remove dust and particles, and then mop away stains and bacteria. Philips integrates these two processes with the SpeedPro Max Aqua. Its 3-in-1 design combines a vacuum, mop and handheld cleaner. Simply fit the water tank behind the vacuum suction nozzle, and you’re ready to tackle surfaces of up to 645 sq ft. The Philips SpeedPro Max Aqua retails for $799, and is available at leading electronic stores and department stores, as well as selected authorised dealers.
DESIGN FOR LIFE The Babyhood Kaylula Sova Clear Cot is one product worth holding on to. This hardy European beechwood cot evolves with your baby and shape-shifts from a bassinet to a cot, toddler bed and playpen, and finally, an adult-sized table and chair set. The Babyhood Kaylula Sova Clear Cot retails for $1,599, and is available at Mothercare stores.
FA N FAVO U R I T E Looking for a sleek-looking ceiling fan? Consider the Hugger from the Kith collection by Singapore brand Efenz. Its decorative casing around the base hides the downrod, giving it a seamless look. Ideal for homes that do not require extended ceiling rods, the
text ISABELLE TOW
Hugger is made from the same lightweight anti-rust acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material that keeps it and other Kith models easy to maintain. The Hugger retails from $508. For more information, e-mail customercare@efenz.com.sg.
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w h e r e to b u y
BodE
#05-10 Tan Boon Liat Building Tel: 6635-3377 www.bode.com.sg BuNGALoW 55
#03-04 8D Dempsey Road Tel: 8318-5358 www.thebungalow55. com CAESARStoNE
105 Eunos Avenue 3 Tel: 6250-1368 www.hafary.com.sg HANSGRoHE
69 Mohamed Sultan Road Tel: 6884-5060 www.hansgrohe.com. sg HARvEY NoRMAN fLAGSHip
#03-357 Suntec City Mall Tel: 9011-3559 www.caesarstone.sg
#01-59/63 Millenia Walk Tel: 6311-9988 www.harveynorman. com.sg
CoSENtiNo
iKEA
34/35 Duxton Road Tel: 6713-9543 www.cosentino.com/ en-sg/
dEER iNduStRiES
#07-05 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road Tel: 9485-4430 www.deerindustries. com dYSoN
https://shop.dyson. com.sg fLEXfoRM
#01-01 200 Newton Road Tel: 6909-2128 www.flexform.sg
GRAfuNKt
#04-01/06 Funan Mall Tel: 6336-6046 www.grafunkt.com GRoHE
#01-04/05 Shaw Centre Tel: 6311-3622 www.grohe.sg
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HAfARY
317 Alexandra Road Tel: 6786-6868 www.ikea.com/sg MiSSoNi
581 Orchard Road, Hilton Singapore Hotel #01-15 to #01-16 Tel: 6732 3970 p5
#01-01 Winsland House 1 3 Killiney Road Tel: 6337-0050 www.p5.com.sg pRoof LiviNG
#04-16, Ion Orchard Tel: 6509-0555 www.proof.com.sg
RoCHE BoBoiS
#01-02 Boon Siew Building 75 Bukit Timah Road Tel: 6513-1918 www.roche-bobois. com SMEG
Ground level, APS Building, 9 Muthuraman Chetty Road Tel: 6950-0900 www.smeg.sg SooN BEE HuAt
257 Changi Road Tel: 6440-1900 www.sbh.com.sg SpACE fuRNituRE
77 Bencoolen Street Tel: 6415-0000 www.spacefurniture. com.sg tANGS
310 Orchard Road Tel: 6737-5500 www.tangs.com uRBANoRdiC
#04-07 Tan Boon Liat Building Tel: 6224-0765 www.urbanordic.com vitRA
#14-08 Tan Boon Liat Building Tel: 6861-7366 www.vitra.com
RiCE
#01-03 213 Henderson Road Tel: 6692-1199 www.rice-fields.com
W.AtELiER
#01-01 and #03-01 201 Henderson Road Tel: 6270-8828 www.watelier.com XtRA
#02-48 Marina Square Tel: 6336-0688 www.xtra.com.sg
InterIor DesIgners EHKA Studio
891B Bukit Timah Road Tel: 6909-2798 www.ehkastudio.com EtHEREALL
#05-27/28 22 New Industrial Road Tel: 6581-1918 www.ethereall.com MoW iNtERioR
#08-02 Tai Seng Point 11 Irving Place Tel: 6246-6614 www.mowinterior.com WoodWoRKS
1557 Keppel Road #02-01B Tel: 98633824 woodworks.sg Studio SupER SAfARi
311 Old Birdcage Walk, #01-06, Tel: 9144 4837 design@ studiosupersafari.com
bUyiNG GUiDe
Your one-stop resource for products and services
electrical & electronics
furniture, appliances & furnishings
acorN
#02-09 512 Chai Chee Lane Tel: 6445-6144 www.acorn ceilingfan.com
scaNteak
Haire LiviNG
60 Sungei Kadut Drive https://scanteak.com. sg
Level 4 29 Mayo Street Tel: 6441-3345 www.haireliving.com
Harvey NormaN
#01-59 to 63 Millenia Walk Tel: 6311-9988 www.harveynorman. com.sg
space fUrNitUre
77 Bencoolen Street www.spacefurniture. com.sg
braNDt asie
star LiviNG
#02-51/52 Oxley Bizhub 65 Ubi Road One Tel: 6508-4639 www.brandt.sg
furniture & furnishings
1 Pasir Panjang Road Tel: 6273-2522 www.starliving. com.sg
Da viNci LifestyLe
XZQt
#01-01 Concorde Hotel Tel: 6468-6333 www.davincilifestyle. com
#01-05 8 Pandan Crescent Tel: 6774-8031 www.xzqt.com.sg
efeNZ ceiLiNG faN
#06-01 1 Kallang Way 2A Tel: 6747-2742 www.efenz.com.sg
Home 2 U GaLLery eLectroLUX s.e.a.
#07-10 Galaxis 1 Fusionopolis Place Tel: 6727-3699 fisHer & paykeL
#03-01A Ubi Biz Hub 150 Ubi Avenue 4 Tel: 6547-0100
lighting LiGHtcraft
131 Jalan Sultan Tel: 6297-6658 www.lightcraft.com.sg
Novita
#04-00 Techniques Building 8 Tagore Drive https://novita.com.sg
imaGiNe by sk66
timpLeX
#01-22 UB One 81 Ubi Avenue 4 www.imaginebysk66. com
renovation Materials
#01-13 18 Sin Ming Lane Tel: 6898-1120 www.timplex.sg
mow iNterior DesiGN
caesarstoNe s.e.a.
#08-02 Tai Seng Point 11 Irving Place Tel: 6246-6614 www.mowinterior.com
#08-06 The Spire 10 Bukit Batok Crescent Tel: 6316-1938 www.caesarstone.sg
NeU koNceptZ
#03-11 Bizhub 28 28 Senang Crescent Tel: 6746-3723 www.neukonceptz. com.sg
#02-719/720 Suntec City Tower 4 Tel: 6737-7838
interior designers
mUji
DesiGN iNterveNtioN
#02-198 Vivocity Tel: 6376-8023 www.muji.com/sg
75E Loewen Road Tel: 6468-1942 www.design intervention.com.sg
#01-03 LTC Building C 14 Arumugam Road Tel: 6337-7277 www.theorangecube. com
DweLL iNterior DesiGN
tHree-D coNceptwerke
11 Kim Yam Road Tel: 6883-1005 www.dwell.com.sg
24 Eng Hoon Street Tel: 6293-8001 www.three-dconceptwerke.com
tHe oraNGe cUbe
coseNtiNo
34/35 Duxton Road www.cosentino.com DUravit asia
(Singapore Branch) 63 Tras Street www.duravit.com Hafary
105 Eunos Avenue 3 Tel: 6250-1368 www.hafary.com.sg
rocHe bobois
#01-02 Boon Siew Building 75 Bukit Timah Tel: 6513-1918 www.roche-bobois. com
NatUraL forest
#10-01B Keck Seng Tower 133 Cecil Street Tel: 6238-5920
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hard TruTh
H
what’s trending & what we think
The new sTaTemenT piece
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ouse-proud homeowners are always looking for accessories they can boast about, from the latest large-screen TV to the pendant lamp of the moment, or that new designer sofa. However, it is not often that we hear about an appliance as utilitarian as a vacuum cleaner taking pride of place in a home. Yet that seems to be what Dyson has created with its cordless vacuums. Launched in May, the V11 is now the hottest homecleaning appliance on the market. Packed with loads of muscle power from a 125,000rpm motor, and a long battery life, the V11 is not exactly cheap. A basic set costs $949 on Dyson’s website (www.dyson.com.sg), making it one of the priciest vacuums around. Despite this, it is the most sought-after model among individuals obsessed with cleanliness. Interestingly, its sleek form also makes it a hit with design lovers as well – something no other vacuumcleaner brand has been successful at. This might have contributed to founder James Dyson being recently declared the wealthiest man in UK with a personal fortune of USD$13.8 billion. Not bad for a man, who was inspired by his visits to an industrial sawmill to create a new type of vacuum cleaner that would
do the job of cleaning up more efficiently. The V11’s success also points to how homeowners are beginning to look at doing chores such as cleaning the floor in a different way. No longer a task to be completed out of necessity, keeping the home clean has become a duty dispensed with pleasure and pride. Could it be, that a high-tech appliance brand has finally managed to penetrate into the realm of the aesthetic-driven community and won its heart over with the promise of a home that’s as clean as it is beautiful? Sure, such feats have been attempted before by kitchen appliance makers and audiovisual equipment producers, yet to see Dyson being namedropped by homemakers who would normally turn a blind eye towards fancy home gear, is definitely worthy of mention. Of course, this is not to say that other vacuum cleaners are not capable of performing just as well, or looking as slick. It’s just that Dyson has managed to put a new spin on a conventional product category, and created a new need among homemakers in the process. And that is the need to be identified as discerning, practical and savvy with uncompromising taste in form and function – even when it comes down to sucking dust off the floor.