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MUST KNOW, MUST HAVE BATHROOM EDITION

Great finds for a flawless renovation

Fresh Start Design ideas to make your dream bathroom a reality

Smarter Ways to Clean Your House

The most helpful tips we’ve found

EDITOR’S NOTE

READY TO DESIGN THE BEST BATHROOM YOU’VE EVER HAD?

If you’re ready to leave your humdrum bathroom behind, we totally get you. As spaces where we renew and recharge, bathrooms should have an environment that elevates, not dampens, our mood. Well, easier said than done. Bathroom overhauls are costly and decisions tend to be more permanent. No wonder even seasoned renovators get daunted. If you need some friendly advice, our Must Know, Must Have section (p. 8) offers tips and product suggestions to address some of homeowners’ top bathroom concerns. And for the fun part, discover all the bathroom styles inspiring us right now to craft the private haven of your dreams (p. 28).

Also in this issue, find nifty cleaning tips that will make the tedious task a breeze (p. 38). And brighten your home with beautiful luminaires you’ll want to place everywhere (p. 16). Seeking more home decor inspiration and tips? Head to our website (squarerooms.com.sg) and social media to get plenty of expert advice, decor ideas and more.

JASPER

AUSTRALIAN STYLE

Come home to luxury. Experience a statement of uncompromising comfort designed for flexible living.

Home Inspo 42 Room for All

EDITORIAL

EDITOR YUEN YI YING

FEATURES EDITOR YAIZA CANOPOLI

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bathroom edition

Bathroom overhauls may be highly satisfying, but compared to other spaces in the house, the path to achieving your vision tends to be more complex as there’s much more to consider beyond comfort and aesthetics. Not to worry. Ahead, we’re sharing solutions to homeowners’ top concerns to make your process as enjoyable as possible.

BY YAIZA CANOPOLI AND YUEN YI YING

Problem:

You’re looking for a WC that’s smart, sleek and low-maintenance.

The Geberit AquaClean Sela has a minimalist design perfect for any modern bathroom.

The adjustable spray arm provides gentle yet effective cleaning.

Solution:

While shower toilets are still relatively uncommon in Singapore, the Geberit AquaClean Sela may be just what you’re looking for.

From the outside, it looks like a minimal, welldesigned WC unit, hitting the jackpot in terms of simplicity and design.

Beyond its exterior, it features an adjustable spray arm that delivers a gentle water jet for comfortable and intimate cleaning, including the WC’s unique WhirlSpray shower technology. Using minimal water at a customisable temperature, the spray arm never comes into contact with your body at any time and is also cleaned before and after every use for ultimate hygiene.

Furthermore, a weight sensor ensures the water jet never gets activated by accident. An intuitive remote control makes it easy to call up your personal settings and make adjustments. Alternatively, you can also use

the handy Geberit app.

The TurboFlush system is also ultra-quiet and thorough without using much water. It’s based on a flow-optimised rimless ceramic pan, which allows the shower toilet to be flushed at any time without disturbing sounds, even at night.

For those night-time trips to the loo, a built-in orientation light helps you navigate your way, while its low blue light content makes it easier for you to fall back asleep.

Combined with the rimless body, cleaning is a breeze with the Sela’s KeraTect glaze, which makes the ceramic surface extra easy to wipe down. Moreover, there are no grooves to trap deposits and bacteria, ensuring a toilet that’s comfortable to use and practical to maintain.

Problem:

Solution:

Many storage fixtures are bulky and inflexible, making them both unappealing and troublesome to remove.

Opt instead for modular wall brackets like the hansgrohe WallStoris, a series of minimalist strips that can hold anything from shelves to hooks, shower head holders and even entire plant pots and baskets

You don’t need screws to secure the strips either—the strong adhesive pad ensures a secure hold on all metal, glass and ceramic surfaces, making it suitable for most bathroom walls. The fact that these strips leave no traces when removed makes them appropriate for rented apartments too.

If you don’t need something quite so elaborate but just want simple, low-budget storage fixtures, check out stores like FortyTwo for lots of handy bathroom organisers and other storage accessories perfect for small spaces!

Madell Metal Wall Shelf from FortyTwo

You need extra storage space in your bathroom but want to keep things minimalist and flexible.

hansgrohe WallStoris

Solution:

When it comes to choosing tiles, the first step is figuring out your priorities. Ease of maintenance should always be the deciding factor, but what are you looking for beyond that? Something with a striking pattern that will up the aesthetic factor? Or maybe something that can improve your health and well-being?

If you’re particularly health-conscious, consider the Talos Living tiles by Lian Seng Hin, which are topped with a layer of nano glazing and release negative ions with plenty of health benefits. Should looks be your priority, browse the wide range of gorgeous patterned tiles from Soon Bee Huat!

Problem: You’re overwhelmed by the wide range of tiles available and need some help narrowing down your choices.

Talos Living Tiles by Lian Seng Hin

Design by Fatema Design Studio, images courtesy of Living DNA

Patterned Tiles from Soon Bee Huat, design by Linear Space Concepts

Solution:

Most basins and faucets have the same old look to them, made for a modern bathroom with a streamlined aesthetic. While that’s certainly the biggest trend right now, not everyone wants a sleek, monochromatic look. If you’re on the hunt for bold and colourful fittings, there are a few shops that should be on your radar.

One of our favourites is SaniQUO, truly a place to go for a whole lot of bathroom fixtures and much more. We especially love the bold washbasins, but the shop is worth checking out for more subdued styles too. Other destinations include Modeste and Rubine for high-end fittings or IKEA and FortyTwo for something more economical.

HERA Ceramic Basin Tangerine from SaniQUO

HERA Countertop Glass Basin from SaniQUO

EVEA basin from Rubine

Vintage Bathroom High Basin Faucet TAT2HG from FortyTwo

GLITTRAN Mixer Tap from IKEA

Problem: You’re bored of the same old bathroom fixtures and want something eye-catching to liven up your interiors.

Problem:

Solution:

Bathroom renovations are tedious, so you want to make sure the outcome is exactly to your liking. Nixing the one-size-fits-all approach, German brand Viega lets homeowners position the Prevista cistern exactly where they like, offering support brackets of different heights to allow the unit to be placed under a window or against a fullheight wall. Sporting a concealed cistern design for a sleek and spacious bathroom, the Viega Prevista can be easily installed in both wet and dry environments, and since we have different physical proportions and preferences, the WC is height-adjustable to ensure maximum comfort.

Made in Germany to the highest quality and sustainability standards, each unit is individually checked for leaks and function before shipping to ensure safety and reliability. With flexible flush volumes, users can choose between 2–4 litres for light flushes or 3.5–7.5 litres for full flushes to suit their needs. Each unit is enclosed

in a special housing for discreet operation even in quiet home and office environments.

Complementing the Prevista cistern are Viega’s Visign flush plates, available in 50 options to match your bathroom flawlessly. Designed for a pleasing feel and ease of operation, the flush plates have undergone extensive endurance testing for faultless operation that will last the lifetime of your bathroom. For enhanced functionality, many of the plates can be fitted with LED lights that provide a soft glow for night-time trips to the bathroom, and for maximum hygiene, Viega also offers touchless flush plates that can be activated by holding one’s hand close to the desired flush function on the panel.

Viega offers plenty more customisation options for your bathroom from bathtub controls to shower drains.

If you like getting every detail just right, a visit to the showroom is a must.

Viega South East Asia Pte. Ltd.

Sin Ming Lane #03-146, Midview City S573972 howard.tan@viega.sg

9355 viega.sg

You’re looking for a concealed cistern system that’s stylish, ergonomic and fits the dimensions of your bathroom.

bathroom

for the long run. That’s

the

their needs,

LED Desk Lamp,

Penta Geometric

$999,

Floor Lamp, $149,

Table Lamp, $298,

Wall Lamp, $69.90,

Z-Bar Pendant

Bamboo Table

LED Table

Jute Sconce,

Table

Bright and Breezy

Flourishing with greenery and an upbeat Japandi aesthetic, this light-filled dwelling supports a relaxed lifestyle for its outdoorsy homeowners.

The Brief

Citing cycling and gardening as some of their passions, it’s pretty obvious how the homeowners landed on the design brief of having a biophilic home. These two sisters enjoy the connection to nature and commissioned their home’s renovation to the designers of Cozyspace Interior to reflect that. Besides working in serene notes of nature, they also needed to relocate the kitchen and transform the previously enclosed cooking space into an open area.

The original floorplan saw the kitchen positioned next to the front entrance, and this setup took up much floor area along the elongated front entrance and walkway towards the communal zones. The team decided to hack away the wall between the kitchen and the front entrance, and this frees up more usable space for a larger kitchen replete with an island counter.

The designers say: “The clients love having a kitchen island, so the kitchen relocation plus an open-concept layout helped to achieve that.” A divider with a glass panel now stands between the kitchen and living area, and this clear opening is instrumental in drawing daylight into the new kitchen layout.

With more light streaming into the home, it made sense to introduce Japandi-style elements—a look hinging on Japanese zen with neutral Scandinavian hygge. This culminates in a muted colour backdrop which allows darker hues and interesting textures to pop. The icing on the cake is of course lush foliage, in the form of the homeowners’ precious potted plants strewn around the home to complete the Japandi look.

AT A GLANCE

Space TWO-BEDROOM RESALE

CONDOMINIUM UNIT

Location WEST COAST

Reno period 3.5 MONTHS

Home to TWO SISTERS

Reno budget $62K

Text DISA TAN Images COZYSPACE INTERIOR

Previous page Living area

A harmonious colour landscape of vinyl flooring and laminate wall coverings with similar woodinspired finishes fills the living area with a spacious and relaxed quality.

Below Kitchen opening

Letting light and interactions flow is a glass panel installed within the feature wall. The streak of blue laminates on the feature wall carries a dimensional design factor to offset the neutral hues.

Right Kitchen

Taking over the front entrance and dining area is the open-plan kitchen with a welcoming colour palette of blue and wood laminate finishes.

Island counter

Decked with a sleek quartz countertop in white, the kitchen island now serves as a dining spot and an entertaining area for the sisters to host.

Botanical Play

More decor tips to introduce leafy prints without going overboard.

Experiment with abstract art Instead of a full-blown mural, try paintings that express the verdant beauty of leaves.

Add pretty prints Put up different frame sizes to create a striking and geometrical dose of greenery.

Try patterned soft goods

Bedding, cushions, floor rugs and even curtains sporting botanical prints will perk up your space in an instant.

IMAGE COURTESY OF NORSU INTERIORS IMAGE COURTESY OF DESENIO

IMAGE COURTESY OF TOM TAILOR

Bomb shelter

The bomb shelter is concealed within the tic-tac door and laminate covering. Next to it is the service yard with a small but fully-functional laundry space and a hidden DB box.

Left Main bathroom

To better match the greenthemed primary suite, this space has been overhauled with an overlay of new wall and floor tiles. The two-tone tile treatment comprises subway tiles in blue for the bottom, and grey tiles on top for a neutral backdrop.

Below Main bedroom

The painted feature wall in a calming shade of green forges an indoor-outdoor connection. With sliding doors that open out to the balcony, the homeowner can admire her planters in full bloom.

Common bedroom

Belonging to the other sister, this bedroom sports the same green paint treatment as the main bedroom. A custom-built study desk and wall shelves have been added to carve out a full-fledged workstation.

Above and opposite page Common bathroom

With tiles featuring botanical prints from Hafary decking the walls, biophilia takes centre stage in the common bathroom. Hexagonal-shaped niches make space-saving storage solutions for the custom-built vanity counter.

Best Bathroom Plants

Local plants that thrive in small spaces without light.

Peace lily

Good in low-light areas, but it also needs some indirect light during the day. Do note that peace lilies are toxic to pets (and young kids) when chewed on.

Spider plant

This unique plant gets its name from its dangling leaves, which resemble spiders hanging off a web.

Aloe Vera

A household plant with healing properties, the gel from the leaves soothes insect bites, cuts and burns.

Do place it near the bathroom window or anywhere that will receive indirect sunlight.

English Ivy

Usually potted in a hanging planter, this space-saving plant enjoys the high humidity found in a bathroom.

NO LIMITS

12 trends and fresh updates for turning your bathroom into less of a utilitarian space and more of a personal style expression.

1. IRRESISTIBLE CURVES

One trick to giving your bathroom some instant je ne sais quoi? Curves! Soft lines are strongly making their way into bathrooms, as seen on Inbani’s latest bathtub, the Arc160 (pictured on left page). Designed by Norm Architects for the Spanish bathroom brand, Arc160 presents fluid ergonomics with a characteristic arched detail. This draws out a drop shadow appearance and gives the impression of a floating bathtub.

On local grounds, this HDB bathroom by AMP Design Co delights all senses with its sculptural curves. Starting from the screen-like door design to the mirror sited within bamboo grove-like tiles, the Japanese wabi-sabi style comes alive.

2. VACAY VIBES

We’ve all experienced the rainshower, how about a refreshing waterfall shower? The 080W waterfall shower head from VOLA features a chrome spout with a gentle cascading stream. It might not be the most water-saving feature with a flow rate of 14 litres per minute, but you just can’t put a price on an invigorating shower that reminds you of a waterside villa.

It sure feels like an evening out in Morocco with this bold and beautiful display of Spanish-inspired tiles decking the powder room. With interiors looking more towards old-world eras for design inspo, we’re ready to get onboard this charming style.

DESIGN BY INSIGHT.OUT STUDIO

3.

SPA RETREATS

It feels near impossible to have a bathtub in the limited confines of a tight bathroom, but you can always dream big with a freestanding compact tub. Designed for slow living, these are ergonomically shaped for calm relaxation.

4.

STATEMENT SHOWERS

Touted as the world’s first shower tile, the BetteAir from BettePlaces makes the dream of having a curbless shower entry come true; especially for wheelchair users. It is made of durable glazed titanium steel, and with a tile thickness of only ten millimetres, it integrates with other large-format tiles as a seamless unit.

What is a wet room?

Derived from Japanese design where its typical bathroom has a shower and bathtub, a wet room is basically a large, uninterrupted and waterproofed space with an unenclosed tiled bath area and a large drain. The look has evolved considerably with unseemly shower curtains taken out of the equation and replaced by practical see-through screens.

DESIGN BY INSIGHT.OUT STUDIO

5.

DECKED OUT SINK

The practice of washing hands has never been more prevalent than in recent years, and it’s natural to put more design thought into our hand-washing spaces, or sinks. For this main bathroom, double sinks in pastel pink are wellcontrasted with hexagonal tiles and a gentle grey scheme to make hand-washing feel more like a treat than a chore.

6.

TEXTURE TWIST

French designer Sarah Poniatowsk designed this bathroom for AXOR and has blended playful prints and organic patterns with the understated and contemporary forms of the AXOR Starck collection.

A floor-standing AXOR Starck faucet plays up the sleek contrast against the travertine bathtub while the AXOR Starck Shower Column pops up with a natural elegance against the chevron-style tiles.

8.

EXTRA-THICK COUNTERS

7.

SINGULAR EVOLUTION

The ABACO by CEADESIGN is a glimpse of what the future of bathrooms looks like. This modular and linear system conceals sanitary functions such as the sink, WC and bidet within a single unit. Made of stainless steel, a high-performance material with anti-bacterial properties for hygiene, it offers an ergonomic heated seat and ease of cleaning.

While marble is definitely enjoying its moment in the limelight, nothing beats an extra-thick marble slab to top the vanity and induce even more luxury. Or you could splurge for more storage— like this grand vanity counter with an apothecary-style cabinet.

LAB

SEE-THROUGH FINISHES

There’s something soothing about seeing volumes of water and Artelinea’s Plissé Legno completely embodies that with its glass basin. A recent product debut by the Italian bathroom brand at the Salone del Mobile 2022 in Milan, this freestanding basin is connected to a wood stand with fluted details to add movement and lightness to the bathroom.

Another see-through collection from Artelinea is the Dicroico collection which features freestanding basins constructed out of four slabs of stratified glass. The glass uses a particular film which interacts with light at varying angles and changes colour depending on the angle you’re viewing it.

10. COSY TOUCHES

Softer textures will be the It bathroom addition as these inviting touches make the bathroom an even more liveable space. Think fluffy bathrobes, warm under-feet rugs or seats and benches with plush padding.

How often should you wear and wash your bathrobes?

• Wash your bathrobes as frequently as you wash your towels –after three to four wears—to reduce mould and bacteria.

• Try not to sit in your robe with wet hair as the longer the robe stays damp, the more mould, bacteria and other viruses will thrive in these favourable conditions.

• Bathrobes that are used and washed often tend to tear and fray after a couple of years so it’s a good idea to replace them every two years.

• Cotton bathrobes are the most durable material and can be washed together with other clothing, while fleece bathrobes should be separated, turned inside out and washed in cooler water.

• Extremely delicate satin and silk bathrobes should be hand-washed in lukewarm water and with a few drops of gentle detergent.

IMAGE COURTESY OF MENU

11.

POWDER ROOMS

The powder rooms of yore are back. It’s not just nostalgia, but having a separate basin area has major benefits. One of them is, of course, accessibility, where one user gets to use the sink while another can occupy the bathroom.

Tayllen Phoo, Creative Director from Authors Interior & Styling says: “Fitting a sink, toilet, bathtub or even a good-sized shower area into a HDB bathroom can be challenging, so a separate sink area will free up much-needed space.” Maintenance-wise, she asserts that it is much more practical to have the basin in a dry area with minimal exposure to humidity, chemicals and water. “These elements can gradually take a toll on laminates, carpentry and even the hinges or hardware of the sink cabinet,” she explains.

BY D’MARVEL

12.

ENCLOSED ENCLAVES

Feel like escaping from it all? With the sliding door closed, this bathroom is like a hidden oasis, standing by to wash away all your stress. The matt black finishes offer a restful and moody ambience as well as a striking contrast against metallic accents.

CLEAN AND PRISTINE

Ten unique and nifty cleaning hacks from Reddit.

text YAIZA CANOPOLI

From life advice to funny content, Reddit has much to offer to the modern adult. We particularly enjoy the CleaningTips subreddit, packed with everything from mopping hacks to product recommendations. After scouring the most popular and helpful posts in the subreddit, here are 10 unique cleaning hacks that may just change your life.

1.

POLISH COPPER WITH VINEGAR AND WATER

If you have copper wares sitting around the house collecting dust, it’s about time to give them a good polish! Particularly older copper items can end up getting quite dirty over time, losing their impressive shine. Boil four cups of water, add in one and a half cups of vinegar and mix in a heaped tablespoon of salt, then let your copper sit in the solution for about 30 seconds. You can then use a soft brush to go over delicate details and remove more of the grime. Finally, dry off the copper and coat it in some baby oil—according to the original poster, this whole process made her copper tray look as good as new.

2. DOUBLE MOP YOUR FLOORS

One of the most popular posts in this subreddit is all about double mopping your floors. While mopping the traditional way can leave streaks, double mopping makes for squeaky clean floors with no marks according to this Redditor. Wondering what double mopping means? Get hold of two buckets instead of just one and separate your cleaning solution from your dirty water. Instead of dirtying your cleaning solution every time you rinse out the mop, you get to use super clean water on your floors every time, avoiding unsightly streaks.

3.

CLEAN YOUR DISHWASHER USING IRON OUT

Got a rusty old dishwasher? This Redditor poured some Iron Out powder into the soap tray and sprinkled some more into the rest of the appliance, then ran a cycle without any dishes. It reportedly didn’t smell very nice while it was running, but the result looks as good as new! This kind of deep clean will not only make your dishwasher more pleasant to look at, but it will also allow your dishes to come out cleaner and without any funny tastes and smells.

4.

CUT UP A SPONGE TO CLEAN WINDOW TRACKS

Originally posted in a subreddit dedicated to oddly satisfying videos, this cleaning method is indeed mesmerising to watch! The Redditor who suggested it simply measures the gaps in the window tracks on a standard sponge, then cuts into the right places for a perfect fit. Others in the comments suggested using this trick with vinegar and even some WD-40 to keep everything sliding smoothly in neglected corners.

5.

GIVE METAL COOKWARE A NEW LIFE WITH BAR KEEPERS FRIEND

Be it a rusty pan or a faucet covered in limescale, people on Reddit swear by Bar Keepers Friend, a popular scouring powder containing oxalic acid. This particular Redditor mixed it with some hot water and scrubbed a dirty stainless steel pan for 10–15 minutes with the mixture. Others used a similar mix, some even soaking all of their metal utensils in the solution and using it to coat their kitchen faucets, effectively removing limescale build-ups. According to a different post in the same subreddit, Bar Keepers Friend works well to clean stained bathtubs too—just make sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards!

6. 7.

USE A SQUEEGEE ON YOUR SOFT FURNISHINGS

If you have a fabric couch, chances are its surface is full of pet fluff and strands of hair that seem impossible to get rid of. One popular solution in this subreddit? Running a squeegee over your couch. The rubbery surface attaches to all the hair and fur easily, making it quick and simple to remove with a few simple movements. Other Redditors pointed out that this method works wonders on carpets too, especially when using a squeegee made specifically for pet fur!

STEAM YOUR BACKSPLASH USING A KETTLE

A hack for those of you who own an oldschool kettle, this idea is a truly unique one that will cost you no extra money and can be done in minutes. Boil some hot water in your kettle and wait for the steam to exit the main opening, then move your kettle around so that the steam hits your backsplash. Ta-da, you have got yourself a free steam cleaner!

9.

8. PUT YOUR RANGE HOOD FILTERS IN THE DISHWASHER

One look at the comments under this Reddit entry will reveal that most people don’t know this cleaning hack: you can indeed pop your grimy range hood filters into your dishwasher! Make sure to wash them by themselves as combining them with dishes may result in bits of food getting stuck in the filters. You should also avoid putting range hood filters into the dishwasher if they are made with charcoal—this hack only applies to standard metal filters.

RENEW YOUR TILE GROUT WITH TOILET BOWL CLEANER

Getting rid of stubborn grout dirt can be tough. Thankfully, there seems to be a simple solution—toilet bowl cleaner! This Redditor used the Clinging Bleach Gel from Clorox, taking around two hours to renew grout that hadn’t been properly cleaned in 10 years. Another poster in the same subreddit tried the same method and confirmed that it worked like magic. One safety precaution to keep in mind if you’re working in an enclosed space is to ventilate as well as possible and work in small sections to avoid exposing yourself to intense fumes. Make sure to reseal your grout once you’ve deep-cleaned it to prevent mould in the future too.

10.

IRON OUT WATER STAINS FROM YOUR TABLE

An ingenious solution to a common problem: water stains on your precious hardwood table! Be it marks left from mugs and glasses or larger water stains, ironing the surface of your table over a cloth seems to do the trick. A helpful contributor explained in the comments that this works because the heat of the iron helps the water that was pushed into the wood to evaporate, effectively restoring the material to its original state. A hairdryer will apparently work as well, although it will take considerably longer.

Room for All

The needs of every member in this household are thoughtfully incorporated in this spacious apartment.

This cosy family unit, comprising retiree Ronnie, his daughter Christabel, her partner Phuong, and their pet cat and dog, wanted a comfortable living environment that would accommodate the needs of each household member.

In their discussions with Geraldine Chia of GB Interior, they outlined their extensive brief for their 1,417sq ft home: generous communal spaces to host gatherings, a functional open-concept kitchen, a home office, pet-friendly features, and safe, future-proof design.

While dad favoured a bright and white scheme, the younger folk preferred a duskier colour palette anchored by dark wood and grey tones. Their designer proposed a compromise that would meet the contrasting tastes halfway: white walls and cool, grey-toned floors, warmed up by warm maple wood carpentry.

The most significant transformation that happened within the communal space occurred in the dining area and kitchen. Originally enclosed, the walls of the kitchen came down to create the open-concept layout that the family desired. As cooking happens frequently, it was highly imperative to plan an accessible and fully functional space that would serve the trio’s needs. With the walls gone, the kitchen now extends to the dining space. A feature wall behind the dining table integrates the fridge and oven, offering storage niches to hold other appliances including the microwave. A peninsula countertop adds extra surface area for meal preparation and bar seats for casual dining. It is in this space that the arched scallop motif is made apparent: the backsplash tiles, the curved end of the peninsula countertop, and the arched doorway to the bedrooms.

Fitted with glass sliding doors, the study across the kitchen has the flexibility of being connected to the living room or having complete privacy with a simple slide of the custom doors. While the glass panels on the top are clear, fluted panels on the lower half of the doors add texture and partially hide messes on the floor from view.

To create the walk-in wardrobe in the primary bedroom, extra space was claimed from the facing common bedroom. The arched motif is replicated in the doorway to the wardrobe, adding a touch of flair to the simple corner.

Text ISABELLE TOW Photos GB INTERIOR

Previous page

Living room

Part of the balcony’s footprint was added to the living room to make it more spacious. The party wall shared with the next-door neighbour was soundproofed for greater privacy.

Below Study

Besides being a productive place to work, the study is also the family’s secondary entertainment space as it has a cosy lounge corner complete with a TV and beanbag chair.

Left Household shelter

Hidden behind the panelled false wall is the bomb shelter. The AC unit above is also partially concealed with a removable panel.

Below Dining area

The heart of the home, the large dining space is anchored by a dark walnut table from Commune.

Kitchen

The layout of the kitchen allows multiple people to occupy the space without feeling cramped.

Right Bedroom

Bedrooms are minimally furnished with just three essential items: a bed, bedside table, and a white wardrobe to imbue the space with a restful vibe.

Below Bathroom

Sliding doors conserve precious space inside the bathrooms. White KitKat tiles add textural interest to the walls.

BY HACKING DOWN THE WALLS THAT ONCE ENCLOSED IT, AND TAKING UP SOME OF THE YARD SPACE, THE CURRENT OPENCONCEPT KITCHEN NOW LOOKS AND FEELS LARGER THAN BEFORE.

A SECTION OF SPACE FROM THE FACING GUEST BEDROOM WAS ADDED TO THE PRIMARY BEDROOM TO CREATE A COSY WARDROBE CORNER.

S M A R T T W E A K S

Below Pet shower

Although the yard was reduced to enlarge the kitchen, it retains sufficient room for a pet shower, the washing machine and dryer, and storage space for household supplies.

Space Four-storey terrace

Location Yishun

Reno period Four months Home to A household of six Reno budget $300K

Light and Air

Clever redesigns imbue this inter-terrace home with abundant natural light and improved cross ventilation.

Long, narrow, and typically without a courtyard unlike most landed properties, the inter-terrace typology can struggle to receive sufficient ventilation and natural light. As such, Adeline and Emmanuel, owners of this 3,500sq ft interterrace in Yishun made it a priority to optimise daylight, as well as storage space, in their brief to their designer Yeep Mei Yi of Design Zage.

The couple approached the design firm after a previous project of theirs had caught their eye. The completed project had been expressed in their ideal aesthetic, a luxury resort-inspired contemporary style, so they felt confident that the Design Zage team could bring to life the home of their dreams.

With regards to the communal spaces, which are located on the first floor of the fourstorey house, the owners wanted the living room and kitchen to be expanded. The layout of the living area was inverted so that the sitting area is away from the main door. Instead of a typical TV console, a feature wall was fashioned to integrate storage space and display shelves

into a singular unit. Composed of sturdy metal frames, the wall-mounted display feature holds the TV screen and associated appliances on the left, while the right side, which sits directly under the central air well, sports custom plant boxes at staggered heights, including a handful of open niches for the family to display keepsakes. Strategically placed to capitalise on the bountiful natural light that streams in through the air well, the plant boxes are also adjustable so the owners can customise them as they please. For practicality, the designers made it a point to line the back with tiles to ensure the unit remains waterproof and undamaged from the regular plant watering.

Most of the changes to the first floor happened towards the back where the kitchen and guest bedroom are. To enlarge the kitchen, the passageway leading to the guest bedroom was shifted leftwards so that a pantry area with a peninsular countertop could be built between the kitchen and dining space. To

accommodate this reconfiguration, a powder room was removed, and the guest bathroom has been converted into a common bathroom for shared use on this level.

The other significant changes happened upstairs, specifically in the owners’ bedroom. Originally, the main bedroom was located on the second storey, but the owners decided to relocate their bedroom upstairs, so that the entire third floor could be made into their private quarters. The front room on the third floor, originally a family room with an adjoining roof terrace, has been converted into the bedroom. The left half of the roof terrace has been subsumed into the interior space and is now a cosy light-filled nook perfect for lounging in, whilst the right has been kept as the outdoor balcony.

With prudent spatial planning, the resultant redesign not only provides ample personal space for each family member, but also introduces abundant light and air throughout the entire home.

Text ISABELLE TOW Photos DESIGN ZAGE

Left Living room

A contemporary luxury resort-style design language was curated for this four-storey inter-terrace home.

Below Feature wall

A floating wall-hung storage unit cum TV console that was custom-made for the living room is not only practical, but its slender structure keeps the communal zone airylooking and spacious.

Right Common bathroom

With the powder room gone, the guest bathroom now serves as the primary bathroom on the first floor. Timbereffect wall tiles laid in a chevron pattern imbue the space with a soothing vibe.

Below

Dining space

A statement pendant light provides the focal point in the low-key yet elegant dining room.

Opposite page Kitchen

Contrasting tones of white and dark green set the scene in the expanded galley kitchen, which now combines both the wet and dry zones.

Right Walk-in wardrobe

Formerly a guest bedroom, this space has since been converted into a sprawling walk-in wardrobe.

Below Primary bedroom

The entire third floor has been converted into the main suite for the owners, complete with a private roof terrace, walk-in wardrobe, and ensuite bathroom.

Below Primary ensuite

The walls that once enclosed the bathroom were demolished and replaced with glass. The airier bathroom is now accessible via two separate doorways which open to the walk-in wardrobe at the back and bedroom in front respectively.

S M A R T T W E A K S

BY

THE PASSAGEWAY TO THE GUEST

LEFT, THE KITCHEN

Space

Location

Home

Rest and Relax

A retired couple’s passions and worldly tastes are integrated into their scenic waterfront apartment.

After a lifetime of labour and family rearing, the Maulods sought a restful residence to enjoy their hard-earned retirement. After purchasing this resale ground floor apartment in Bedok Reservoir, they commissioned designer Casper Chow of Bowerman Interior Planner to redesign the place to accommodate their lifestyle and needs.

Casper noted the owners’ worldly, sophisticated tastes, which have been honed by years of extensive travel. The Maulods are frequent hosts, and Mrs Maulod enjoys whipping up a storm of dishes and bakes whenever family and guests gather. As such, a large and impressive kitchen was foremost in their brief. Being a former librarian and bibliophile, the missus also desired a spacious bookshelf to store and proudly display her collection of tomes.

Typical of most apartment layouts, the existing kitchen was relegated to a corner of the home and had a rather cramped footprint. To make the kitchen the true heart of the Maulods’ home, it was relocated to the living room where it now is the hero of the space. The main storage units, kitchen appliances, and sink are seamlessly integrated into the full-height cabinetry built against the wall. A long 3.5-metre island that adds extra countertop surface is sheathed in luxurious Cosentino Sensa Black Beauty granite on its surfaces, including the waterfall edges. Its generous length allows plenty of room for both food preparation and dining to take place at the same time, allowing the host to interact with her guests.

An adjacent guest bedroom was demolished to add extra living space to the communal zone. The bay windows provided a fortuitous spot for the bookshelf feature that the missus specifically requested. Since their ground floor patio looks out onto Bedok Reservoir, the dining area has been shifted here so mealtimes always come with a view. As the patio is visible from the main entrance, an arched doorway was fashioned to frame the space and the view beyond.

The final spot where significant changes were made was the primary bathroom. The previous owners had a walk-in wardrobe built between the bedroom and bathroom, creating a transitional zone that connects the two spaces. However, the Maulods felt that they would have better use for the space by merging it with the bathroom to create a larger, more luxurious feeling ensuite. Inside, inky tones are accented by glimmers of gold in the cabinetry handles and warm lighting, evoking a dozy, spa-like ambience.

ISABELLE TOW Photos BOWERMAN INTERIOR PLANNER

Previous page

Communal space

A sweeping glance at the communal zone reveals the passions of the owners living in this home: comfort, books, food, and community.

Left Kitchen

Unlike typical apartments where the kitchen is relegated to a corner, in this home the cooking zone has pride of place. The 3.5-metre-long island counter is the hub of the home. Family and guests socialise and help themselves to dishes and sweet treats that the matriarch lovingly prepares atop this dynamic feature.

Below Bookshelf

A focal point in the communal space, the bookshelf feature frames and makes good use of the bay windows.

Right Patio

A wide arch was installed to frame the patio and the lush views of the park and reservoir beyond.

Below Doorway to yard

Like this door that leads to the yard, arched features around the house serve to bump up visual interest.

Opposite page

Primary bedroom

A restful sanctuary was created in the couple’s bedroom. A pop of royal blue in the upholstered headboard elevates the simple backdrop complemented by warm parquet flooring and simple grey-toned walls.

Left Primary bathroom

The newly expanded bathroom is redolent of tropical resorts. An inky rendering of the wood, stone and rattan textures gives the look a chic and contemporary twist.

TO CREATE THE SITTING AREA, AN ADJACENT GUEST BEDROOM WAS DEMOLISHED AND ADJOINED TO THE COMMUNAL SPACE.

THE FORMER WALK-IN WARDROBE HAS BEEN SUBSUMED INTO THE BATHROOM, NEARLY DOUBLING ITS FOOTPRINT.

Right Balance

This penthouse unit combines modern and vintage touches for a home that’s comfortable and cosy.

FACT FILE

SPACE

Condominium penthouse unit

SIZE

Approx. 1,851sq ft LOCATION

Bartley Road

HOME TO Family of five and a helper DESIGNER

Ject Zheng of Renozone

RENO PERIOD

Three months

116 Lavender Street

#01-07 Pek Chuan Building Singapore 338730

Tel: 6292 3345 renozone.com.sg

1 Living room

Even though the unit is fairly new, the family wanted a complete overhaul to better suit their tastes. The designer kept things simple here with a white palette that brightened the room and allowed the family’s decorative items and furnishings to stand out. The media unit blends in with the surroundings, sporting just enough detail to add visual interest without distracting from the TV screen.

2 Dining area

This penthouse unit had a very tall but pitched ceiling over the dining room of close to 5m. The designer levelled the ceiling to create a more intimate atmosphere and allow the eye-catching group of pendant lights to be hung at equal height over the dining table.

3 Bedroom

The homeowners wanted a classic yet modern look for their main suite. To achieve this, timeless and neutral beige

tones were used for the walls and drapes, paired with wood textures for a natural touch. A calming blue bed frame references the window trim and view outside, creating a restful sanctuary for the owners to retreat to at the end of the day.

4 Kitchen

The cooking zone was completely redone with new flooring, appliances and cabinetry for a fresh look and improved functionality. A white scheme was chosen, along with shaker panel doors and gold hardware to tie in the decor with the communal spaces of the house.

5 Bathroom

Starting from scratch, the designer went with glossy white tiles for the walls and large mirrors across the vanity to create a spacious and clean appearance. In addition to functional overheard lights, cove lighting was installed for ambience and a soft glow for night-time trips to the loo.

RENOZONE INTERIOR DESIGN HOUSE

Renozone has been in the business of making dreams come true since 1998. With their well-tested professional capabilities, client-oriented service and attention to detail, they ensure that their

clients’ needs are fulfilled and met beyond their expectations. Be it creating your dream home or giving your business the best shot at success, Renozone is proud and ready to be of service to you.

tip Combat dim spaces by using light tones with glossy or slightly reflective eggshell finishes.

WELCOME HOME

Bringing together furniture, fragrance and sound, K ing Living created the perfect multi-sensory experience for homeowners.

On 14 July 2022, dozens of homeowners came together at the King Living Kallang Showroom for a truly special evening. Guests got to immerse themselves in a multi-sensory home experience with comfortable sofas, sumptuous food, personalised fragrance and three-dimensional sound.

While those may seem like rather disparate experiences, they came together flawlessly in the conducive showroom environment. After all, what could be a better way to discover the comfort of a great sofa than to enjoy a movie with deep seats, perfect surround sound and delicious snacks?

The fragrance station was another crowd favourite, allowing guests to figure out their preferred scent notes and concoct a special vial that’s entirely their own. Overall, personalisation was certainly at the forefront of the evening, from the modularity of the sofas and the adaptable sound systems to the customisable scenting.

We left the event feeling not just refreshed but also inspired to infuse our homes with a little more pizzazz, be it in the form of a room spray, a new set of speakers or a gorgeous sofa packed with modular features. Here’s to making a house feel like home!

For a whole new experience, drop by the newly opened King Living showroom at Alexandra too!

WELL-ROUNDED

Most bathroom sinks are pretty standard, but Rubine’s EVEA basin stands out with its focus on function and flair. Designed to be mounted on any worktop, its generous rectangular form ensures optimum useability while rounded edges give it a unique and pleasing silhouette and prevent accidental bumps while blearyeyed in the morning.

When it comes to maintenance, Rubine has thought through the details. Smooth to the touch with a high-gloss, durable and waterrepellant finish, the sink is easy to clean and resistant to knocks and thermal shocks as well.

Going along with its modern-classic appearance, EVEA comes in two timeless

and scratch-resistant options: high-gloss white or matt black for the outer surface. A rose gold band encircles the edge, adding a glamorous glint. Baked onto the sink at high temperatures for durability, this premium touch isn't something you'll see often while shopping for sinks as it cuts into profits and requires a high level of craftsmanship to pull off. Even then, less than half come out perfectly which explains why sinks like these are so hard to come by.

For further customisation, you can even mix and match different colour combinations for the stopper and trap. While getting all the details of your bathroom just right can be tedious, this is one easy pick for your wishlist.

Located along River Valley Road, this modern, openconcept apartment was missing a certain something when Benson Toh and Sharon Ong moved in with their family. After opting for a soothing neutral colour palette, they quickly realised what the space needed: plenty of comfy accents to make one feel at home.

That’s when Benson came across the King Living Kallang Showroom, located just a stone’s throw

King Living

PRIORITISING COMFORT

Here’s how this minimalist family furnished their apartment.

away from his office. This made it extra convenient to browse for furniture after work and even during his lunch breaks. Once Sharon saw the furnishings and wide range of leather and fabric options with her own two eyes, the couple knew they’d found what they’d been looking for.

They opted for the Jasper Sofa with added timber shelves as their very first pick, turning the living area into a central gathering space with multifunctional appeal. The Seymour Mid Swivel Armchair and Quay Indoor Dining Chairs followed shortly after, achieving the perfect balance of design, functionality and comfort in the common areas.

Having opted for a neutral, streamlined design style, the couple chose pieces that uphold their love of subtle minimalism for a modern yet timeless aesthetic. Plus, the Jasper Sofa is perfectly positioned to give them a lovely view of their favourite tree outside the window, almost like looking out into a peaceful garden.

“Living in a city where we’re constantly stimulated by noise can feel overwhelming at times. Our home is a sanctuary away from that bustle,” shares Benson. “We love the comfort of our Jasper Sofa, where we can relax and unwind as a family. My son loves the Seymour Armchair that I picked for myself so much that he has claimed it as his!”

Smarten up your King Living sofa with these nifty Smart Accessories

Lume Smart Light: Create the perfect reading lighting for when you're relaxing on your sofa.

Timber Shelf: Cleverly integrate your timber shelf with a wireless charging option.

Jasper Sofa and Seymour Mid Swivel Chair

Homeowners Benson Toh and Sharon Ong

INSPIRED BY NATURE

Invite nature into your home with these pleasing patterned tiles from Soon Bee Huat.

If you’re looking to add pattern and colour to your spaces but want something you won’t easily tire of, Soon Bee Huat’s nature-inspired tiles in calming hues will add the right amount of interest without overwhelming your decor.

Verde

If you can’t get enough of plants, or worry about caring for botanical companions, the Verde tiles have a consistent leafy pattern that will always ensure you have some beautiful greenery around.

Azure

Make quiet spaces come to life with patterns featuring a dreamy blend of blue, turquoise, white and terracotta hues. The Azure tiles evoke a striking yet subdued aesthetic that makes them perfect for backsplashes, bathroom walls, entryways and accent walls.

Foliage

Adorned with a tropical botanical design, Foliage has hints of yellow woven into various shades of green to create a vibrant backdrop with a bit of warmth. While seemingly bold, the patterns come together seamlessly, almost reading like a neutral background so the room never looks too busy.

Serena

Want something a little more mellow? Serena tiles pair delicate floral motifs with veined stone textures in neutral and earthy hues, adding elegance and visual dimension while working well with the existing colours in your space.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

AMP Design Co

114 Lavender Street CTHUB 2 #03-67 Singapore 338729 tel: 9693 9096 / 9759 4247 amp-design.co

Authors Interior & Styling 22 New Industrial Road #01-07/08 Singapore 536208 authorsinterior.co

Bowerman Interior Planner tel: 9487 9324 facebook.com/ bowermaninteriorplanner

Cozyspace Interior Agrow Building 90 Lor 23 Geylang Singapore 388393 tel: 9009 2395 cozyspace.sg

D’Marvel Scale 140 Paya Lebar Road #03-09 AZ@Paya Lebar Singapore 409015 tel: 6702 6789 dmarvelscale.com

Design Zage

2 Kallang Ave #08-01 CT Hub Singapore 339407 tel: 6291 5460 designzage.com

DISTINCTidENTITY

12 Arumugam Road

#01-02 LTC Building B Singapore 409958 tel: 6846 0033 distinctidentity.com.sg

EightyTwo

685A East Coast Road Singapore 459054 tel: 6698 7987 eightytwo.sg

GB Interior 10 Tampines North Drive 4 Singapore 528553 tel: 6546 7920 facebook.com/gbi.sg

Insight.Out Studio Pte. Ltd. 16 Shaw Road #01-06 Kin Building Singapore 367954 insightout-studio.com

Linear Space Concepts

176 Orchard Rd #05-05

The Centrepoint Singapore 238843 tel: 9643 5920 linearspaceconcepts.com

Renozone Interior Design House 116 Lavender Street

#01-07 Pek Chuan Building Singapore 338730 tel: 6292 3345 renozone.com.sg

The Interior Lab 86 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427803 tel: 6345 6372 theinteriorlab.com.sg

PRODUCTS & SERVICES Anthropologie

sg.anthropologie.com

Artelinea artelinea.it/en-gb/home

born in colour

1024 Yishun Industrial Park A #02-31 Singapore 768763 tel: 6257 2501 bornincolour.com

Casa (S) Pte Ltd

15 Kian Teck Crescent Singapore 628884 tel: 6268 0066 casaholdings.com.sg

CEADESIGN ceadesign.it

FortyTwo fortytwo.sg

Geberit geberit.com.sg

hansgrohe

69 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore 239015 tel: 6884 5060 hansgrohe.com.sg

HipVan hipvan.com

IKEA

60 Tampines North Drive 2 Singapore 528764 tel: 6786 6868 ikea.com/sg

King Living Alexandra Showroom

2 Leng Kee Road, #01-02 and #01-03 Thye Hong Centre Singapore 159086 tel: 6232 9106

Kallang Showroom 22 Kallang Avenue, #01-00 Hong Aik Building Singapore 339413 tel: 6805 4198 kingliving.com

Lian Seng Hin

3 Ubi Avenue 3 #01-01 Crocodile House Singapore 408857 tel: 6747 2522 liansenghin.com.sg

MENU menuspace.com

Missoni Home missoni.com

Rubine rubine.com.sg SaniQUO saniquo.com.sg

Soon Bee Huat

3A Toh Guan Road East Singapore 608834 tel: 6564 1900 sbh.com.sg

Viega South East Asia Pte. Ltd. 28 Sin Ming Lane #03-146 Midview City Singapore 573972 howard.tan@viega.sg tel: 9745 9355 viega.sg

IN GOOD LIGHT

Bathroom lighting is often an afterthought, but the secret to achieving a hotel-like ambience can be as easy as installing dimmers or adding hidden strip lights across the sides and bottom of the space. This simple move creates a diffused and flattering glow that will make both you and your private haven look so much better!

GEBERIT BUNDLE DEAL