SINGAPORE

www.homeanddecor.com.sg

SINGAPORES NO.1 INTERIOR DESIGN MAGAZINE NIELSEN MEDIA INDEX 2012

Y
OF SEARS
T Y LIS
LIVIN
H
G

Direct
from
Italy

DIVIDE&CONQUER
HOW TO ZONE YOUR OPEN-CONCEPT SPACE

The
e Best
Best
of the
Milan
Furniture
Fair 2013
MILLION-DOLLAR
HDB FLATS

FIND OUT WHOS

BUYING & WHY
PAGE 196

LUXE, FUN
& RESORT-STYLE
FURNISHINGS

ALL FOR THE OUTDOORS!

S$6.00

JUNE 2013

The only authorized authentic

LC2 by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret, Perriand and Cassina.

Design rst.
Man needs colour to live (Le Corbusier). The iconic LC2 armchair is a piece of design history and it is made even more
extraordinary by its availability in a wide palette of colours. The three renowned architects entrusted the visionary LC2
exclusively worldwide to Cassinas craftsmen, the only experts authorized to produce it. Each LC2 is accompanied by
a ten-year guarantee.

456 River Valley Road Singapore 248 342 Tel. +65 6 235 0220
info@dream-int.com www.dream-int.com

cassina.com

JUNE 2013

125

the new outdoors

128

96
COME OUT & PLAY
With todays outdoor accessories rising in the
style stakes, even the smallest balcony can be
as classy as you want it to be.

106
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Here are three outdoor furniture styles to breathe
new life into your private alfresco area.

space planning
116

98

IN THE ZONE
Its possible to define different spaces within
a home without using walls just make use of
furniture, accessories and even lighting.

124
GAME PLAN
Setting space boundaries is a cinch with these
trendy yet versatile storage and flooring pieces.

h&d homes
134
FULL OF SURPRISES
Not settling for the usual furnishings, this couple
sourced bold and edgy decor accessories.

142
SETTLING IN
After years of renting, these homeowners
tailored their own home to their precise needs.

150
AN ASIAN AFFAIR
This penthouses astounding art collection comes
from the owners long romance with the Orient.

172

160
FAMILY DAYS
When this family reunites, its in a home filled
with the parents art-and-antique collection.

home abroad
76
EYE ON BEAUTY
A luxurious interplay of textures and materials
transforms an old Parisian townhouse into
a stunning modern home.

170
LIVING WITH THE PAST
A couple with a penchant for the vintage
mounted a global search for the real deal.

182
COUNTRY LIVING
Building a country home in modern
Singapore required the homeowners and the
designer to be extremely resourceful.

10

76

7\YL:PTWSL+P]PUL

W. Atelier Pte. Ltd.

Level One, 75 Bukit Timah Road I T +65 6270 8828 I F +65 6270 0020
Opening Hours 10am - 6pm Mondays to Saturdays I watelier.com

Find us on

64

{ eco warrior }
90
THE TRUTH ABOUT LEDS
LEDs save energy and last longer, but theyre
also more expensive so, get to know them
better before you buy.

62

90

{ design buzz }
56
CLOSE TO YOU
Direct from Italy our Milan Furniture Fair
report details the latest design trends, which
include soft hues and comforting shapes.

68

12

MADE BY HAND
Ceramic art and handmade pottery pieces
are making their way into homes as
functional, everyday pieces.

{ property }
196
THE MILLION-DOLLAR QUESTION
Jaws dropped when an HDB flat was sold for
more than a million dollars last September.
Will this be the new normal?

now
25
MAKE THIS MUTT
Unleash your creativity by bringing this dogshaped magazine rack to life.

26
WIRE THIS UP
Contemporary craftsmanship and
technology is used to conjure up wire forms.

28
COVER
PHOTOGRAPHY: WINSTON CHUANG
ART DIRECTION: NONIE CHEN
& NICCO LIM
CUSHIONS FROM THE FOUNDRY

HOT SEAT - LA MARIE

The La Marie by Kartell is the worlds first
transparent chair made from a single mould.

30
WHATS NEW
The latest in design and decor to dress up
your home.

28

38

JUNE

GIVEAWAY
215

5 QUESTIONS - NILS GUNNAR

Read what the CEO of specialist recliner
brand IMG has to say about ergonomics.

HOME & D
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213
HOME & DEC
OR TURNS 25
ARE LOOKIN
! WE
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AND REWAR
DING THEM
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ATTRACTIVE
PRIZES!

40
TREND - BOTANICALS
Plant designs are popular this season, with
details that make you take notice.

42
PEOPLE - JEAN-BAPTISTE OUDEA
This Frenchman wants to inculcate an
appreciation of fine European antiques here.

44
PEOPLE - ONG KER-SHING AND
JOSHUA COMAROFF
The owners of Strangelets have published
an architecture book with a twist.

46
PEOPLE - JAMIE DURIE
The Australian horticulturalist has just
launched his first interior furniture line.

48
SHOPPING - IMHOMM
Industrial-style furniture and contemporary
home accessories.

50

14

SHOPPING - IN SITU
Handcrafted furniture and art from
Guatemala.

regulars
20
52
194
202
204
206
208
210

EDITORS NOTE
ASK SOPHIE
KITCHEN
FIX IT
PROJECT SHOWCASE
INSTORE
BUYING GUIDE
WHERE TO BUY

group editor-in-chief CAROLINE NGUI (nguislc@sph.com.sg)

group editor RAYMOND GOH (raygoh@sph.com.sg)
EDITORIAL
editor REBECKKA WONG (wongspr@sph.com.sg)
consulting editor SOPHIE KHO (khomss@sph.com.sg)
writer MAVIS ANG (mavisang@sph.com.sg)
executive sub-editor RYAN REUBEN (ryanr@sph.com.sg)
online writer EVANGELINE LEONG (eleong@sph.com.sg)
C R E AT I V E
creative director MAUREEN CHENG (chenglpm@sph.com.sg)
senior art director NONIE CHEN (noniec@sph.com.sg)
associate art director NICCO LIM (niccol@sph.com.sg)
graphic designers LEYNA POH (leynapoh@sph.com.sg) KAFFY TAN (kaffytan@sph.com.sg)
chief photographer AIK CHEN (hoonaik@sph.com.sg)
executive photographer FRENCHESCAR LIM (frenchl@sph.com.sg)
photographers WONG WEI LIANG (wongwl@sph.com.sg)
WINSTON CHUANG (wchuang@sph.com.sg) DARREN CHANG (darrenc@sph.com.sg)
senior photo administrator COCO PANG (cocopang@sph.com.sg)
EDITORIAL SUPPORT
senior manager, administration and editorial support unit JULIANA CHONG (julianac@sph.com.sg)
manager ALICE HAN (tayaha@sph.com.sg)
editorial coordinator CLARE CHENG (huiyan@sph.com.sg)

I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N S

HOME & DECOR INDONESIA

editor-in-chief FERRY TANOK
PT KINGPIN MEDIA Jl. Hang Tuah II, No. 2 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12120, Indonesia
tel: (62 21) 2555-4450, fax: (62 21) 2555-4452, e-mail: info@kingpinmedia.co.id
AD SALES ENQUIRIES EDWIN AROFAH e-mail: edwin@kingpinmedia.co.id

HOME & DECOR MALAYSIA

editor ELAINE DONG
WRITEON MEDIA SDN BHD Lot 30, Jalan Kartunis, U1/47, Temasya Industrial Park Phase 2
Seksyen U1, 40150 Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
tel: (603) 5569 6800, fax: (603) 5569-6810, e-mail: sales@writeonmedia.com.my
AD SALES ENQUIRIES MICHELLE YOW e-mail: michelle@writeonmedia.com.my

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MILAN MADNESS
The biggest event on the international design calendar has to be the Milan
Furniture Fair. Thousands of design aficionados make the pilgrimage every
year to the fashionable Italian city to be dazzled by the latest offerings from the
(mainly European) furniture design community from bright-eyed young talents
to hallowed marquee brands. The whole city also moves to the same stylish beat
as hundreds of satellite events outside the fairgrounds show us innovative new
ways of interacting with our living spaces. How could we be absent?
This month, Home & Decor spots the trends from the event in Close to You
(page 56), but watch out in the months ahead for more exclusive Milan Fair
content. However, before you start making up your furniture wish list, explore
the basics of planning a space. After all, our homes arent getting any bigger.
Having an open-concept layout is a great solution to dealing with the space
crunch, but how do you zone your home if you have no walls? Use furniture,
flooring and even lighting as invisible space markers. In The Zone on page
116 will show you how (these tips apply to large spaces, too!)
If you have a decent-sized balcony or yard area, look at taking your indoor
spaces outside. Retailers are making this easy to do with all-weather furniture
and accessories which up the style quotient no matter where they are placed.
Lounge fashionably with the latest luxe, fun and resort looks in External Affairs
on page 96 and Come Out & Play on page 106. As the weather heats up, we say
embrace it and take the party outdoors (dont forget the sunscreen)!

REBECKKA WONG
EDITOR

PG 56

Discover the
highlights
of the Milan
Fair!

Not only is it stylish,

outdoor furniture is
super-durable too!

PHOTO DARREN CHANG STYLING NICCO LIM

PG 96

eco
text REBECKKA WONG

25
YEARS
OF STYLISH
LIVING

Home & Decor, June 1988

What a difference 25 years make!

To chuckle at how far weve come
design-wise in a quarter of a century,
we pick some noteworthy highlights
from the issue of the magazine
25 years ago to the month.

advertisement
MODERN
CONVENIENCES

d
design tren
OLD IS GOLD
Antique furniture, from precious
blackwood pieces to the trendy
colonial teak styles we see today,
were already on our radar in a
special feature.

home
COUNTRY LIFE
It was consulting editors
Sophie Khos first edition
of Home & Decor as
contributing editor, and
she penned this story
on the English country
cottage look of a Yio Chu
Kang apartment.

Singers Miracle range of

sewing machines was touted
as its ultra modern miracles,
designed to meet different
sewing skills and budgets.

DWELL INTERIOR DESIGN P.L.

INTERIOR DESIGN & CONSULTANCY
DESIGN & BUILD
ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
WWW.DWELL.COM.SG

RIVER VALLEY | 11 KIM YAM ROAD | T 6883 1005 | BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

T RE NDS
C OLO U R
IC ON
P E OPL E
S HOP P I N G

This sculptural
magazine rack (price
unavailable), along
with Kelvins other
designs, are available
at Space Sense.

MAKE
MUTT

this

AN AMUSING TRIBUTE TO MANS BEST FRIEND, THE

DOG MAGAZINE RACK BY KELVIN TEO OF SPACE
SENSE COMES IN SOLID YELLOW, GREEN, BLACK OR
RED VERSIONS, ALONG WITH SOME FUN STICKERS.
UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY BY BRINGING YOUR
PUP TO CHEEKY LIFE OR KNOCKING HIM OUT
BY USING DIFFERENT DECALS.
text MAVIS ANG photo WONG WEI LIANG art direction NONIE CHEN

T RENDS
text SHWETA PARIDA

WIRE IT UP
A NEW BLEND OF
CONTEMPORARY
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND
TECHNOLOGY IS BEING
CONJURED UP WITH
WIRE FORMS.

Malleable metallic wire is being hailed as the new

wood. Its rustic vintage-meets-industrial appeal
makes it a popular material for almost everything
from furniture to lighting to accessories.
LA-based manufacturer Artecnica recently
collaborated with Swiss designer Julie Richoz to
produce Thalie a container made of flat sheet
metal held together by a fine wire thread running
though the strips. Richoz says that she was
inspired by craft techniques such as crochet and
knitting. Available in a silver finish, the container
can be used as a fruit bowl or a bread basket.
Introducing it to interiors in the form of smaller
accessories is a more subtle approach to the trend.
American homeware retailer CB2 stocks many
such pieces, including the intertwined wire mesh
ornamental vase good enough to display as it is.

26

The Thalie bowl by

Artecnica highlights the
sculptural traits of its
material. Available at
www.artecnicainc.com.

These wire vases

(left) from CB2 and
the Cloud mobile by
Magis are statementmaking pieces in their
own right. Magis is
available at Xtra.

USED TO CONVEY RIGIDITY

OF FORM AS WELL AS FRAGILITY,
WIRE IS INDEED VERSATILE.
Dutch design studio
Oooms was inspired by
3-D computer modelling
for the Wireframe chair,
www.oooms.nl. left
The Black Vase series
presents only the outline
of everyday objects.

27

Recently launched at the Salone del Mobile,

the Cloud mobile by Benedetta Mori Ubaldini
from the Magis Me Too childrens collection
also conjures soft curves from a material
resembling chicken wire.
Instead of creating volume with wire, the
Small Black Vase Series by Japan-based Nendo
studio features wire frames of glassware such
as wine glasses, carafes, beakers, and tea and
coffee mugs that can be made to function as
vases by adding a real glass object inside it.
Other possibilities of wired-up design
include rigid forms such as the Pizza Table
by Naoto Fukasawa for Magis, which has
more sculptural leanings, and the Wireframe
chair by Dutch designer duo Guido Ooms
and Karin van Lieshout. The transparency
of the structure is inspired by the wire-frame
structures of the 3-D modelling phase of the
design process.

HO T S EAT
text VERLAINE RAMOS-MARQUEZ
photos LIFESTOREY & SPACE FURNITURE

La Marie is an ingenious
combination of
lightness and strength,
with fun colours to suit
any setting.

LA MARIE
WHY WE LOVE IT

Introduced in 1998, the La Marie (made by Kartell) is the worlds first completely
transparent chair made from a single polycarbonate mould. It looks almost weightless,
but is extraordinarily strong and durable. The material also allows it to be resistant to
bumps and scratches. It is stackable (up to seven chairs) and also easy to clean.
Aside from the transparent version, it also comes in four fluorescent shades: violet,
light yellow, pinky orange, and light orange. Its apparent lightness and refreshing
colours make it a versatile seat for both indoors and outdoors the transparent model
bringing airiness to a clean, modern space, or the vibrant versions adding a pop of
colour to a minimalist scheme.
WHO DESIGNED IT

28

This Merlion Louis

Ghost chair was
the winning design
during the Space and
Kartell Student Design
Competition in 2011.
right The limited
edition Louis Ghost
Barbie chair is eyecatching in any room.

French designer Philippe Starck, who is widely known for his product designs,
from furniture for Kartell and lighting for Flos, to toothbrushes for Alessi and
watches for Fossil. His stellar career started when he designed the interiors for
the private apartment of French president Francois Mitterrand in 1982. He has
designed hotels, restaurants, yachts and even windmills.
WHAT IT INSPIRED

After La Marie, Starck expanded the series of polycarbonate pieces

with the Ghost chairs, named after European monarchs whose period
styles inspired his designs. The Louis Ghost, a reinvention of the
classic Louis XV armchair, recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.
Other iconic designs in the Ghost family are the baroque-style
Victoria chair, the 19th century-inspired Charles stool, and the
baby version of Louis Ghost, the Lou Lou childrens armchair.
Get Kartell from Lifestorey #02-15 Great World City, tel: 6732-7362,
and Space Asia Hub, 77 Bencoolen Street, tel: 6415-0000.

WAVE. Designed by Luca Tormena

www.novamobili.sg
W. Atelier Pte Ltd I Level One, 75 Bukit Timah Road I T +65 6270 8828
Opening Hours 10am - 6pm Mondays to Saturdays

T RENDS
text REBECKKA WONG & MAVIS ANG

made
with love

Almost every item on new online

store four&twentys website is
an object of handcrafted beauty.
Offering a curated selection of
products from Denmark, Japan,
the US and Thailand, these items
possess a quiet, natural beauty from
materials such as wood, ceramic
and brass. We find the delicate
handcrafted wooden drinking vessels
from Japan particularly alluring.

Visit www.fourandtwenty.sg to purchase

or simply admire these artisanal pieces.

LIGHT MIGHT EVERYONE AND NOT JUST STUDENTS NEEDS

A PROPER DESK LIGHT. THE EYE CARE RANGE OF LED DESK LIGHTS FROM
PHILIPS OFFERS BOTH FORM AND FUNCTION IN A READING LIGHT. THEY
PROVIDE ZERO-FLICKER AND GLARE-FREE ILLUMINATION WITH DIMMING
CONTROLS TO REDUCE EYE FATIGUE, AND LOOK SUPER SLEEK, TOO.
Philips LED desk lights are available at selected electrical outlets.

U T.. .
CHECK O

NTH,
THIS MO

JEWEL CAFE + BAR

Besides serving up designer coffee, Jewel Coffees new outlet at

Rangoon Road also provides customers with an industrial-style
setting to savour their cup of java in. Local design practice Farm
gave the space a shell of bare concrete and subway tiles dressed
with cut-crystal light bulb pendants from British designer Lee Broom
and brass and copper ceiling features for a touch of refinement.

30

Jewel Cafe + Bar is located at 129 Rangoon Road, tel: 6298-9216.

T RENDS

THE ART OF TEA

Inspired by bamboo, Chinese designer Jamy Yang has
created the Serenity collection of tea accessories for Royal
Selangor along the lines of the Chinese idiom (the
virtue of contentment). The pewter has a ridged surface
that simulates the texture of bamboo fibre, and bamboo is
incorporated in the teapots base, finial, and handle.
The Serenity collection, comprising a teapot, tea caddy, snack plate,
tea whisk and teacups, is available at all Royal Selangor retail stores
and online at www.royalselangor.com.

TAKE IT LIGHTLY CREATED BY BRITISH

DESIGNER JASPER MORRISON FOR JAPANESE FURNITURE
COMPANY MARUNI, THE LIGHTWOOD CHAIR IN BIRCH HAS
A SIMPLE SILHOUETTE THAT STANDS OUT WITH THE SLIGHT
ARCH OF ITS BACK LEGS. IT IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT
ATOMI, WITH PRICES STARTING FROM $1,500.
Visit Atomi at #04-26/27 Mandarin Gallery, 333 Orchard Road, tel: 6887-4138.

PAST TIME

32

With vintage-inspired decor being the

design du jour these days, the best
complements to your interiors are
accessories that bring out your theme. We
love the new series of vintage clocks from
Comfort Design. They feature quirky verses
that are sure to put a smile on your face
whenever you check the time.
Get your reproduction vintage clocks at $99 each
from Comfort Design at 110 Eunos Avenue 7,
Comfort Design Building, tel: 6747-4809

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T RENDS

SOOTHE OPERATOR

Domicils newest sofa certainly lives up to its name, Soothe.

Sporting rounded armrests on a contemporary profile,
Soothe ($6,250) pays homage to the historic Chesterfield
sofa. Upholstered in luxurious tan leather, this 3.5-seater is
also available in four other brown hues as well as black.
Try out Soothe at Domicils showroom, #02-01/02, 56 Tanglin Road, tel: 6735-0511.

FOR DIVAS ONLY AS PRECIOUS AS THE

JEWELLERY YOU MIGHT PLACE IN IT, CARTIERS LUXURIOUS
TRINKET TRAY FEATURES ITS TRADEMARK PANTHER PROWLING
THROUGH THE SAVANNA. THIS LUST-WORTHY PIECE IS MADE
WITH FINE LIMOGES PORCELAIN, WITH A PLATINUM FINISH.
Available at all Cartier boutiques, www.cartier.com.

natural bling

34

Thanks to the creative chemistry between

American high-end contemporary
furnishings manufacturer Phillips Collection
and local design firm HC Design, the awardwinning Square Root Wall Sculpture is now
available locally. This striking work of art is
cast from artisan-grade resin and fiberglass,
then hand-painted and silver-leafed.

The Phillips Collection is displayed at HC Design

Centre 21, Tampines St 92, tel: 6272-2000.

A new way to make your home beautiful

ULTI
The haute couture of lighting
control. Exquisite. Exclusive.

NEO

Starring Horizontal Dolly and LED the forward switch for forward people

ZENcelo
The first FULL-FLAT switch.
An in-standing touch.

Pieno
Maximal dolly, minimal frame - German
high design.

Vivace

Simplicity and beauty for everyone.

A Bauhaus expression.

Life is full of delightful possibilities. EXPLORE.

Redefine Space and Style
with a Single Touch. Explore endless
delighted possibilities with our ranges.
Receive a complimentary award-winning ZENcelo switch and
download Jeu de Lumiere - The Art of Fine Lighting brochure now.
1. Go to www.SEreply.com
2. Entre keycode 52511M
Customer Care Center Hotline: 6484 7877
2012 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.
Schneider Electric Singapore Pte Ltd
10 Ang Mo Kio Street 65 #02-17/20 TechPoint Singapore 569059 Tel: 6484 7877 Fax: 6484 7800
Email: customercare.sg@schneider-electric.com Website: www.schneider-electric.com.sg

T RENDS

TIME
TO SHINE

THANKS TO NEW OFFERINGS THAT PROPEL HOME

ENTERTAINMENT TO THE NEXT DIMENSION, THIS IS
THE BEST TIME TO UPDATE YOUR TELEVISION SET.

To give young design talents a leg up,

Star Furniture Group has launched
the DStar Design Award. Calling for
entries from full-time design students
from local educational institutions,
the award will give budding designers
the chance to take their furniture
concepts from drawing to reality.
Get details of the DStar Award at
www.starfurn.com and on the official
Facebook page at www.facebook.
com/DStarDesignAward.

June Diary

Samsungs F6800 LED TV may be the most basic of

its smart TV lineup in terms of functionality; but it will
impress guests even before its switched on with its
gorgeous transparent frame. Starts at $1,599 for a
40-inch model.
The features of the
3-D Smart TVs that LG
presented for this year
include an easy-to-use
interface, seamless
content streaming from
Android smartphones,
and motion and voice
control with the help of
the fun Magic Remote.
The top-of-the-line
LA8600 model starts at
$4,899 for a 55-inch set.

JUNE 13
SOIREE @ THE RAFFLES ARCADE
THE RAFFLES HOTEL ARCADE,
328 NORTH BRIDGE ROAD

36

Launched last year in

the 84-inch format, the
4K LED TV by Sony
now comes in 65-inch
and 55-inch models,
too. Besides projecting
home theatre-quality
sound with its integrated
speakers, this model
can also upscale content
from any source to
deliver a crisp image
with life-like colours.

Soak up the work of the art galleries

located at the Raffles Hotel Arcade
Artesan Gallery + Studio (above),
Chan Hampe Galleries, Element Art
Space, Nikei Fine Art (below) and
Yunlore Gallery, all displayed at the
hotels garden courtyard, and join
in the hubbub over light snacks and
drinks at this casual event.

T RENDS
text MAVIS ANG photography ALAN LEE
art direction LEYNA POH

Questions
with...

NILS GUNNAR

CEO AND PRESIDENT OF NORWEGIAN

SPECIALIST RECLINER BRAND IMG

Furniture has been in his familys blood for three

generations since 1941. Nils Gunnar grew up without
any expectations to join the family business, but
stepped up to the challenge in 1996 to lend his
expertise in corporate finance. He now heads IMG
Norway, which spun off from the family business.

What was it like growing up in a

family that runs a furniture business?
Ergonomic chairs is the core family business,
so I was often reminded to sit properly. I didnt
listen then. But now, after years of carrying
my kids around, I can only sit comfortably on
a recliner. Younger people prefer more stylish
designs and will not appreciate the comfort of a
recliner, but I feel that its never too early to get
acquainted with one.

What makes IMGs recliners different?

Since the late 70s, Norwegian manufacturers
have mastered the technology behind cold
cure moulded foam. Foam, in a liquid state, is
injected into a closed mould, and then creams
up to form a shape. This creates slimmer, more
ergonomic structures. Cold cure moulded
foam, the common denominator in all of IMGs
products, also has a higher density that makes
it more durable. The conventional technique,
commonly used even today, is to cut a block of
foam and glue it together to form a shape.

How does the familys Scandinavian

roots influence your products?
The typical Scandinavian thinking, less is
more, is what we believe in. We try to make
our designs as clean and functional as possible
and avoid any gimmicks as I believe design
should be purposeful. In Norway, its common
to open your home to friends and family,
and thats why Norwegians have a culture of
spending on their interiors. We uphold quality
and comfort in our homes.
Style versus comfort at home what
are your thoughts on this?
When we build a recliner, it needs to be, above
all else, durable, comfortable, and ergonomic.
For recliners, we will never compromise quality
or comfort for style. For sofas though, we offer
slightly more stylish, but not-so-ergonomically
perfect models for customers. That said, our
sofas have shorter seats which provide better
body support. Sofas with deeper seats might
look better, but theyre not ergonomic.

left IMG recliners like

this one ($1,599) differ
from plusher American
designs with their
sleeker silhouettes.
above With an ageing
population, Nils believes
that Asians will continue
to invest in recliners.

Any tips on choosing the right

recliner? The size is important. Most IMG
recliners have two to three sizes, and some
also come in different heights. Different
designs also sit differently. So, test it out
properly by trying it for 10 to 15 minutes.

IMG recliners are available at Harvey Norman, #02-57 to 62 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, tel: 6311-9988

T RENDS
text SHWETA PARIDA

The Oxley wool rug

from Missoni Homes
new 2013 collection.
Available at Miles &
Theodore. left The
laser-cut floral motifs of
the Fiore room divider
by Zanotta are delicate
but not overly feminine.
From Proof Living.

right Lladros

Chandelier Niagara
brings the outdoors
in with an artistic
approach. bottom The
limited-edition White,
Red and Pink Camellia
rug by Paola Lenti
sports various textures.
From Dream Interiors.

SECOND
NATURE

BOTANICAL DESIGNS ARE POPULAR

THIS SEASON, WITH DETAILS THAT
MAKE YOU TAKE NOTICE.

LARGER-THAN-LIFE BOTANICAL
MOTIFS MAKE NATURE THE

40

FOCUS OF YOUR HOME.

Nature-inspired themes remain an eternal

favourite among designers: Botanical
motifs such as plants, flowers, leaves and
even creatures closely associated with flora
such as butterflies, find their way into our
homes, season after season. For nature
lovers, this is an easy way to bring the
outdoors indoors. For extra dimension,
patterns and textures are either more
realistic than ever, or exaggerated. Bright
floral patterns used as accents by way of
soft furnishings can add a burst of colour
to the interiors. You can never go wrong
with Nature.

PEO PLE
text REBECKKA WONG photography WONG WEI LIANG
art direction KAFFY TAN

who JEAN-BAPTISTE OUDEA

why THROUGH HIS SHOP APHORISM

ANTIQUES, HE WANTS TO BRING AN

APPRECIATION OF FINE EUROPEAN AND
ASIAN ANTIQUITIES TO EVERYONE

what gets him out of bed in the

morning SO MANY BEAUTIFUL WORKS OF

ART TO FIND IN THE WORLD, SO LITTLE TIME!

42

above Get an instant

education in classical
antiques by popping
in to chat with JeanBaptiste. right This
French architects table
from the 1800s allows
the user to work while
standing, too.

We never thought wed stumble upon a charming store

stocking fine European and Asian antiques from the late
18th and early 19th centuries among the shophouses
of sleepy Tiong Bahru. Jean-Baptiste Oudea started
Aphorism Antiques earlier this year, and the affable
Frenchman chose to site the shop in this area precisely
because its one of the few places in Singapore where
you have a feel of history.
Having lived in Singapore for 23 years (hes married
to a Singaporean), the ex-banker is now living the life
he would have if he had gone into his familys antique
business instead of banking. This passion was never lost,
however, but simply kept on the back burner (he started
buying small Asian collectibles when he was 13).
Now, his mission with the store is to stimulate peoples
curiosity about classical antiques. Although the collection
displayed is impressive a huge six-panel 1700s Japanese
screen is displayed at one end of the shop, together
with stately 18th-to-early-20th century French mahogany
furniture, an architects table from the 1800s, and smaller
curios clustered in display showcases Jean-Baptiste says
he doesnt want the space to be a museum. He handpicks pieces he feels have a style (and size) that would go
with contemporary interiors, and keeps prices affordable
for the more common pieces of that time (for example,
an early 20th-century revolving library is going for $2,800
and original black-and-white framed photography prints
for $90). I do everything myself, so customers pay for the
value of the piece and not for extras such as logistics,
he explains, saying that his prices are similar to what you
would pay if you were to buy the piece in Paris or London.
And when a buyer finds something they love or when
he finds the item for them, Jean-Baptiste feels satisfied,
too. There arent many jobs that give you this sense of
joy and certainly not banking! he smiles.

Aphorism Antiques is located at #01-51,

Blk 72 Seng Poh Road, www.aphorism.com.sg.

A genuine Starck.
The bathroom by
Philippe Starck.

More nuances. More elegance. More versatility: The Starck bathroom series with the coordinating furniture programme. Just one example from the comprehensive
Duravit range sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, accessories, bathtubs, wellness products and saunas. Free brochure available from Duravit Asia Limited
(Singapore Branch), 63 Tras street Singapore 079002, Phone +65 6238 6353, Fax + 65 6238 6359, info@sg.duravit.com; Econflo Systems Pte Ltd, 263/265 Beach
Road, Singapore 199544, Phone + 65 6396 3738, Fax + 65 6396 3736, sale@econflo.com,www.econflo.com; Ferrara Asiapac Pte Ltd, 83 Clemenceau Avenue,
#01-35 & 36 UE Square, Singapore 239920, Phone +65 6235 0020, Fax + 65 6235 8344, infor@ferrara.com.sg; Sansei Singapura Pte Ltd, 462 Tagore Industrial
Avenue, Singapore 737831, Phone +65 6292 8321, Fax +65 6292 4520, sales@sansei.com.sg, www.sanseionline.com; Wan Tai & Co (Pte) Ltd, 25 Changi South
Avenue 2, Singapore 486594, Phone +65 6546 5900, Fax +65 6546 6388, enshyong@wantai.com, www.wantai.com, www.duravit.com

PEO PLE
text MAVIS ANG photography WINSTON CHUANG
art direction KAFFY TAN

location BOOKS ACTUALLY

Designers, store
owners, parents and
now authors, multitasking is Ker-Shing
and Joshuas way of
life. below Their book
is a fun approach to
observing architecture.

who ONG KER-SHING AND JOSHUA COMAROFF

why THE OWNERS OF LIFESTYLE STORE STRANGELETS HAVE JUST PUBLISHED

AN ARCHITECTURE BOOK WITH A POP-CULTURE TWIST

what gets them out of bed in the morning THE DESIRE TO BE SURPRISED.

44

Talking about buildings in architectural jargon just isnt

as fun as comparing them to something more familiar,
such as monsters, says Joshua Comaroff of Horror
in Architecture, a book he co-wrote with his wife and
business partner, Ong Ker-Shing. Thats the whole idea
behind the book we wanted to help ourselves better
articulate what we saw. Having known each other
for almost 15 years, the couple, who also head design
firm Lekker Design and quirky concept store Strangelets
together, spend a lot of time discussing their architectural
interpretations which eventually became the backbone
of this paperback.
The horror in this book refers not to the distasteful
elements of buildings, but rather, how both famous
and obscure architectural works mirror the themes
common in horror movies. While the couple is backed
by an academic background in architecture (they met
at Harvards Graduate School of Design), this book
isnt just for the learned few. Ker-Shing explains that

it doesnt even have to be read in a linear way. The

introduction is quite academic. But you can skip that and
go into the chapters, which teach visual thinking but are
entertaining, too, she says. So, expect to be amused by
the well-known works of architects Frank Furness, Louis
Kahn and Mies van der Rohe (as well as local structures)
with the help of zombies, freaks, and other characters in
B-grade horror flicks.
As first-time authors, Joshua and Ker-Shing both
learnt that publishing a book involves a lot more than
just writing it. Hunting for the photos was the biggest
challenge, recalls Joshua. The multi-tasking couple
have been simultaneously working on a few other books,
and the next one to be published (hopefully before the
end of the year, says Joshua) touches on small space
living in Shanghai.
Horror in Architecture is available for $24.93 at
Books Actually and Kinokuniya.

PEO PLE
text CHIQUIT TORRENTE
photography VERNON WONG
art direction KAFFY TAN

above

Jamie designed
a collection for Riva
1920 made of reforested
timber. left The
Bungalow stool was
launched with the Jamie
Durie for Riva 1920
collection at the Milan
Furniture Fair.

who JAMIE DURIE

why THE AUSTRALIAN HORTICULTURALIST

AND DESIGNER HAS JUST LAUNCHED HIS FIRST

INTERIOR FURNITURE LINE; HES ALSO AUDITIONING
CONTESTANTS TO JOIN THE APARTMENT, A REALITY
INTERIOR DESIGN SHOW

what gets him out of bed in

the morning BEING ABLE TO CREATE AN

46

EMOTIONAL CHANGE IN SOMEBODY THROUGH

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN.

Jamie Durie is known internationally for his

landscape designs his projects include The
Lantern at Fullerton Bay Hotel and the Collyer Quay
boardwalk in Singapore as well as the Al Barari
luxury resort development in Dubai and in his
home country for his outdoor furniture designs and
being a television show host.
From large-scale resort and hotel landscapes
to product and interior design projects, and TV
shows and books, the award-winning designer has
successfully applied his philosophy of bringing
the outdoors in, and treating the outside as a
living space. Now, hes tapping into this wealth
of experience for his second season as host of and
mentor on The Apartment: Style Edition, a reality
show where couples from Singapore and Malaysia
compete in design challenges to win an apartment.
On The Apartment, I dont teach the
contestants my philosophy and design process.
Imposing your own style and process on others
wont work. Instead, I try to hold their hand
through their own design process theyve got
to tap into their own creativity. What I do is give
them courage and confidence, to empower them
to come up with fresh designs, Jamie explains.
He adds: I do want to infuse a consciousness of
the environment and sustainability in their design
choices, too.
He should know about fresh designs. Prolific
enough in his own (outdoors) niche, hes just
ventured into interior furniture in collaboration with
Italian manufacturer Riva 1920. Called the Jamie
Durie for Riva 1920 collection, it was launched at
this years Milan Furniture Fair. It features modular
pieces such as the Tubular Shelves and Table that,
Jamie shares, enable the homeowner to design
the end-piece themselves, by manipulating the
modular components similar to what I do on
The Apartment. Thats not all. Jamie enthuses:
I just met Karim Rashid at the Milan Furniture Fair,
and were talking about working on projects!
Watch Jamie on The Apartment: Style Edition,
sponsored by Dulux, on AXN. Riva 1920 is available
at Proof Living.

S HO PPING
text MAVIS ANG photography FRENCHESCAR LIM
art direction KAFFY TAN

IMHOMM

INDUSTRIAL-STYLE FURNITURE AND

CONTEMPORARY HOME ACCESSORIES

3
1. Most of the woodand-steel shelves are
made in India. 2. A
curious juxtaposition
of rugged and fine
finishes. 3. This table
($580) has an industrial
crank for a base, and
is height-adjustable.
4. A rustic dining chair
($290) with a leather
seat and backrest.

48

Whats in store Packed haphazardly like a treasure-filled junk

store, the 1,400sqf Imhomm (pronounced Im home) houses a
charismatic assortment of industrial-style furniture, sophisticated
table lamps, and contemporary paintings. There really isnt
one single concept, says owner Maena Ong. The first batch of
items is made up of shelves, side tables, and consoles imported
from India, and incorporates materials such as recycled teak
(which comes in either a raw or sanded and lacquered finish) and
weathered steel. An interesting contrast is also created when
elegant table lamps, and graceful glass and porcelain tableware
are placed on the raw, rough surfaces. On the walls, vibrant oil
paintings by artists from China, Thailand and Vietnam serve as
a colourful backdrop to the shops unique assortment of items.
Keep an eye out for subsequent collections as surprise is the
only concept Imhomm will adhere to.
Whos behind it Imhomm was built upon Maenas boredom with
what the stores here have to offer. As the art director of interior
design firm Mong Design Studio, she found it difficult to get
offbeat accent furniture pieces to work into her projects. It started
with sourcing for wall lamps and artwork overseas for my clients
homes. As my orders increased, we just decided to start a store,
she explains. With 15 years of industry experience, Maena has an
eye for piece with an edge in terms of prices and aesthetics
over the usual products in town.
Where it is #02-18 The Vertex, 33 Ubi Ave 3, tel: 6509-9575

5. Imhomm also features a

selection of lively canvases.
6. Nesting tables that come
in a set of three, $390.

S HO PPING
text MAVIS ANG photography VERONICA TAY
art direction LEYNA POH

In Situ

HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE
AND ART FROM GUATEMALA

Whats in store While most of the pieces in the 1,400sqf In Situ

showroom are designed by Frenchman Eric Ledoigt, the shop also
includes made-in-Guatemala pieces by American, Canadian, and
Mexican artists who crossed paths with Eric in the Central American
nation. Wood, in its raw and natural forms, features prominently
in the furniture here, ranging from hand-carved conacaste (South
American tropical wood) tables to mangrove root lamps. The
refined pieces, along with the glitzy ceiling lights, earth-toned
soft furnishings, and peculiar wall ornaments, evoke the calming
warmth of a cosy holiday villa. While there are passing similarities
to a Balinese aesthetic, the exotic items within In Situ have a latent
grandeur that sets them apart. The space embodies what won
over In Situ creative director Isabelle Persenda when she lived in
Guatemala. The mix of culture and tradition there is amazing.
Between the Mayan culture, which has been preserved, as well as
the Spanish culture, century-old traditions are still alive, be they in
textiles, superstitions, architecture, food or craftsmanship, she says.

1. Modern and
exotic accents blend
seamlessly here.
2. The Guru by
American architect
Carl J. Myers ($3,800)
is made up of nails.
3. Dali console by
In Situ founder Eric
Ledoigt, $960. 4. The
nature-inspired home
accessories make great
gifts, too. 5. Love the
styling? You can tap
into the stores interior
design services.

Whos behind it Inspired by the unspoilt natural beauty of

Guatemala and its rich culture of craftsmanship, French designer Eric
Ledoigt started In Situ there 12 years ago. Isabelle says: Eric and I
have known each other for over 20 years. In all the years he has been
designing furniture, I must have been his number one fan. So, when
she moved to Singapore three years ago and saw that there was a
thirst for art and beauty here, she finally realised her long-awaited
dream of bringing In Situ to the country. Backed with experience
in her family business as well as a graphic design and photography
background, Isabelle was the perfect partner-in-crime for Eric, who
admits he is more of a creative rather than business person.
Where it is 238 River Valley Road, tel: 6733-7307

50

ask

HOME & DECOR S CONSULTING

EDITOR, SOPHIE KHO, draws
on her own experience and
the advice of experts to help
you. E-mail questions to
maghomedecor@sph.com.sg.

YOUR RENO & DECOR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

photography VEE CHIN design PROJECT FILE

52

Exposed and suspended pipes are easily dislodged

or damaged. This is a dangerous situation,
especially if they are gas or water pipes. Dont
try temporary solutions like placing a table by
the pipes. The only safe way to handle them is to
conceal the pipes inside a wall or built-in cabinetry.
As these pipes run between the kitchen and living
area, ask your contractor for a breakfast counter
with an access door that will allow you access to the
pipes in case of leaks. The counter will take up less
space than a table and provide storage, too.

WE DONT HAVE MUCH MONEY LEFT OVER

AFTER OUR RENO. WHATS A WALLETFRIENDLY WAY TO D-I-Y INTERESTING ART
FOR OUR BLANK WALLS?
When cash is short, you have to think creatively.
Great decorative pieces for your walls dont have to
be art per se. They can also be found objects such
as a shapely tree branch or a piece of bleached
driftwood. You can also create your own art
by using large graphic letters to spell out catchy,
whimsical words such as Eat or Inspire. In this
streamlined house by Project File, the owner has
created a graphic message board-and-artwork out
of a picture frame and wires. Metal clips hold photos
and postcards from recent holidays. Its a flexible
concept that lets you add or subtract according to
your fancy. Hang it in your dining area, or any other
public space where this eye-catching piece can start
a conversation.

photography ALAN LEE design EHKA STUDIO ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS

WE HACKED A WALL TO COMBINE THE

KITCHEN AND LIVING ROOM, AND FOUND
TWO PIPES CROSSING THE SPACE ABOUT A
METRE ABOVE THE FLOOR. HOW CAN WE
HIDE THE PIPES?

photography DARREN CHANG design THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE

54

Q
A

I NOTICE THAT MANY MODERN HOMES DONE BY

INTERIOR DESIGNERS HAVE DINING TABLES WITH
MISMATCHED CHAIRS. WHY IS THIS?
Decor trends have been heading towards a freer, more
casual and eclectic look. Plus, mixing dining chairs of
different styles and hues gives the dining space a more
dynamic, funky vibe. It also provides more flexibility in a
small home with such an eclectic theme, you can bring
out the study and kitchen chairs for a big party, and the
whole look will gel.
Stick to a theme for coherence: For instance, three
styles of Scandinavian-inspired chairs such as the Panton
S-Chair, and the Tulip or Eames moulded chairs. You can
also use local finds such as kopitiam and cane chairs. Do
watch the scale and detailing, however. The table should
not be too bulky or have old-fashioned or fussy detailing if
you are using streamlined, modern seating.

I ACCIDENTALLY DAMAGED MY
BATHROOM CERAMIC FLOOR TILES
WITH A STRONG BLEACH. THE
TILES ARE NOW ROUGH AND THE
SURFACE FADED. PLEASE HELP.

The cleaner you used must be highly

corrosive as it appears to have eaten
away the tiles glossy, glazed surface. Do
be careful with such cleaners as they can
also burn your flesh.
There is really nothing you can do to
restore the tiles finish as glaze needs
to be fired or baked onto the ceramic.
If you know where to find similar tiles,
you can ask your contractor to hack out
and replace the damaged section. It will
cost you more to do a small section as
its a specialist job, but worth it if your
bathroom is fairly new.
If you dont fancy doing an expensive
renovation, just get an extra-big bath rug
and simply cover up the splotchy tiles.

Q
A

I HAVE AN EXCESS AREA OF

ABOUT THREE METRES ALONG THE
CORRIDOR TO THE BEDROOMS.
WOULD A DISPLAY CABINET LOOK
NICE THERE?
Corridors are transition areas, places we
walk through to get from the living room
to the bedrooms or kitchen. As such,
they need to be open spaces that are
easy to walk through and not cluttered
with bulky objects. Make sure you
maintain a minimum corridor width of
1.5m so you wont feel claustrophobic.
Determine whether you need storage
more than a display area. You could
also combine the two aims by getting
a cabinet with open shelves above and
cupboards beneath. A bookshelf would
also be ideal as it can both store and
display objects as well as books, while
taking up little depth of space. If storage
is important, consider maximising the
whole length of corridor space with
built-in cabinetry. The result would be
streamlined and efficient.

design BUZZ
text REBECKKA WONG

ROM MILAN!
F
E
V
I
S
U
L
C
X
E

56

CLOSE
TO YOU
At this years Salone Internazionale del Mobile
(the Milan Furniture Fair to the Englishspeaking world), the industry responded to
these troubled times by creating pieces that
are comfortingly warm and familiar. Patrizia
Moroso, the art director of renowned Italian
furniture manufacturer Moroso, in fact, gave
us a preview of things to come when she told
us late last year in an interview that people
now want things that are very sweet, and help
you to be happy. And indeed, it was a sense
of calm that permeated the stands; created
by a palette of pastel, non-aggressive shades.
Hues such as salmon, mint green and mustard
dressed tables, chairs and sofas; with pink
leading the pack while shapes were soft, round
and welcoming. However, we did also spot
pieces in screaming neon which gave the sea of
muted shades just the right perk-me-up.
Marking the desire to retreat into privacy
and solitude were the enclosed seating designs

launched at more than a few major brands,

even for outdoor use. The tamer, friendlier
designs of this edition also showcased the
heightened touch-me textures that weve seen
for a few years running think sweaters and
oversized knits for seats. Spanish designer
Patricia Urquiola delivered her trademark play
on textural weaves in a dizzying array of chairs
for various brands, most notably Moroso.
We love that the classic Standard chair by
Jean Prouve is now available in a lower price
point (a new version by Vitra features a plastic
seat and back in place of bent plywood),
pointing the way to more democratic luxury
perhaps, at the same time as Kartell proclaimed
their stand the Luxury Gallery issue, with
designs made of plastic exuding the captivating
elegance of crystal and cut glass.
We retrace our steps to bring you the
trends and highlights of this years Milan
Furniture Fair.

SOFT SERVE
Led by the colour pink, sweet cotton candy
shades such as mint green and pale yellow, and
soft grey-blues dominated the offerings this year.
These non-aggressive colours evoked a sense of
familiarity and comfort. It was hard to resist having
a go on the Dedon Swingrest hanging sofa, in a
special edition colour. The specially dyed weave
segues from a crimson down to a soft rosehip
towards the base. Paola Lentis Cosmo rug is
also pretty in pink and completely handmade
from rope cord. The new Visu seating family by
Mika Tolvanen for Muuto is classic Scandinavian,
and comes in several tints including rose and soft
grey. Inspired by chess pieces, the Pion sidetable
by Sancal by French designer Ionna Vautrin plays
with the contrast of shiny lacquer and matte wax
finish of its surfaces, while the cool mint green of
the Ikono lamp by Simon Legald for Normann
Copenhagen makes it bang on trend.

4
1 The Paola Lenti Cosmo
rug is made either by sewing
the rope cord in a spiral-like
pattern or by joining round
modules together.
2 The new colour for the
Swingrest hanging sofa by
Daniel Pouzet for Dedon
goes through eleven different
shades of pink.
3 The new Visu seating family
for Muuto includes chairs with
a wood or wire base and a
lounge version.
4 Mustard, olive and peach are
the other colours the Sancal
Pion table is available in.
5 Simon Legald designed
the Ikono lamp for Normann
Copenhagen to have a pure
and simple feel.

57

POWER PUFFS
1

Eschewing straight lines and rigid shapes for soft,

rounded profiles, these pieces have a friendly
countenance that makes them oh-so-approachable.
The Standard sofa by Francesco Binare for Edra
channels the soft puffy vibe of its Nuvola (cloud) fabric.
At Moooi (which exhibited outside the fairgrounds),
Marcel Wanders was similarly inspired by the
cumulonimbus in his Cloud sofa adorned with soft
white cushions. From Sancal, the Elephant seats by
Italian design firm Nadadora have rounded edges
to make them more welcoming. The addition of a
handle on the Carry On stools by Mattias Stenberg
for Offecct, effectively turns them into truly portable
seating solutions.

1 The Standard sofa by Francesco Binare for Edra was named as it

is intended to be the standard by which all sofas are to be judged.
2 Available in three sizes, the Elephant from Sancal can be placed
anywhere. This version comes with a wooden tray.
3 Designer Mattias Stenberg says of his Carry On stool for Offecct
that it lets you sit down where you might not usually sit.
4 The Cloud sofa by Marcel Wanders for Moooi features invitingly
soft and puffy white cushions.

58

INSIDE THE INSPIRATION

OF THE P22 ARMCHAIR BY
PATRICK NORGUET

PRIVATE RETREATS

1
Your armchair for Cassina is called P22.
What does the name stand for?

Find solitude in these enclosed seats that provide both comfort and
privacy. The classic wing chair and what the French call a bergere (an
upholstered, enclosed armchair) have been tweaked for modernity
and adapted with new materials in this years hottest hues. For
Cassina, Patrick Norguet designed the P22, a modern interpretation
of the classic bergere armchair. Continuing his collaboration with
Fritz Hansen, Jaime Hayons Ro easy chair its concept is captured
in its name, which means tranquillity in Danish, aims to encourage
reflection and comfort. Find similar comfort in Hayons Gardenias
armchair with pergola for BD Barcelona. Made of cast aluminium,
its Dupont Alesta Cool finish coating reduces surface temperature
by up to 20 deg C when its in the sun. For two to snuggle, Patricia
Urquiolas Mafalda collection for Moroso has a unique shell with a
wave design created by new moulding technology.

Patrick Norguet: Its just a code, theres no story. The

idea is to design a classic bergere, which in Europe,
is a common type of old-school English armchair.

What was the challenge of designing

this chair?
PN: Every product is a challenge, here it is to marry
the form with the aluminium injection (base and
legs), to connect the two. You dont see anything out
of place the look is very clean. My job is not just
to sell a drawing, I travel a lot because every week
Im in the workshop with the engineering guy and
we develop the product together. As a designer, its
important to work with a good company and with a
good engineer to develop a good product. Together
with a good designer, these are the three elements to
develop a great product. This armchair is like a new
classic someone can use for a long time a personal
armchair; its like a cocoon.

How was the armchair updated from its

traditional form?
PN: The form is classic because of its ears, the big
ears. I developed the architectural legs which look
very contemporary and introduce modernity to the
old shape. This product is classic, its not fashion.

What is your style?

1 Spanish designer Jaime Hayon

was inspired by a romantic garden
for his Gardenias seating range for
BD Barcelona.
2 The beech-framed armchairs of
the Mafalda collection by Patricia
Urquiola for Moroso have seats
and backs made from recycled
polyester fibre.
3 The Ro armchair by Jaime Hayon
for Fritz Hansen sports organic
curves that invite the user to
approach and sink in.
4 Patrick Norguets P22 bergere for
Cassina has a practical feature a
removable cover with a discreet zip
that runs around the chairs profile.

59

PN: I dont know. I like to take time to think and

design good products. My designs are clean, I
dont like decoration. I try to have a good balance
between emotion, industry and atemporel (French for
timeless), things you can keep for a long time. I work
with different brands and my job is to understand
the brand. Every project I do I try to introduce my
vision, but with the brand in mind. As a designer, it is
very important for me to understand, when I start to
design a product, who it is for. And to understand the
DNA of the brand.

[
1

DEMOCRATIC LUXURY
Well never look at plastic furniture the same way again.
Fabulous creations were crafted from this synthetic material,
making design more affordable for everyone. Inspired by the
historic and beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping
gallery in Milan, Kartell presented their new collection in La
Galleria, The luxury experience issue. Designs were featured
in boutique windows, and these included the Shine vases by
Eugeni Quitllet, which we overheard one visitor comparing to
Baccarat crystal, Christophe Pillets Shibuya containers and the
Kartell by Laufen bathroom collection by Ludovica and Roberto
Palomba. Their All Saints mirror and Rifly lamp, in particular,
channel an Art Deco elegance for the bathroom. Updating Jean
Prouves Standard chair by Vitra with a seat and backrest made
of robust plastic, the Standard SP (Siege en Plastique) has
also been given a new colour palette by Dutch designer Hella
Jongerius. Prouves EM table will also be relaunched with an HPL
(high-pressure laminate) table top.
5

3
1 Conceptualised as a luxurious shopping
boulevard by Ferruccio Laviani, the
Kartell showcase at the fair featured new
products in shop windows.
2 The I Shine, U Shine, He Shine and She
Shine collection of exquisite transparent
vessels by Eugeni Quitllet for Kartell has
Art Deco influences.
3 The removable lids of some of the
Shibuya vessels by Christophe Pillet for
Kartell allow them to be turned into
bowls as well.
4 The Standard chair by Jean Prouve and
made by Vitra now also comes as the
Standard SP in new colour combinations
such as yellow and black.
5 Kartells collaboration with sanitaryware
brand Laufen includes the All Saints
mirror in gold (pictured), silver, amber,
orange and clear versions.

60

NOVEL NOVELTIES
It was not all business as usual at the fair some
designs stood out from the usual furniture typologies
with their wit and irreverence. Known for their design
art in museums around the world, Gufram presented
the Jolly Roger armchair, a polyethylene armchair
moulded like a skull (a homage to fearless pirates), by
provocative designer Fabio Novembre. Casamania
introduced a metal deer, Ruben, by Ilaria Marelli,
a coat rack and coin tray while Swedish company Bla
Station seems to have a penchant for the imperfect
with their crumpled Dent chairs and upholstered
Superkink sofa and armchair made from dented
and kinked metal tubing. We also saw a giant
clothes peg in the form of the Molletta bench by
Baldessari & Baldessari at Riva 1920.

2
3

1 Shaped like a skull, Fabio Novembres Jolly Roger

chair for Gufram references the skull and crossbones
symbol of pirates. Available in black and white.
2 A special technique is applied to create the
crumpled surface of the Dent chair by Bla Station.
3 The Molletta bench from Riva 1920 is made from
cedar wood.
4 Ruben from Casamania is a coat rack fashioned into
the shape of a deer.
5 Instead of smoothing over the imperfect folds of
the seat frames, Bla Station left them intact on their
Superkink seats.

L AVA E A S T
B E S P O K E C O N T E M P O R A R Y N AT U R A L

2
1

UPSCALED WEAVES
Heightened textures still feature strongly in this years offerings,
most notably with the Mangas Space collection by Patricia Urquiola
for Gandia Blasco. Large pop-out weaves in coral, yellow and pink
define the touchable range of seats, pouffes and rugs. The Spanish
designer was also behind the Biknit chair and chaise longue for
Moroso which features a stocking stitch design blown up to become
both the seats structure as well as its surface. We love the new
partnership between Artifort and Italian fashion house Missoni,
brokered by Dutch designer Jacco Bregonje. Wearing a knitted
sweater with Missonis signature zig-zag weaves like a second skin,
the seamless cover is a three-dimensional one-piece knit.

1 Artifort and Missoni Home joined

forces to create the Patch Knit One
and Patch Knit Two chairs, which
sport a snug sweater of Missonis
signature knits.
2 Oversized weaves are a signature of
designer Patricia Urquiola, as seen on
her Biknit chair for Moroso.
3 Patricia expanded on her Mangas
range for Gandia Blasco with more
rug designs plus modular seating.

PLAYING WITH COLOUR

64

LOUD & PROUD

Not everything at the fair was soft and sweet
Stefan Diezs This dining chair, That lounge chair
(not pictured), and Other stool for e15 were
presented in neon pink by the brands art director
Farah Ebrahimi in contrast with other versions in
grey tones and natural wood.

Reissues of past designs are ubiquitous every

year, and at this edition, Swiss company Vitra
displayed the first fruits of their collaboration
with new art director for colours and surfaces
Hella Jongerius. The Dutch designer developed
a colour library which is used to emphasise or
refresh the special character of both the classic
and contemporary designs in the collection.
Part of these tweaks included the new versions of
the Eames Hang-it-all in colour families of red,
green and white.

WATCH FOR TRAFFIC

Known for applying innovative technologies to manufacturing,
Magis introduces their first-ever upholstered seating collection
by longtime collaborator Konstantin Grcic. The Traffic range,
which includes an armchair, sofa and chaise longue, has
an urban edge thanks to the wire frames that enclose the
cushioned surfaces. The contrasting colours of the soft and
hard surfaces make the pieces fun, too.

INSIDE THE INSPIRATION

OF THE TRAFFIC COLLECTION BY
KONSTANTIN GRCIC
How did Traffic come about?
Konstantin Grcic: Alberto Perazza, who heads Magis, likes
metal wire as a material. Its basic, industrial and versatile.
Magis has been working with designers to produce
furniture made of wire, for example, the Pina chair. It has
been kind of a theme. Alberto asked me if I was interested
to work with the material. As a structure, wire feels cold
against your skin, so I thought to do cushioned seats.
Magis does not have an upholstery collection yet and this
was new for the company. Naming it Traffic was Albertos
idea. It feels modern, urban, metropolitan. I like the name.

You actually trained in cabinet-making. Why did

you choose to study that?
KG: This was after leaving school. I was 19 and I didnt
really know what to do. I knew I liked making things and
I wanted to train towards that. The craft has made me
discover the beauty of furniture and in a way, has led me to
become a furniture designer.

You work very rarely with wood now. Why is that?

KG: Thats true, but thats not necessarily my choice. I have the
opportunity of using many materials which I find fascinating.
It is also quite difficult to find good companies working with
wood. I also work with Mattiazzi, a company which specialises
in wood and it is great working with them because they know
exactly how to work with wood in the right way.

KEEP IN TOUCH

66

Relating to the theme of retreating into ones own

personal space, Philippe Starck revolutionised living
room furniture with the My World lounge system
for Cassina. Most sofas offer modularity, but the My
World sofa system lets you mix in screens (in two
heights), side tables and box cupboards to create
a truly customised solution. In addition, the builtin Duracell Powermat wireless charging solution,
electrical recharging station and USB charger are
within easy reach; all discreetly concealed within the
box-cupboard. Above all, the seats promise comfort
with feather padding.

What did you learn from that training that you

apply now?
KG: Through cabinet-making I really understood what work
means. Work in a positive sense not what you have to do,
but what you want to do, because it makes you achieve
something. Ive learnt a lot about planning and organising;
It has taught me to be precise in the details and precise in
my own ideas, what I want.

You also designed the Magis booth this year.

Whats the concept?
KG: The Milan fair is like a circus, we all come together
and do our tricks. I wanted to create a central platform
to showcase what is new. The racks on both sides display
pieces that are not new but important as references. Each
design has its own space while the Me Too collection is on
the wall. There is also a crowd cheering in the background.
The performers are the furniture.

design BUZZ
text YUEN YEE FOONG
photography WINSTON CHUANG
art direction LEYNA POH

Handcrafted ceramics
like these pieces from
Pot Potter Pottest are
unique, stylish and
practical, too.

MADE by HAND
ONCE ASSOCIATED WITH MUSEUMS

AND ART GALLERIES, CERAMIC ART OR

HANDMADE POTTERY PIECES ARE MAKING
THEIR WAY INTO HOMES TODAY AS
68

FUNCTIONAL EVERYDAY PIECES.

One way to find out whats available is to attend

pottery shows. Look out for different types of
vessels, forms, textures and glazes from various
artists. The good thing about ceramic art is that
many pieces are priced at entry level so as a
new buyer, you can slowly work your way up.
Flea markets, potters bazaars and galleries
are great places to spot fabulous finds and learn
about the work from the potters themselves. Loy
Yan Ling one of the ceramists behind I Spot a
Potter creates affordable ceramic pieces that
are sold at flea markets such as Public Garden,
Handmade Movement and Chillax. Priced from
$20 to $120, her pieces are popular with new
collectors. According to Yan Ling, her customers
usually also want to know how and where a
piece was made.
For those who prefer more petite pieces,

check out Mayke Mes quirky hedgehogs, owls

and yetis that also double up as planters, pots
and cups. Potter Loo Jia Mayne painstakingly
chisels and pinches the clay surface to create
unique feather-like textures on her creations.
With prices ranging from $10 to $75, her pieces
can be bought at her Etsy store.
Another place to suss out wallet-friendly
pieces is the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
(NAFA). At its annual graduation show held
on campus, you can buy ceramic sculptures
at a fraction of art gallery prices. Some of the
smaller pieces are on permanent display at its
Cubic Concept corner, where a hand-sculpted
teapot can go for as little as $30.
Over at Jalan Bahar Clay Studios home
to one of two remaining dragon kilns in
Singapore an airy gallery displays works by
ceramic artists such as Iskandar Jalil, Sunsook
69

WHERE TO BUY

PHOTO Suan Ong

This handbuilt owl

from Mayke Me can
be used as a planter or
even a teacup.
right Serve
starters and get the
conversation started
with this stoneware
platter by Suan Ong.

PHOTO Mayke Me

If your friends came to tea and admired the stylish teacups their brew was served in, imagine
being able to say you made them yourself, or that they are truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Part of
the burgeoning handmade crafts movement, ceramic art is popping up at flea markets and
pottery classes are sprouting in schools, community clubs and studios.
According to Michelle Lim, ceramic artist and co-producer of the Awaken the Dragon
ceramics festival, people are starting to appreciate handmade products. Its not necessarily
something you want to make yourself but you can appreciate someone else making it the time
and effort, level of skill and the whole process it involves, she says.
The beauty of handmade ceramics is that unlike commercial pieces, each one is unique.
Because of the unpredictable nature of how clay forms, how glaze melts and how kilns fire,
no two pieces produced are ever alike. Want to get started either making or sussing out the
sources for these functional works of art? Consider this your guide.

Pick from a wide range

of handmade pieces
at Goodman Ceramics
Studios Potters Bazaar.
below Another great
place to find affordable
ceramics is at flea
markets.

ot A Potter
PHOTO I Sp

below Besides her

signature orbs and
spires, ceramic artist
Jessie Lim also makes
functional pieces with
a twist, like this wavy
bowl and platter.

Roh, Suriani Suratman and Suan Ong. Nestled

in rustic surroundings, the gallery is an informal
place for visitors to chat with the affable
creatives about their work. Prices start from $20
for a cup or bowl and can go up to $3,000 for
large sculptures.
If you prefer a more contemporary spin on
ceramics, take a look at ceramic artist Jessie
Lims work. Jessie makes distinctive urchinlike orbs and stalagmite-looking spires that
resemble an odd coral seascape. While her
large-scale work is installed at locations such
as Marina Barrage, some of her smaller pieces
are being increasingly spotted in homes. Those
who buy her work are serious collectors as well
as first-timers who love the shapes, colours or
forms. With prices ranging from $50 for a bowl
to a few thousand dollars for a large sculpture,
she makes collecting ceramic art accessible to
beginners. Jessie also runs a studio teaching
pottery to those keen to make their own.

70

Interestingly, handcrafted ceramics are no

longer purely decorative art. These pieces
are showing up on the dining table, too
handmade tableware is used to serve meals
in style. That is exactly what homegrown
pottery collective Pot Potter Pottest hopes to
promote. At culinary events at its gallery, guests
partake of gourmet food and wine served out
of cups, bowls and plates made by the potters.
Eating out of handmade crockery makes
the dining experience more interesting. And
because every piece is unique, they also serve
as great conversation pieces, says co-founder
Mark Lee. Most of the handmade tableware
is food-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe
(although you may wish to check with the potter
just to be sure).

Learn to make your

own unique pieces
at the pottery classes
that are conducted by
Goodman Ceramic
Studios.

WHERE TO MAKE
If you aspire to make your own ceramic
i pieces,
i
sign
i up ffor classes
l
or
workshops conducted by master potters and ceramic artists. You will also
gain a better appreciation of the process.
At Goodman Ceramics Studio, a wide range of pottery courses is
available for adults and children. Make simple things such as mugs and
plates, pick up handbuilding techniques or learn throwing at the potters
wheel. Course fees vary from $35 to $550. Run by ceramic muralist Hazel
Wong, the place also lets out studio space to artists. There is a certain
bohemian vibe here, where artists and beginners mingle while mastering
pottery techniques. Some people come here feeling very stressed, but
once they sit at the wheel, they start to calm down. Its a form of therapy,
says Hazel. Look out too for the Potters Bazaar held here during school
holidays where people can buy works and watch artists at the wheel.
You can also learn from master potters like Lim Kim Hui of Ceramic
House. Lim, who has been honing his art for over 30 years, has this piece
of advice: To be a good potter, you will need lots of patience and be
prepared to make mistakes. What you make need not be perfect, but it
has to have character.
One of the more affordable ways to get started with ceramic-making
is at Community Clubs. Those at Kampong Glam, Tampines Changkat,
Tanjong Pagar, Toa Payoh West and Whampoa have well-established
pottery clubs with course fees starting from $140.
Over at Sam Mui Kuang Pottery, a family of potters runs ceramic
classes in addition to selling pottery equipment, clay, glazes and a full
range of tools. Jalan Bahar Clay Studios conducts open house sessions
on the first Saturday of every month and for $20, you can sculpt, glaze and
fire your very own ceramic piece. At the recent ceramics festival held here,
some 3,000 pieces of pottery made by people from all walks of life were
fired in its dragon kiln. Next door at Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln, visitors
can take part in regular wood-firing sessions, workshops and exhibitions.
Resident artist Steven Low, who is known for his organic clay sculptures,
also showcases his work and conducts classes here.
Handmade pottery is affordable art that is meaningful, too. Best of all,
its easy to start a collection be it for your shelf or dining table one that is
truly unique to your home.

GOING TO POT
THESE TERMS WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE POTTERY PROCESS.
Handbuilding
Constructing pots from pre-made
parts. The components might be
moulded, coiled or even fashioned
by hand.
Wheel throwing
To make a pot on a potters wheel.
The wheel revolves and maintains
a fairly constant speed. The clay is
thrown onto the centre of the wheel
and the potter shapes it by hand to
the desired form.
Bisque (or biscuit)
Pots that have been given a preliminary firing to render them hard
enough for further work such as
decoration and glazing.
Glaze
A vitreous substance used to
decorate pottery and render it
impermeable to moisture.
Kiln
The oven in which pots are fired. Kilns
can be fired by wood, coal, oil, gas or
even electricity.
Reduction
Firing in a reducing atmosphere
deprives the kiln of oxygen and
raises the carbon level. The result
is a smoky atmosphere that causes
metallic content in the glaze and clay
to change colour.
Source: www.studiopottery.com

72

DIR ECT O RY
Ceramic House www.ceramichousesg.com | Community Clubs (various) www.pa.gov.sg | Goodman Ceramic Studio 90 Goodman Road,
www.goodmanceramicstudio.com | I Spot a Potter tel: 96970728, www.ispotapotter.com | Jalan Bahar Clay Studios 97L Lorong Tawas
(off Jalan Bahar), tel: 6777-1812, www.jbcs.com.sg | Jessie Lim Ceramics jessie@jessielim.com, www.jessielim.com | Mayke Me www.etsy.com/
shop/Maykeme | Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts www.nafa.edu.sg | Pot Potter Pottest #01-01, 16 Mohamed Sultan Road, tel: 6440-4886,
www.potpotterpottest.com | Sam Mui Kuang Pottery 22 Jalan Kelulut (off Yio Chu Kang Road), tel: 6482-2424, www.smkpottery.com | Thow
Kwang Dragon Kiln 85 Lorong Tawas, tel: 6268-6121, www.facebook.com/groups/dragonkiln.

OSIM SPECIAL

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the perfect companion for interior designer Selina Tay.
For over two decades, designer Selina Tay has
created beautiful and inspiring homes for clients. The
founder and principal designer of Collective Designs,
a Singapore-based boutique interior design company,
makes no compromises when it comes to aesthetics.
So when it came to looking for a massage chair,
Selina wanted something that was functional and
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OSIMs latest sofa tranzformer. This unique invention
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that its so compact, enthuses Selina. I was worried
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in my living room, and isnt an eyesore like most other
massage chairs.
I wake up with a stiff neck sometimes, adds
Selina, and I wish there was someone to massage the
ache. Well, with the uAngel, Selina is pleased to report
that her aches and pains have found soothing relief.
Its quite accurate at detecting all the right spots, she
says of the Neck and Shoulders massage programme.
What a relief to be able to have a massage whenever
I want, after a long, stressful day at work!

{YOUR SOFA TRANSFORMS INTO YOUR PERSONAL SPA MASSEUSE!}

Petite in size, generous in features. The OSIM uAngel
is an exclusively designed armchair that transforms
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The OSIM uAngel is available at all OSIM outlets and roadshows. Find out more at www.OSIM.com

I love that the uAngel

is small and compact.
It fits nicely in my
living room, and isnt
a bulky eyesore!

homeabroad
PARIS, FRANCE
text EILEEN KHOO
photos 1001 MAISONS

beauty
EYE ON

A LUXURIOUS INTERPLAY OF TEXTURES AND

MATERIALS TRANSFORMS A 19TH CENTURY PARISIAN

TOWNHOUSE INTO A STUNNING MODERN HOME.

The lush cream and tan

colours are accented
with vivid turquoise
armchairs and large
black-and-white war
photographs by
Patrick Robert.

WHO LIVES HERE INTERIOR DESIGNER STEPHANIE COUTAS, HER HUSBAND AND
TWO CHILDREN HOME FOUR-STOREY TOWNHOUSE IN PARIS SIZE 4,300SQF
120

thefacts

The customised wallmounted side console

sits below the Subway
Drawing art piece by
Keith Haring. left Eyecatching display items
give the home a unique,
personal touch.

tour around interior designer and

decorator Stephanie Coutas home in
Paris will take a while. Not only because it
spans an enviable four storeys, but also because
the eye will linger on the multitude of rich and
luscious details in every space.
I like materials to be astonishing and
luxurious, says the Paris-based designer in
her 40s, who runs interior design firm 1001
Maisons. Im always designing exotic new
textures and prints from marble, leather, metal,
mother-of-pearl and other materials. Real luxury
isnt overwhelming, but lies in the details and
unexpected combinations.

78

MAKING AN IMPACT
That palpable wow factor is evident right from
the entrance area, which is dominated by a Big
Tree painting by Jean-Pierre Pincemin. I knew
I was going to place the painting here, says

Stephanie who, inspired by its floral imagery,

designed the wall-mounted metallic side tables
with bronze branch-like bases to match. The
verdant effect is completed with a breathtaking
glass and mosaic floor rug of elegant flowers,
and a leaf-style Lalique chandelier overhead.
I like to create a sense of surprise and
amazement, Stephanie says, so while a home
should always be comfortable and cosy, it should
also be spectacular and sophisticated. The
spacious living room shows this to good effect,
with a pair of luxe velvet and metal-backed sofas
sandwiching a back-lit Murano glass coffee table,
both customised by Stephanie. As in the rest
of the home, eclectic art pieces dot the space,
adding a personalised creative vibe.

SHADES OF GREY
As the townhouse was originally built in a
typical 19th-century style with at least six to

79

The brushed metal

and nickel silver door
designed by Stephanie
is set off perfectly by a
floral rug of glass and
mirror mosaic framed
in black.

eight compact rooms on each floor, Stephanie

renovated the home to open up the space
on each floor, redesigning them to incorporate
fewer but larger spaces.
The first floor now boasts a generous master
bedroom, his and her bathrooms, and an office.
The master bedroom, with its chrome-framed
leather and fabric headboard, slate grey sofa,
mother-of-pearl coffee table and silk carpet,
carries the sleek platinum tone that forms the
colour core of the house. Incorporated into
unlikely materials such as velvet, chrome and
leather, it is blended with other cool shades to
form a perfect mix of whites, greys and bronzes,
which I like so much, Stephanie enthuses.

FAMILY MATTERS
The family knows that I am the designer in the
house, quips Stephanie, but I listened to all of
them when planning the design, and worked with
their ideas. Each family member was thus given
their own personality stamp, from the specially

A MEDLEY OF PLATINUM TONES AND

GLOSSY HUES GIVES THE HOME
A PALPABLE SENSE OF GLAMOUR.

The wide chromeframed leather and

fabric headboard was
designed by Stephanie,
who counts the master
bedroom as one of her
favourite spots at home.

 A JUXTAPOSITION OF STYLES FOR THE ECLECTIC HOME

designed and water-treated exotic wood flooring

in her husbands bathroom shower area (he
loves boats, says Stephanie, explaining the
wood and water theme), to the trendy furnishings
in her 18-year-old daughter Valentines room,
and the lively Mario Brothers decals decorating
the walls of 10-year-old Arthurs space.

The pool area gets

a touch of opulence
with an imposing
crystal chandelier.
right A red crocodile
sculpture adds a hint
of quirkiness to the
daughters bedroom.

GOING UNDERGROUND

Carefully designed
ceiling and wall
features add to the
home cinemas
acoustic effects.

In this home, the basement is hardly a neglected

space. In fact, this lowest level probably speaks
most clearly of Stephanies exquisite taste with
its sparkling Swarovski-encrusted spotlights set
in the floor, marble flooring and luxurious spaces
including a gym, steam room, home cinema,
guest room, pool area and massage room.
In the state-of-the-art home cinema,
Stephanie specially designed textured walls and
star-effect lighting for the ceiling to accentuate
this rooms acoustic and aesthetic aspects. I pay
extreme attention to textures and details, she
comments, and I like to play with lighting effects
so that the atmosphere at night can be changed
on demand.
While the home is replete with the latest
technological gadgets and systems, Stephanie
feels strongly that these should never take centre
stage. The challenge was to hide all these
elements of technology behind the ceilings or
walls, she says. In the end, all that the eye must
see is art!

82

where to go
1001 MAISONS, WWW.STEPHANIECOUTAS.COM.

 paris
text TAN WYN-LYN
coordination KAFFY TAN

Escada armchair, price

unavailable, from Abitex.

CREATURE COMFORTS
ACHIEVE HOMEY LUXURY WITH RICH
TEXTURES AND MATERIALS.

FLOWER POWER
Abstract floral imagery
evoke a sense of
elegance.
Sofa, price unavailable,
from Design Intervention.

84

Encircle dining table by

Barbara Barry, price unavailable,
from Proof Living.

Sakka rug, $1,845.95,

from Boconcept.

Hallaryd picture, $199,

from Ikea.

 paris

Container with coral topper,

$322.43, from AF Home.
Container with shell topper,
$208, from Lifestorey.

Oval X-Back chair, price

unavailable, by Barbara Barry
for Baker, from Proof Living.

WALL ART
Turn a feature
wall into an
art piece with
metallic tiles.
Damasco Oro Bianco mosaic
by Carlo Dal Bianc, price
unavailable, from GF+A Global.

86

Chess piece bookends, $280

per pair, from Asiatique.

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WOOD

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TEL +65 6570 6265

IDEA
text REBECKKA WONG
photography JASPER YU
art direction NICCO LIM

A starter pack with one

patterned paint roller
and one applicator is
$50; each additional
interchangeable
patterned roller costs
$25. Buy from www.
decorettestore.com.

roll with it

PAINTING TAKES ON A DIFFERENT DIMENSION

WITH ROLLERS THAT SPREAD NOT JUST
COLOUR BUT PRETTY PRINTS, TOO!

120

Create a feature wall with just paint and were not talking
about the usual striped or sponged effects, either. Create
intricate designs on any plain wall with a patterned paint roller.
The patterned roller is attached to a paint applicator coat the
applicator in the water-based paint colour of your choice, and the
pattern gets transferred onto your walls as you roll. There are 10
attractive flora-and-fauna patterns to choose from; you can even
make your own printed fabrics or gift wrap!

ecoWARRIOR
text JAMES LOW

the truth

ABOUT LEDS
LEDS SAVE ENERGY AND LAST LONGER, BUT

THEYRE ALSO MORE EXPENSIVE SO GET TO

KNOW THEM BETTER BEFORE YOU BUY.

Everyone has heard of light-emitting diodes

(LEDs) by now. They have been in your television
sets for a while, they light up alarm clocks,
and some people use them to illuminate their
homes. Imagine LEDs as tiny light bulbs that
fit on an electrical circuit. Unlike incandescent
bulbs, they dont rely on a filament to heat up
before emitting light they light up due to
movements of electrons in a semiconductor
material. As such, they last pretty long.
As a result of decades of research,
manufacturers can now churn out LED bulbs
that generate twice as many lumens (the unit of
measurement for the amount of light emitted
by a source) per watt as the incumbent compact
fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Homeowners
looking to switch to LEDs should look out for
replacements that are at least 50 per cent
lower in energy consumption compared to CFL
bulbs. LED lights also tend to last up to 10 times
longer than CFLs, which means you probably
wont even remember youve installed LED
lamps when the time comes to replace them.
Eco-conscious homeowners might already
know all this, but there are other facts about
LEDs that they might not be aware of. LED
light bulbs are expensive sometimes even
twice the price of CFLs. So, before making the
change, get more information.

Super-thin discs of
light are possible with
the award-winning
Ledino lamp from
Philips Lighting.

THE RIGHT LIGHT

Another advantage that LED lamps have over
other forms of traditional lighting is that they
tend to create a very pure white light based
on a blue luminescence. This offers the highest
colour-rendering index of any artificial lighting.
Furthermore, the light emitted from LED lamps
can be easily manipulated to determine the
colour temperature, so you dont even have to
worry that your house will end up looking any
different (some people have claimed that LED
lights are colder).
Thanks to their blue luminescence, LED
lights dont actually have to be as bright as
traditional lamps. Our eyes perceive artificial
light in indoor or night settings quite differently.
Instead of the traditional lumens, which measure
how intense the light is, we need to take into
account how much of the light is "useful" to
human vision. In short, we can possibly expect
to use LED lamps with an even lower energy
consumption figure.
When buying LEDs, make sure they come
with some form of warranty. Most LED lamps
from reputable brands come with a one-year
guarantee. If youre lucky, you might even find a
supplier willing to offer a longer warranty should
you choose to retrofit your entire home with
LED lamps.

HEAT TRANSPORTER
The heat-pipe technology
of the CSYS lamp by Jake
Dyson conducts heat
away from the source, an
important contributor to
the claim that the lamp
lasts at least 37 years.
From Space Asia Hub.

SUPER SUB
The LED chips in
Hiiga's luminaires
come from the US;
this is the
brand's 10-watt
LED halogen
replacement which
emits a 3,000K
warm white glow.

AT WHAT PRICE?
You might have come across LED lamps that are
so cheap, it's hard to believe. Well, turns out
they actually might just be too good to be true.
The difference lies in the chip, which is the core
of the LED bulb and the bit that creates the
luminescence. Think of it as the processor in your
laptop or the SIM card in your mobile phone.
Most manufacturers of LED lamps purchase
their chips from a wafer fabricator, mostly from
Taiwan and the US. Check the packaging to see
if the manufacturer has stated the chip's origin
recommended sources include Germany, Taiwan
and the US.

IT GETS HOT
The next important feature of the LED bulb is
the heat sink. LED lights do generate less heat
than conventional fixtures because they do not
give out infrared and ultraviolet waves, and how
much heat they generate depends on their "heat
sinks" (such as the aluminium used in the Pharox
400 bulb which conducts heat away), or if the

bulb is employed in an enclosed space where

heat cannot be extracted. For example, the T5
LED tubes common to cove lighting are very slim,
and as such don't have much surface area for the
dissipation of heat. Look for those with an external
transformer (such as those from home-grown
Justing Technology), which manufactures T5 LED
tube lights with patented external drivers. Without
components to whisk away the heat, the LED bulb,
like all electronic equipment, will degrade much
quicker than claimed.

DESIGN-FRIENDLY
The LED lamp of today has come a long way from
the ones that were hawked even as recently as a
couple of years ago. You no longer have what is
called corn-row bulbs with protruding diodes; most
of the time the only tell-tale sign of an LED bulb is
the slight blackout from where the heat sinks are
located. There are even luminaires, better known
as light fixtures, made entirely of LEDs, ranging
from table lamps to ceiling down-lights and steplights. This makes it very convenient, since LED
luminaires can be designed without the restriction
of requiring bulb-like luminescent equipment. This
has given birth to slimmer light fixtures in shapes
and sizes previously unattainable, such as the
Philips LED Candle.
LEDs are here to stay. Between their longevity,
light clarity, and the energy savings you'll enjoy,
it might be worth the initial investment to make
the switch. But first, do your research and don't be
afraid to ask the hard questions.

FAST FACTS ABOUT LEDS

Did
you
know?

92

Colour temperature
determines the colour
of the light. Measured in
kelvins (K), 3,000K would
give you a soft warm
glow, while 5,000K would
be akin to the white light
usually seen in offices.

LED lamps do not emit infrared

or ultraviolet light, unlike CFL
lamps which excite the mercury
vapour inside the lamp, thus
generating UV rays.
LED lamps rely on a DC
electricity source, whereas
traditional lamps use an AC
source. Check your driver/
transformer to make sure you
dont use the wrong source for
your lamp.
Do you use a dimmer? Check
if your dimmer is compatible with
the LED bulb. Otherwise, you may
need to purchase a newer dimmer.

text & coordination MAVIS ANG

The New Outdoors

EXTERNAL

affairs

TODAYS OUTDOOR
FURNITURE IS JUST AS
STYLISH AS ITS INDOOR
COUSINS, AND TWICE
AS HARDY. HERE ARE
THREE OUTDOOR
FURNITURE STYLES TO
BREATHE NEW LIFE
INTO YOUR PRIVATE
ALFRESCO AREA.

96

The Cortina
outdoor armchair
by Minotti features
a lightweight
wire mesh frame,
$10,905, from
Marquis Interiors.

Sleek & Stylish

If youve got your home

all decked out in sleek,
minimalist furniture, you
can now extend the look
outdoors with these uberurban designs. Clean-cut
and timeless, they are
equipped to not only
weather the elements but
furnishing trends, too.

Sloo chair and table by

Vondom, prices on application,
from Xtra.

Skarpo armchair,
$55, from Ikea.

The frame of this daybed,

$1,900, is two-metres tall,
from Mountain Teak.

Petal dining table

by Knoll, $7,330,
from Dream Interiors.

BUILD THE LOOK WITH

WITH

Bistrot coffee table

by Casamania, $1,758,
from Lifestorey.

For a contemporary home with a patio or

backyard, blur the line between the indoors
and outdoors with exterior flooring that echoes
its counterpart inside. Builders Shop, for one,
carries stone-lookalike tiles that complement
neutral-toned indoor flooring perfectly. If you
have the luxury of a large outdoor area, pick
large-format tiles for a more luxurious look.
97

Stone-lookalike homogeneous tiles

Fun, Fresh, Free

Pay homage to our sunny
climate with a slew of bright
and invigorating colours for
the outdoors through these
cheerful, all-weather designs.
The best part about this
approach is that youre free
to add on pieces in any other
style, and your space will still
stand out as much.

Drum side table

by Bend, $720,
from Pomelo Home.

Mysingso beach chair,

$25.90, from Ikea.

Flamingo Fedro
floor rocker, $1,480,
and Dala footstool,
$3,399, both by
Dedon, from Xtra.

Woopy high
chair by B-Line,
$890 each, from
Lifestorey.

58

Kruger Harbor Blue

dining chair, $269,
from Crate & Barrel.

BUILD THE LOOK WITH

WITH
Coloured synthetic turf

Pair up Ikeas
turquoise chair, $25,
and orange armchair,
$69, for twice the
amount of fun.

The Pattern table by Emu

measures 80cm in diameter,
$1,040, from Marquis.

Sun umbrellas from

Massimmo, $399 each.

100

Amp up the colour factor with synthetic turf in

various hues, which also introduces a textural
component to your space. Head to Absolut
Outdoors for a wide range of coloured turf
(from pink and orange to blue and purple),
which only needs vacuuming and an occasional
hosing down to upkeep.

Outdoor chairs, prices on

application, from CMYK Lifestyle.

Laid-back Grandeur

Having a private outdoor

space to relax in is a luxury in
compact cities so embrace it
by creating your own resortinspired getaway. These
designs are also ideal for
dining, entertaining, or just
lounging away the afternoon
with family and friends.
Garpen sofa, $360,
from Ikea.

Polystyrene imitates wood

on Crate & Barrels Rocha
sofa, $1,299.

London L-shaped sofa, $6,400,

from Natural Living.

102

Olivia swing, $4,680,

from Skyline Designs.

Marcel modular chair,

from $3,200, from
Marquis Interiors.

Halifax glider, $1,067.95,

from Teak & Mahogany.

Lean back with your special

someone on the Lotus Chaise,
$1,700, from Massimmo.

BUILD THE LOOK WITH

Wood-finish decking

104

To get the look of wooden decking but

without the hassle of maintenance, we
recommend engineered flooring alternatives
such as Floor Depots 4G Chamwood
Decking, which is a waterproof flooring that
resists humidity and is termite-resistant.

Source relaxer, $5,100, and

footstool, $2,300, both by Gloster,
from Danish Design Co.

Stefano Lounge chair, $747.93,

from Comfort Design.

We never rest and relax...

So you can.

rezt & relax interior

interior design

xalerntzer
rezt & relax interior

L i v e

Y o u r

D r e a m

www.reztnrelax.com

33 Ubi Avenue 3 #02-09 Vertex Tower B, Singapore 408868 T: 6348 7787 E: wilson@reztnrelax.com

fabFINDS
text MAVIS ANG
photography VEE CHIN
styling LEYNA POH

COME OUT
& PLAY
WITH OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES RISING IN THE

STYLE STAKES, EVEN THE SMALLEST BALCONY

106

CAN BE AS CLASSY AS YOU WANT IT TO BE.

location ABSOLUT OUTDOORS

FR OM L E F T Watering
can, $1.90, and Springkorn
cushion covers (indoor
fabric), $9.90 each, all
from Ikea; Tio easy chairs,
$645 each, and Tio round
table, $708, all from Miles
& Theodore; white vase,
$12.90, Mildra glasses,
$2.90 each, and Barbar tray,
$9.90, all from Ikea, Shanti
tall lamp by Emu, $1,425
from Marquis QSquare.

photography WONG WEI LIANG

ONE OF THE EASIEST WAYS TO BRING THE COMFORT OF

THE INDOORS OUTSIDE IS TO USE CUSHIONS COVERED
IN EYE-POPPING OUTDOOR FABRICS.

snuggle up

108

FR OM L E FT Cushions by Missoni Home,

$210 each, sunbrella apple (green)
pillow, $89.95, Zane pillow, $54.95, and
Missoni checked pillow, $306, all from
Miles & Theodore; La Mer Dark pillow,
$54.95, from Crate & Barrel; Arroyo
pillow, $54.95, and Springkorn cushion
cover (indoor fabric), $9.90, both
from Ikea.

Lounger by Dansk Outdoor, $2,000,

from Danish Design; Leende jug,
$12.90, from Ikea; Astilla smoke double
old-fashioned glass, $7.95, from CB2;
Fejka artificial plant, $4.90, from Ikea.

F RO M L E F T Hanging

glass terrarium,
$14.95, from CB2; test
tube vase, $76, from
Francfranc; hanging
teardrop diamond
vase, $8.95, from CB2;
Florence flask vase,
$76, and Erlenmeyer
flask vase, $76, both
from Francfranc.

light house

110

F R OM LE FT Obelix large
hurricane lamp, $248
(excluding candles), from
Teak & Mahogany; Lumpur
bamboo lantern, $240
(large), from Originals;
Keywest large hurricane
lamp, $95 (excluding
candles), from Teak &
Mahogany; Lumpur bamboo
lantern, $90 (small), from
Originals; Borrby lantern,
$14.90, from Ikea.

CONJURE UP A ROMANTIC ALFRESCO AMBIENCE WITH

CANDLELIGHT. THESE HURRICANE LAMPS CAN ALSO BE
MOVED AROUND TO WHEREVER YOU NEED LIGHT.

NOT A FAN OF DECOR ACCESSORIES? AN INVITING

STATEMENT LOUNGER IS ALL YOU NEED TO DRESS UP
(AND ENJOY) A SMALL OUTDOOR SPACE.

Nomad outdoor lounger,

$1,200, from Danish
Design; Springkorn
throw, $12.90, from
Ikea; Festa jug, $24,
Festa green tumbler, $7,
pandan leaf tray, $49,
orange kitchen towel,
$7.70, and orange glass,
$9, all from Francfranc.

112

Laminate from Greenlam

Laminates.

one & only

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SPACE PLANNING
text EILEEN KHOO
photo BOCONCEPT

IN THE

zone
ITS POSSIBLE TO DEFINE DIFFERENT SPACES WITHIN A HOME
WITHOUT USING WALLS. JUST DIVVY UP THE SPACE WITH

116

FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES AND EVEN LIGHTING!

With homes getting smaller, open-concept designs are getting increasingly

popular. This is because in such open-plan designs, the usual floor-to-ceiling
space dividers such as walls or partitions are done away with, resulting in the
overall space tending to appear larger.
However, space planning in an open-concept home needs to be done
even more carefully than normal, as organising various functions and
activities without the help of walls often allows everything to be visible
at a glance. As interior stylist Ronald Gutierrez of Danish furnishing label
Boconcept cautions: The thing about an open-concept theme is that you
run the risk that the home may end up looking like a glorified mess!
Homeowners interested in an open-plan look therefore need to tread
carefully, and make use of creative techniques to both set the boundaries
for different areas and also effectively hide or store clutter.
Before doing anything else, consider the total space you have and
think about which area you would use the most. For instance, in a joined
living and dining space, ask yourself if you will use the living or dining area
more, and plan accordingly, advises Ronald.

117

Use a floor rug,

or group furniture
according to
material, style
or look to help
demarcate one area
from the next.

FURNISHINGS THAT FIT

Using furniture to create different zones is one
basic way of differentiating areas, says designer
Gerard Hsiung of interior design firm 5+ Design.
Bookcases or decorative partitions can provide
some privacy, but ideally these separators shouldnt
be more than 2.1m tall, so as not to block out too
much light or create a claustrophobic feeling.
Pieces that have partially see-through or open
sections would work well, too. Slatted teak screen
dividers or open-backed bookshelves would help
to delineate spaces while maintaining a sense
of airiness without blocking ambient light, says
Terence Teh, marketing manager of Journey East.
Another good trick is to float your sofa in the
middle of the room and place a credenza or console
right behind it, which effectively bisects the space
without disrupting the line of sight, says Raymond
Quah, owner of furniture store Pomelo.

Soft furnishings such as fabric curtains, string

curtains, drapes and blinds are another easy way
to isolate a space. If your living room is meant
to double as a guestroom at times, a curtain is a
no-fuss way to create privacy without resorting to
panels, he adds. It will also help confine airconditioning to a certain zone, which saves energy.
While they are usually installed at doorways
or along passageways, curtains and drapes can
also be creatively used in a middle of a room. One
disadvantage of this, however, is that they will
usually still be visible even if theyre completely
drawn back, says Gerard. A better option would
be to use roller blinds that draw upwards instead,
as these can be designed to retract into a recessed
space in a false ceiling. You can even stagger them
at different intervals to form an interesting, mazelike effect when lowered.

KEEP IN LINE

118

photography ALAN LEE / K STUDIO design SPACE MATTERS

Align furniture with

ceiling beams or
pillars to reinforce
spatial borders in an
open-concept space.

photography CI&A design DISTINCTIDENTITY

FREE FLOW

119

photo DBODHI

Open shelves make

good partitions that
allow for lightness
and transparency.

Having bold flooring

patterns in a particular
space instantly sets it
apart from the rest of
the home.

photography VEE CHIN design HABIT

photography KELVIN CUFF design LEKKER DESIGN

GROUND LEVEL

ON THE FLOOR
Apart from using furnishings, visually demarcating
the various zones can be done in many ways.
Using different types or colours of floor materials
is a common method, but beware that this can
sometimes make a small space look even smaller.
It may also be limiting in the long run as flooring
materials, once laid, are permanent. Using carpets
or rugs, which are changeable and moveable, are
a simple but effective way to anchor loose furniture
pieces, in a wide open space, to one specific area,
says Raymond.
Alternating colours and textures, or hard and
soft flooring materials, can also go a long way in
establishing visual area markers. Using contrasts
help to define the boundaries of each space, says
Terence. For example, using colourful fabrics
or soft furnishings (in one corner) can break the
monotony of a hard, plain grey cement floor, and
carve it out as a separate space.
Contrasts dont necessarily have to be strong
or powerful they can be gentle, too. You can use
different accent tones of a neutral colour to subtly
separate the spaces, says Ronald. This would help
create a more spacious look.

FURRY FRIENDS

120

photo & design ARTISTROOM

Floor rugs are an easy

and space-efficient way
of dividing up space and
adding a softer, more
comfortable feel.

LIGHT UP
Lighting, too, can be used to subtly carve out a
space. Using strong task lighting in the kitchen
area, for example, would create a contrast with
warm, soft lighting in an adjoining living space.
There is also a trend now towards using lighting
effects to set different moods within the same
space, such as with coloured or mood lighting,
says Gerard. This can be complemented with dualuse furniture, such as a dining table that can be
covered to become a pool table.
Plants or decorative items can also be used.
A row of plants, strategically placed artwork or
interesting display items can instantly signal a
different feel, and be easily moved if needed. At
the end of the day, less is always more, says
Terence, especially in compact homes. Be selective
in terms of what pieces work best, but at the same
time, dont be afraid to mix and match.

ITS ILLUMINATING
Pairing different lighting
effects a soft glow
for dining, more even
illumination for living
help set spaces apart.

TIPS ON
ZONING YOUR
OPEN-CONCEPT
SPACE
Besides permanent solutions such
as built-in dividers or flooring
treatments, play with loose furniture,
lighting and accessories to form
effective but mobile boundaries.

photography CI&A design DISTINCTIDENTITY

122

Group furniture according to

look or type. A gathering of wood
armchairs and stools, for instance,
would naturally set themselves
apart from soft, upholstered pieces.
Go for obvious colour contrasts,
or different tones of one shade to
differentiate areas.
Subtlety is key. Dont make your
boundaries too obvious. Creating
stark or dramatic dividers would
defeat the purpose of having an
open-concept space.

SPACE PLANNING
text EILEEN KHOO
coordination NICCO LIM

E
AM

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EA
LL B
I
W
IES
TILE
DAR
RSA
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U
V
D
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Y AN
ACE
D
P
S
N
UP
ES.
TRE
ING
ESE
PIEC
T
H
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G
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RI
ITH
LOO
HW
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1

BOOKCASES
BOX IT UP

162

An asymmetrical stack of
open, boxy shelves adds a
modern geometric touch and
makes it easy to put away
anything from books and
CDs to display items.

1 Slice shelf by &Tradition,

$4,752.79, from Foundry. 2
Different Trains cabinet by
Matthew Hilton, price on
application, from Dream
Interiors. 3 Lap shelving unit
for Case Furniture, price on
application, from Pomelo
Home. 4 Kibako modular
shelf system by Nissin,
$380-$620 per shelf unit in
natural oak, from Atomi.
5 Cano 5 shelves for Hay,
$1,081.08, from Foundry. 6
Diego room divider, $2,700,
from Crate & Barrel. 7 Room
divider in black-stained oak
veneer and black acrylic,
$1,845, from Boconcept.

3
6

THIS AND THAT

125

Modular units that can be

customised to different heights
and lengths, and with recessed
storage boxes or partially closed
compartments, let you practically
create a bookcase tailored to
your belongings and lifestyle.

CONSOLES

ON THE SIDE

Low consoles make great

unobtrusive space dividers
that double as handy places
to tuck away kitchenware,
office paraphernalia or loose
household items.

126

1 Hiroshima TV console by
Maruni, $5,800, from Atomi.
2 Tweed island by Poliform,
$4,790, from Space Asia
Hub. 3 Sideboard, $2,395,
from Boconcept. 4 Norden
sideboard, $299, from Ikea.
5 Scene console by Arco,
$4,810.36, from Foundry.
6 Framework credenza,
$1,199, from CB2.

DIVIDERS & CABINETS

2
1

1 Softwall divider by Gerhards & Glucker, $16,775, from Space

Asia Hub. 2 Vass cabinet by Asplund, $5,197, from Dream
Interiors. 3 Desalto Armida shelving unit, price unavailable,
from Xtra. 4 Amari 50 room divider in black-stained oak veneer,
$2,145, from Boconcept. 5 Studioilse Companions writing desk
by De La Espada, price unavailable, from Dream Interiors. 6 Sigurd
bench, $139, from Ikea. 7 Magis Ladrillos shelving system, price
unavailable, from Xtra.

WORK WELL

128

A tidy work space not only

ups efficiency, it also makes
you feel better. Work smart
with these nifty and chic
space savers that will
perk up any office.

FLOOR RUGS
1

STEP ON IT

Carpets or rugs that are

furry, fluffy or just plain quirky
are a quick and fun way to
dress up a drab space or
accentuate an area.

130

DIRECTORY
Atomi #04-27 Mandarin Gallery, tel: 6887-4138
Boconcept www.boconcept.sg
CB2 178A Orchard Road, Peranakan Place Complex,
tel: 6732-5333
Crate & Barrel #04-21/22, #03-25 Ion Orchard,
tel: 6634-4222
Dream Interiors 456 River Valley Road, tel: 6235-0220
Foundry 3 Seah Street, tel: 6339-6381
Ikea www.ikea.com.sg
Journey East #03-02 Tan Boon Liat Building,
tel: 6473-1693
Pomelo Home #10-04 Tan Boon Liat Building,
tel: 6226-4663
Space Asia Hub 77 Bencoolen Street, tel: 6415-0000
The Bear Knows #03-05 Liang Court, tel: 6338-9366
Xtra #01-01/#02-01 Park Mall, tel: 6336-0688

1 Rondo rug in grey

cowskin, $1,145, from
Boconcept. 2 Low-pile
Moborg rug, $139, from
Ikea. 3 Mienterra carpet
with polyester and wool
base, $3,300, from The
Bear Knows. 4 Cage
carpet with polyester, silk
and wool base, $4,300,
from The Bear Knows.
5 Texturas rug with
European-blended wool,
$699.95, from CB2.
6 Hemisphere handtufted wool rug, $699.95,
from CB2.

DULUX PAINT SPECIAL

FEEL
THE
COLOUR
Plain walls are nice but
when you need to create a
focal point, go for a mix of
paint and texture.

Dulux Wash & Wear

Natural Linen
WW22618L

Dulux Wash & Wear

Industrial touch

The beauty of the irregularities

of exposed brick is accented
when painted in a mellow
neutral (Dulux Wash & Wear
Natural Linen WW22618L).

photo DULUX

White WW25258L

ecorating with neutrals can be very chic, but can also

come across as boring. The key to a successful neutral
colour palette is to incorporate unique contrasting and
rich textures. Texture is one of the basic elements of design, and
enhances our spatial awareness by appealing to our senses of
touch and sight.
Walls, as the largest surface in any room, can imbue a room
with ambience through a mix of colour and texture. Many interior
designers like to integrate raw brick into their interiors. Depending
on how it is treated, this material can look rustic, modern or
industrial. As these two homes by Dulux Preferred Designers
Museum and Metaphor Studio show, brick and paint complement
each other to create visually arresting spaces.
Dulux Preferred Designers is a select group of interior
designers specially trained in the use of Dulux paints and colours.
These designers expert eye can help you navigate the many
colour options and design choices available, to work wonders in
your home through the use of colour and texture.

Rough it out

Left natural and untouched, the brick

contrasts well with the back-tonature green wall (Dulux Napa Valley
Dulux 90YY 35/304) and vintage sofa.
Natural brick is beautiful on its own, and
the designers at Metaphor Studio used
it to good effect in this HDB maisonette.
But huge expanses of raw brick can be
overwhelming in a conned space, so they
cleverly included areas of plastered walls
painted a fresh green for balance and a
touch of serenity. The resulting look is
warm and inviting, and blends in with
the homes Peranakan-style decor.

Dulux Napa Valley

photo METAPHOR STUDIO

Dulux 90YY35/304

Dulux Wash & Wear

photo MUSEUM PTE LTD

White WW25258L

Make it modern

A coat of warm white paint

(Dulux Wash & Wear
White WW25258L) over
raw brick adds a rened
note that refreshes the
room. The stark colour
scheme is heightened by
the contrasting materials:
uneven brick, metal shelving
and wood furniture.

Interiors rm Museum likes using white

walls in its projects, but something
extra is often needed to lift the scheme.
To add interest to this living room,
Museum installed a faux brick wall
and painted it white so it matches the
sleek modern elements. The white wall
now provides a edgy backdrop and
subtle contrast to the wood furniture
and cream sofa without being boring.
Texture gives this monochromatic
scheme depth and a subtle contrast.

PAINTING TIPS

Dulux Wash & Wear

Paint brick walls in
our and freshness.
col
g
for longer-lastin
outstanding
nt
This premium pai hasresistance, which
scrub
h
hig
and
ty
bili
sha
e.
wa
g fresh for a longer tim
keeps colours lookin
e wall with a strong
When you accent on nt it with a textured
me
ple
com
r,
paint colou
er walls.
treatment on the oth
e texture throughout.
Dont repeat the sam lished and rough on
Use hard and soft, po h as counters and
different surfaces suc amic look.
cabinets for a dyn

C
Check
out the works of Dulux Preferred Designers in the Dulux Colour Inspirations Book 2013, downloadable
ble at
www.dulux.com.sg.
w
Try out the Dulux Colour Consultation Service by uploading a picture of your room and your colour preferences
T
nces at
www.dulux.com.sg. Duluxs colour experts will show you an image of how your room will look with the new
w
w hues..
C
Colours
shown are as close to the actual Dulux colours as printing techniques permit.
Please refer to the Dulux Colour Inspirations 2013 book for a more accurate representation.
P

h&dhomes
text Mavis ang
photography alan lee / k studio
art direction nonie Chen
& niCCo liM

134

Glass doors abound

on the ground floor,
brightening the
expansive space.

thefacts

who lives here A couple And their pet dog And cAt
home three-storey detAched house in yio chu KAng size 3,000sqf

The designer retained

the homes original
staircases, but swopped
the parquet flooring
on the ground floor for
concrete screed.

fullofsurprises
Not settliNG for ruN-of-the-mill furNishiNGs,

this couple weNt all out to source accessories

135

that add a bold, edGy kick to their home.

fter handing the keys over to their interior

designer, Mark Yong of Museum, David
Bell and Lydia Yee jetted off to Bangkok
to shop for their new place. And boy, did they
shop. From dining chairs to statement lighting,
the couple filled a containers worth of furniture
and accessories for their future home. After living
in a rented place for some time, David and Lydia
were ecstatic to put their first home together, so
they couldnt resist indulging.
Home was to be a 27-year-old bungalow
nestled in a quiet corner in the east, and they
had engaged Museum to give the house a
contemporary industrial makeover. After a sixmonth renovation that cost $300,000, which
included a few tweaks to incorporate the couples
buys into the interiors, the place is now a dandy
pad that is cosy and dramatic at the same time.

136

David, Lydia and their

13-year-old pet dog
Max lounging in the
shady backyard. above
The living rooms
industrial setting is
articulated via a hide
rug as well as various
steel, leather and
wood elements.

SAVVY SHOPPERS
It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that David
and Lydia have mastered the art of shopping
for their home. Buying things online, in town
(Lydia bagged the armchairs in the living room
for $300 at last years International Furniture
Fair Singapore) and around the region, the
couple managed to furnish their pad with wellmade items, minus the inflated price tags. It
was amazing how many bargains we managed
to get, David says. Due to the couples offbeat
choices, which are quirky yet on trend, every
corner features a talking point.
One knock-out piece David and Lydia
acquired on their trip in Bangkok is a surgical
lamp-inspired lighting fixture that drops 1.85m
from the living room ceiling. It commands an
industrial cool that not only pulls together the
spaces masculine palette, but also sets the tone
for the entire home. The double front doors made
of wood (each weighing a hefty 150kg), balcony
decking, dining set and the entertainment rooms
sofa were also shipped over from Bangkok.

The kitchen hood was

customised so that it
would be proportionate
to the massive island.
below The dining set
was bought in Bangkok,
and the mobile-inspired
light from a Dutch
designer online.

To improve air flow, the

designer replaced the
wall between the living
room and kitchen with
these open shelves.

LYDIA DECLARES THAT THE KITCHEN,

WHICH SHE DESIGNED WITH DAVID,
IS HER FAVOURITE PART OF THE HOME.

whathedid
KEEPING IT IN
INSTEAD OF ENGAGING
PROFESSIONAL HELP, MARK
SOUNDPROOFED THE
ENTERTAINMENT ROOM BY
CLADDING THE WALLS WITH
PERFORATED HARDBOARD.

It started off from a few brochures and

referrals from Davids friends. We also bought
many pieces from a two-storey building
called Crystal Design Centre. We were a bit
apprehensive at first because it looks really
expensive from the outside. But we soon realised
that their prices were really reasonable, recalls
Lydia of their sourcing trip to Bangkok.

RESHAPE AND RESHUFFLE

Towards the back half of the ground floor is
the kitchen and dining area, which now enjoys
a healthy dose of natural light thanks to some
adjustments. The area was opened up by
knocking down the maids room which used to
be adjacent to the kitchen, and using glass doors
to merge the indoor and outdoor areas. The
kitchen is the heart of our home, Lydia declares.
We do a fair bit of cooking, so we designed it
ourselves so that it could fit with our habits. The
result is a fully tailored kitchen that is both ultrastylish and a breeze to work in.
139

As David is a music
fan, artist Andre Tan,
one of Museums three
partners, created a
painting featuring jazz
musicians for the home.

Originally two separate

bedrooms, this space
is now the master
bedroom with an
attached bath and
shower area worthy
of a private spa.

The master bedroom used to occupy the

second floor (now turned into a home theatre),
but because its windows looked out onto the
main road, the couple decided to shift their
bedroom up to the third floor for more privacy.
Their personal haven is now an open-concept
sanctuary that was crafted by merging two of
the three bedrooms on the top floor. The shared
washroom now sits in the middle of the master
bedroom, flanked by a utilitarian bed and an
open bath area.
It takes good synergy between the
homeowners and the interior designer to produce
amazing results. Lydia and David thoroughly
enjoyed the process, and Mark was glad to have
quite a free hand when it came to design and
material choices. I only did the basic renovation
works so that they could fill it and truly make it
their home, he humbly states.

where to go

140

MUSEUM TEL: 6737-9793

whatwelove
LATERAL THINKING
INSTEAD OF A CONVENTIONAL
HANDLE, MARK CARVED A HOLE IN
THE CUPBOARD DOORS INSTEAD,
CREATING A MINIMALIST DETAIL
THAT ADDS TO THE HOMES
OVERALL CONCEPT.

H&DHOMES
text MAVIS ANG
photography VERNON WONG
art direction KRISTY QUAH

142

An inviting open-plan
kitchen and dining
area greets this homes
guests as they step
through the front door.

settlingin
AFTER YEARS OF LIVING IN

RENTED APARTMENTS, THIS

COUPLE WANTED NOTHING MORE

THAN TO TAILOR THEIR OWN

thefacts

WHO LIVES HERE A COUPLE AND THEIR TWO PET CATS HOME THREEBEDROOM CONDOMINIUM UNIT IN JERVOIS ROAD SIZE 1,700SQF

143

HOME TO THEIR PRECISE NEEDS.

The idea behind the

living room, says the
designer, is to create
a warm and cosy
library-like den.

A NEUTRAL PALETTE AND AN

UNPRETENTIOUS STYLE LEND THIS

164

SPACE A HOMELY TOUCH.

A six-seater dining
set was chosen as
the couple often host
guests for dinner.
below With removable
vertical columns, this
bookshelf can be
customised easily.

145

he homeowner have been living rather

nomadic lives for some time. As he often
gets posted to foreign countries for work,
it was important for them, when they finally got
a chance to live in Singapore again, that their
home should feel as comfortable and personal as
possible.
Ms Low and her husband chose a resale
apartment that is minutes away from town, yet
enveloped by a restful serenity. The original
interiors, however, were far from ideal. From
a list of shortlisted interior design firms, they
approached Dwell first simply because the
companys office was nearest to them. One
designer was free to view the home immediately,
and Ms Low and her husband took to his
proposals rather quickly because his ideas
werent too crazy, she recalls. It took a threemonth renovation to create this relaxing abode,
which fit their specifications perfectly.

whatwelove
SCRIBBLE BOARD
TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THE
STRUCTURAL PILLAR IN THE
KITCHEN, THE DESIGNER CLAD IT
IN GLASS SO IT COULD DOUBLE
AS A WHITEBOARD.

The wife got used to

the standard American
kitchen counter height
after living there, so
the island was built
slightly higher.

FOODIES PARADISE

146

A big fan of baking and cooking, Ms Low

couldnt settle for anything less than a welldesigned kitchen. The original layout allocated
a narrow and dark space to the kitchen, so the
storeroom adjacent to it was brought down to
make way for more light and room. The only
hindrance was a support beam that couldnt be
removed. So Ed Ong, Dwells creative director,
proposed for the island to be built around it.
The result was a very open and social space
designed around the kitchen and the dining
area in front of it. Almost twice a week there
will be someone coming over to dine, and our
guests always end up hanging around this area
chit-chatting, Ms Low reveals.
Besides her skills in the kitchen, another
pride and joy of Ms Low is her 1,500-strong
cookbook collection. Thats why the well-made
floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that graces one wall of
the living room is her favourite feature of the
home. She appreciates the fine craftsmanship
and sturdiness of this customised piece as it
shows no signs of buckling under the weight of
all the books.

DOING IT THEIR WAY

148

The couple also personalised their space by

eschewing the usual design elements no
feature walls for us! says Ms Low. While the
home has a refined shell bathed in a neutral
palette, it is filled with not just contemporary
furniture that would have represented a formulaic
style but also Timothy Oulton pieces that give
the interiors an elegant twist.
From the vintage-inspired British furniture
brand, the couple picked out a chest that features
riveted aluminium panels evocative of the finishes
on World War II planes, a coffee table made out
of recycled boat wood, as well as a settee in a
worn leather look (the cats scratches will look
less obvious, says Ms Low) to create the living
room setting. Peppered around the common
area are Chinese sideboards and antique pieces
passed down from the couples parents.

When it came to decorating, Ms Low

states her main aim was to make the place
look more like a home than a showroom, and
this approach is evident in the way the house
is adorned casually with art and collectibles.
Besides her husbands collection of model
airplanes and tanks, a couple of old maps he
acquired are also displayed such as the one of
Africa drawn in 1861, which is propped against
the wall at the reading corner. The couples
cats are also endearingly represented through
photographs and a painting done by their
friend. The best compliment I think we got
for this home so far is that it looks like weve
already been living here for a long time, Ms
Low proclaims with pride.

where to go
DWELL INTERIOR DESIGN TEL: 6883-1005

above right

The large
built-in wardrobe by
the bed keeps the
master bedroom free
from clutter. above
left Antique and
contemporary pieces
lie side by side to bring
out a sophisticated
juxtaposition.

H&DHOMES
text KITTY CHEW
photography WONG WEI LIANG
art direction NONIE CHEN
assisted by LEYNA POH

anasian
affair
THIS PENTHOUSES ASTOUNDING ART

COLLECTION COMES FROM THE OWNERS

150

LONG ROMANCE WITH THE ORIENT.

thefacts

WHO LIVES HERE A FRENCH BACHELOR, HIS CAT AND DOG

HOME THREE-BEDROOM DUPLEX PENTHOUSE AT ROBERTSON QUAY SIZE 2,000SQF

151

Even when closed,

the sliding glass doors
between the living and
dining areas retain a
seamlessness between
the two zones. right
Floating treads and
the lack of a bannister
make the stairs appear
visually lighter.

hen this Frenchman uprooted himself,

his domestic helper, cat and dog from
Hong Kong to Singapore, it was only
one in a series of moves the bachelor had made
since he set foot in Asia in 1994 and fell in love
with the continent. He proceeded to amass an
astonishing collection of ancient stone carvings
and provocative, Pop Art-esque paintings as
he lived and travelled extensively across the
region over the next two decades. I wanted to
get something to remember, something I like,
he says of the diverse finds that fill his duplex
penthouse in the hip Robertson Quay district.
Whether its due to his inimitable French flair
or a carefully cultivated, discerning taste, theres
a definite je ne sais quoi to the apartment you
cant put your finger on. He may joke about his
poochs Louis Vuitton collar, but his home is
anything but ostentatious. His intention was to

create a place that is interesting to look at no

matter where you turn. A restrained palette of
white and wood ensures the sleek, contemporary
furnishings dont compete, but where he does
use colour, it is intense. Lots of what he calls
Chinese red denotes happiness and prosperity
to him, contrasting starkly with hints of sensual
blue in the art.

PLACE IN THE SUN

The abundant light spilling in from full-height
windows on both floors was one of the
homeowners prerequisites. He likes that this
puts people in a cheerful mood and makes the
space feel like a little holiday resort. The lower
floor opens up to a welcoming terrace (a big
factor behind the bachelors purchase), where
one gets mind-blowing views of the bustling
cityscape, even from the adjoining living and

152

The large terrace and

its marvellous views
contributed significantly
to the homeowners
decision to purchase this
penthouse after looking
at more than 20 other
homes here.

Sleek, modern high

seats tone down the
sumptuousness of the
bespoke marble-topped
bar counter. right A
Pop Art-esque painting
from Chinese artist
Wang Guangyis Great
Criticism series.

153

Shots of red in the chair,

accessories and artwork
make for vibrant and
exciting touches in the
living area. Bespoke
bookshelves keep the
place uncluttered.

154

Like the rest of the

home, the guest
room is a fascinating
mix of old objects
with contemporary
furnishings and art.

dining areas. Come evening, the homeowner

often finds himself there unwinding with a glass
of wine (French, of course) as the twinkling neon
lights of nearby buildings transform his apartment
into an uber-cool party pad.
He converted the dining area, now an intimate
alcove housing a bespoke glass table paired with
see-through Louis Ghost chairs, from part of the
terrace to allocate more room to the living space.
The transparency of the furniture turns the focus
on a vibrant painting by Chinese artist Wang
Xue Jun. Furnishings in the living area follow in
this light, contemporary vein, albeit in gleaming
white, with jolts of red echoing the rooms main
visual a cheeky take on the Cultural Revolution
depicting soldiers with exposed rear ends from
Liu Chun Hais Red Guards series. Much of the
homeowners treasured art collection comprises
pieces of a similar crazy-but-serious dichotomy
that he says reflects his personal beliefs. To him,
its simply fun.
The bachelor definitely believes in enjoying
the quintessential pleasures of life, and that is
evidenced by the custom-designed marbletopped bar counter and Euro Cave wine chiller

The study has more

art and comfortable
seating. below The
placement of a headless
artefact beside the
contemporary How To
Build A Strong Soldier
by Singaporean artist
Aiman is an exercise in
witty juxtaposition.

whatwelove
COLOUR DISTRACTION
TO KEEP THE FULL-HEIGHT
CUSTOM SHELVING VISUALLY
LIGHT, THE HOMEOWNER HAD
IT DONE IN WHITE AND PALE
WOOD, AND PAIRED WITH A

155

LARGE, IMPOSING PAINTING

THAT DRAWS THE EYE AWAY.

below The homeowner

extended the master
bedroom into the
terrace and filled the
gap in the ceiling with
grilles so sunlight can
still enter.

sandwiched between the living area and the

staircase, kitchen and guest bedroom. He says
having a bar for when friends come over creates
a cosier ambience.

ART WITH HEART

whatwelove
RELAXING MIRAGE
A HOST OF MIRRORED
SURFACES IN THE MASTER
BEDROOM REFLECTS THE
LIGHT ENTERING FROM THE
FULL-HEIGHT WINDOWS,
156

LENDING A RESORT-LIKE FEEL

TO THIS SPACE.

The floating stairs take you to the study and a wall

of full-height shelving. While not a fan of built-ins
there were plenty previously, which he hacked
away having storage was important for him as
he dislikes clutter. The almost-all-white design
keeps the space subdued, while allowing found
objects and paintings particularly the moody
Blue Boy by Fang Hui to take centre stage.
To create a bigger space, the homeowner
extended the master bedroom into the terrace. A
vanity island separates the sleeping area from the
jacuzzi and walk-in wardrobe, made by enclosing
what he jokes was a miserably petite garden. The
idea was again to have something light and bright
that wouldnt draw attention from his collection.
But unlike the downstairs areas, the furnishings

here are objets dart themselves. There is a

liberal assortment of Oriental treasures, ancient
sculptures and contentious artwork whose
placement reveals the collectors wry humour:
a sculpture of a diver stands at the jacuzzi; a
headless statue is mounted beside a painting of
a full-bodied man in the study outside.
Drawn to objects with a sense of history, the
homeowners favourite is a large Buddha head
mounted on an old cabinet. He likes the sense
of tranquility it provides. He says, The effect is
so peaceful. Being surrounded by these things I
love makes me happy to be here.

158

The homeowners
favourite object is the
Buddha head in his
bedroom, which he has
owned for 16 years.

left The walk-in

wardrobe was a petite
garden, converted to
provide storage. below
A flat-screen television
mounted amid mirrored
panels in the jacuzzi
area of the master
bedroom adds to the
relaxing experience.

Made with

Quick Dry Foam

Available Colours

Available Colours

360

www.facebook.com/teakandmahogany

H&DHOMES
text MAVIS ANG
photography VERNON WONG
art direction KRISTY QUAH

This eccentric room

combines modern
furniture, antiques,
and abstract paintings
amassed on the
couples travels.

160

thefacts

WHO LIVES HERE A DESIGNER IN HER EARLY 20S, AND OCCASIONALLY HER FAMILY HOME
THREE-BEDROOM CONDOMINIUM UNIT IN UPPER EAST COAST ROAD SIZE 1,615SQF

family

days

WHEN THIS FAMILY REUNITES IN SINGAPORE, ITS IN A FAMILIAR NEST

161

FILLED WITH THE PARENTS COLLECTION OF ART AND ANTIQUES.

THANKS TO THE LARGE WINDOWS,

THE LIVING ROOM DOESNT FEEL

162

CRAMPED DESPITE ITS HEAVY PALETTE.

The generous outdoor

area is one of the
main reasons David
chose this apartment,
as he loves gardening.

163

hile members of the Wee family are

currently spread across four countries,
Singapore is where they reunite.
Husband and wife David and Aleth Wee are now
based in Jakarta, and while they raised their three
daughters here, only one is currently working
in Singapore (shes the main occupant of this
home). And this is one of the reasons the couple
decided to downsize their local property from
a three-storey bungalow to a three-bedroom
condominium unit.

By eating into the

master bedrooms
footprint, the
dining area could
accommodate a bar
counter (left). below
A floor-to-ceiling
mirror by the kitchens
narrow entrance helps
it look less confined.

The familys home in Singapore was to serve as

a cosy, chalet-like retreat for the couple, who are in
their 60s, to spend quality time with their children.
Quiet, private, and with a large patio attached, this
ground-floor unit in the east hit the mark. Very much
homebodies, the family members spend their time
playing board games, watching DVDs, or enjoying
the pool outside whenever they are gathered here.

SETTING THE FOUNDATION

164

Mong Design Studio had handled the renovation

works for the familys previous home in Singapore
the firm was again chosen to refurbish this resale
unit. As David was working in Kuala Lumpur then,
the design planning was done via e-mail over the
course of three months (the construction went on
for another three). David is quite an art collector,
and he has an eye for design. So, we simply built a
base upon which he and his wife could do their own
styling, says interior designer Tin Orense.
The first step was to tweak the old layout in
order to make better use of each corner, and to

ideaswelove
SLIDE TO HIDE
THE MASTER BEDROOM DOOR
BLENDS INTO THE LIVING ROOM
WALL WHEN CLOSED, GIVING THE
COMMON AREA A NEATER PROFILE.

166

Tin made the master

bathroom look more
streamlined by placing
the shower and the
counter flushed
against the walls.

extend the common area for the familys use. As

such, the odd-shaped kitchen was adjusted to
accommodate more storage, and a portion of the
master bedroom was hived off (its door had to be
relocated as well) to widen the dining area.
Aside from the structural rearrangement,
David also specified that he wanted a neutral
palette for the home. While this may seem like
a safe choice, he chose designer accent pieces
(such as the Tom Dixon Beat pendant lamps)
which, along with the $120,000 renovation, set
the space apart.

A PERSONAL TOUCH
With a wealth of artefacts amassed over three
decades of travels, David and Aleth didnt
need to fret over shopping for the new place.
We had the opportunity to go to the couples
home in Kuala Lumpur, and it was like walking
into a museum! says Tin, who advised them
on the items to bring over. Styled with a casual,
unscripted approach by David, the home is filled
with traditional Asian art, abstract paintings,
antique Chinese chests, vintage clocks, and
contemporary furniture. Even the walls of the

Asian artworks are

displayed near the
master bedrooms
wardrobe in an easy,
effortless manner.
below A velvet
faux leather fabric
was chosen for the
headboard to add
subtle textural depth.

master bedrooms en suite bathroom werent

spared from the presence of canvases.
David also surprised Tin by agreeing to the
unconventional finishes shed proposed without
any hesitation faux leather upholstery in a velvet
finish for his bed headboard, a dark grey accent
wall for the living room, and a rusty orange shade
for the mosaic wall in his bathroom. As a result
of Davids rather adventurous sense of style and
the familys collection of foreign mementoes,
this home embodies their zest for travel and
exploration very well.

168

where to go
MONG DESIGN STUDIO TEL: 6753-3005

H&DHOMES
text WONG SIOW YUEN
photography DAREEN CHENG
art direction NONIE CHEN
& LEYNA POH

170

The faux brick wall

goes nicely with the
Chesterfield leather
sofas in the hall.

living
with the
past
A COUPLE WITH A PENCHANT
FOR THE VINTAGE MOUNTED A
GLOBAL SEARCH FOR THE REAL

thefacts

WHO LIVES HERE A COUPLE IN THEIR 30S HOME

FIVE-ROOM HDB FLAT IN ANG MO KIO SIZE 1,302SQF

171

DEAL TO CHARMING EFFECT.

Wall decals hide

the storeroom door
(on the left), while
suitcases provide
storage for items that
are seldom accessed.

OLD SOULS AT HEART, THE COUPLE

EMBRACE OBJECTS WITH AGE AND
HISTORY OVER NEW AND SHINY THINGS.

came as a three-seater, two-seater and armchair

all with large proportions. Lining them up in a
row was the only way to fit them into the living
room. Thankfully, the previous owner of the flat
had levelled and brought in the balcony space
to extend the living room. Authentic vintage
pieces soon followed in quick succession.
The couple searched online for local vintage
haunts as well online merchants on etsy and eBay
for the real McCoys. They found two 50-year-old
ceiling fans in working order, a long 1960s teak
console, piles of old leather luggage, a working
Danish magneto telephone from the 1900s

Mismatched chairs
enliven the dining
room. right Sharon,
who also loves old
automobiles, could
not resist getting this
vintage motorcycle
horn, which Desmond
hooked up to use as
their doorbell.

above

This working
telephone from the
1900s is decorative as
well as functional.

173

haron Sim vehemently opposes the stark

minimalist look. It makes her yawn, she says.
Instead, what makes her sit up is vintage
not as a design statement, but as a testament
to the lifestyle of a bygone era. Her husband
Desmond loves anything in wood as he grew up
surrounded by well-made wood furniture crafted
by his grandfather, a Shanghainese carpenter.
Fortunately, the two met and the result is a home
with stories to tell.
In decorating their five-room flat, the starting
point was the leather Chesterfield sofa set Sharon
fell in love with. Bought from Locus Habitat, it

ideaswelove
PLAIN TO SEE
DESMOND DESIGNED THIS SERIES OF
OPEN BOXES AND SHELVES TO DISPLAY
HIS COLLECTION OF MECHANICAL AND
CLOCKWORK OBJECTS.

The Diamond clock

was common in
old kopitiams. The
old entrance to the
bathroom was sealed
up and painted over
with blackboard paint.

(which they actually use), porcelain pillows and a

Diamond wall clock commonly seen in kopitiams
(local coffeeshops) in the 1970s. More than mere
decorations, these blasts from the past fascinate
both Sharon and Desmond for different reasons.
She is enthralled by the 1920s and everything
that is related to music, literature and the arts.
As an engineer, he is drawn to the mechanical
and clockwork mechanisms. Desmond is proud
to own a rare mechanical tape clock, a pocket
phonograph and a portable microscope, and
also inherited his grandmas typewriter. These
are displayed in the dining room in a series of
open boxes he designed. The hands-on owner
also took pains to plan the electrical wiring and
gas piping for the flat, and conceptualised the
lighting plan, too.

MEMORY LANE

174

The key to pulling off the vintage look without the

home looking like a cluttered antique store filled
with random objects is to reflect the homeowners

personalities. The couple has done exactly this

by designing it around their specific likes: his
mechanical cameras, clocks and equipment and
old teak carpentry, and her vintage crockery and
beloved 1920s gramophone. Everything they
bought is carefully considered and researched.
We never hesitate to ask the seller about the
history of the piece and end up learning a lot and
making many friends! Sharon says. She points
to two stacks of Chinese noodle bowls with a
rooster motif commonly seen on local crockery
of the past. We eat off this set but not the other
as those are the real ones from pre-war days,
she explains. There is a visible difference in the

ideaswelove
OPEN AND SHUT
CROCKERY AND COOKING UTENSILS
BECOME PART OF THE DECOR WHILE
CABINET DOORS HIDE FOODSTUFFS,
LARGER COOKWARE AND THE DRYER.

TEKA SINGAPORE PTE LTD

83, Clemenceau Avenue,#01-33/34, UE Square, Singapore 239920
Tel: 6734 2415 Fax: 6734 6881 After-Sales Service: 6235 2265 www.teka.com
Weekdays: 9am - 7pm
Saturdays: 10am - 7pm
Closed: Sundays /Public Holidays

brushwork in terms of the amount of pigment

used and the size of the motifs. The older ones
also bear the unevenness that comes with
being handmade.
She can also tell the brief history of each of
their eclectic collection of dining chairs as they
were all bought at different times. There is her
favourite Chinese wishbone elmwood chair at the
head of the table, a swivel wood chair with rattan
seat, a brass-studded leather chair that once
sat in the DBS Bank boardroom and an original
kopitiam bentwood chair. This mixed bag of
seats gathers around a large white table with
turned legs. On first look, it looks like an ordinary
table, albeit a little wider. Then you notice that
the tabletop is divided into two and can be
folded and removed its also a pool table. This

The couple bought a

pair of Eames chairs
even before they had
the flat and now use
them in the guestroom.

178

The bedframe is made

of recycled wood, and
the bedside cabinet is
from the 1970s. above
The study is furnished
with Ikea cabinets and
a vintage swivel chair
from Second Charm.

below Using one

colour on the floor and
walls and installing a
large mirror make the
master bathroom look
visually larger.

ideaswelove
GO GREEN
A NARROW PLANTER WITH
ARTIFICIAL GRASS FLANKS THE TAP
AND ADDS VISUAL RELIEF AND
SOFTNESS TO THE STARKNESS.

goes back to our dating history, laughs Sharon.

We were both nursing a broken heart when we
met while playing pool.
Friends and family who visit are thrilled when
dinner is cleared and the pool table is revealed.
The couple even had shorter cue sticks custom
made to take into account the room size. Thats
when Sharon puts on a Frank Sinatra or Nat King
Cole record on the gramophone and fills the
home with the scratchy, soulful sounds of vinyl.
Some of my friends find the sound creepy but
to me, nothing beats the sound of old records,
she smiles.

ANTI-OXIDANT SOLUTION

Anti-Oxidant Solution
creates over 200,000
negative ions/cm3
in your home.

Just add AntiOxidant Solution

to water-based
paint to combat
harmful free
radicals.

MIX

HOMEOWNERS CAN BENEFIT FROM HEALTHIER AND

FRESHER SURROUNDINGS WITH THE HELP OF THE
ANTI-OXIDANT HOME BUILDING SOLUTION.

The many organic products in the market promising

wellness makes it hard to know which one will work for
you. Now, here is one that promises to create a healthy,
illness-free home environment with proven results.
The Anti-Oxidant Home Building Solution is a
mixture of organic materials that produces special
microbes, which then interact with molecules in the
environment to form negative ions. Simply put, negative
ions are able to neutralise harmful free radicals in the
atmosphere and in our bodies.
Free radicals have been shown to cause cell damage
and speed up the ageing process, and excessive
exposure to them has been linked to diseases such as
cancer. Some of the well-known benets of antioxidants
(also found in fruits and vegetables) are improved sleep,
decreased stress levels and reduced susceptibility to
u. The Anti-Oxidant Solution, which contains a special
enzyme, can be easily mixed into construction materials
such as water-based paint, concrete, plastering or wood
nishes used during a renovation.
A raw egg will not
decay or smell
foul even after
months in a room
treated with AntiOxidant Solution.

Interestingly, the proof of the solutions benecial

effects lie in a test where food items such as raw egg,
meat, bread and cheese do not show any signs of
decay or foul odour (although they turn inedible) even
after three months in a space coated with the solution.
The company even offers clients the convenience of
conducting the raw-egg test in their own homes.
The solution also neutralises odours and prevents
the formation of mould. Cleaning also becomes easier
as it creates an anti-static environment, preventing
dust from sticking to oors, walls and ceilings.
With proper care, benets will last for at least
ve years, after which the coating might need to be
reapplied. This can be determined with a raw egg test
or using the companys negative-ion counter machine.
Avoid the use of harsh detergents or chemical bleach
in rooms treated with the solution.
The concept is an offshoot of Japanese Ganbanyoku (rock bathing therapy), a spa treatment in which
one lies on heated granite (ganban) tiles that emit
negative ions. Anti-Oxidant Centre founder Suliman
Harharah rst discovered the spa treatment on a
vacation to Japan. He says: The average person
spends about 13-15 hours at home. Hence, it would
be best to spend this time in an environment that
ensures healthy living with anti-ageing benets.

Anti-Oxidant Centre offers a money-back

guarantee if the raw-egg test shows decay
three months after application.
Contact: Anti-Oxidant Centre, tel 6756-0636,
www.anti-oxidantcentre.com.sg

H&DHOMES

182

text SHAWN LOW

photography VERNON WONG
art direction NICCO LIM
assisted by LEYNA POH

thefacts

WHO LIVES HERE A YOUNG COUPLE HOME FIVE-ROOM DESIGN,

BUILD AND SELL SCHEME (DBSS) FLAT IN TOA PAYOH SIZE 1,185SQF

With the large breezy

balcony, it wasnt a
difficult decision for
the couple to turn the
dining area alfresco.

country

living
BUILDING A COUNTRY HOME
IN MODERN SINGAPORE

REQUIRED THE HOMEOWNERS

EXTREMELY RESOURCEFUL!

183

AND THE DESIGNER TO BE

or young couple Alvin and Justie Sam, their

home charts their life together since they
got married in 2011. Thrift market finds
from Paris, ornaments from Australia, framed
and mounted photographs from their holidays
their newly built five-room flat was designed in a
country-meets-colonial style that showcases their
marital journey and personalities.
Many homeowners want a clean look with
lots of glass and straight lines, but we wanted
our home to be warm. Besides, Ive always liked
the country look, says Justie. Through a friends
recommendation, they found Marc Wong from
Linear Space Concepts and tasked him to create
a home that channels the style of a country loft.

EASY BREEZY DINING

One striking feature of the home is its unusually
large balcony. While most balconies end up
being unused, Marc made the bold decision to

whattheydid
REUSE, RECYCLE
THESE WOODEN STORAGE
CABINETS ARE MADE OF
RECYCLED WOOD FROM OLD
FISHING BOATS. THE WORN
PATINA WAS BROUGHT OUT

184

WITH A GLOSSY VARNISH.

utilise the space as a dining area. By moving their

eight-seater dining table onto the balcony, the
couple also freed up space in the living room
an arrangement that pleased Alvin especially as it
allows him room to maximise the acoustic quality
of his high-end AV system.
Of course, the music is the perfect
accompaniment to entertaining something
the couple do on a regular basis. To keep the
sun out, hand-painted blinds, inspired by those
in black-and-white colonial bungalows, were
installed; along with a wall-mounted coffeeshop
fan (painted black) to keep the place cool. With
the blinds down, the low-slung hammock here
suddenly takes on an appeal that goes beyond
decorative. When guests arent taking turns
having a siesta in it, theyre busy taking chalk to
the mounted blackboard to the side of one wall.
Its a great way for guests to leave us souvenirs
of their visit, says Justie.

A decorative fireplace
sets the scene for the
flats country look.
below A weathered
leather couch and trunk
were chosen to add
character and warmth
to the living space.

When guests arent

busy scrawling
messages on the
chalkboard, the couple
find time to pen their
own words on it.

A CUSTOM-MADE BED-AND-HEADBOARD
WAS INTEGRATED INTO THE WOOD-CLAD
BAY WINDOWS FOR A UNIFIED LOOK.

The concrete bay

windows were clad in
wood to soften the look
and allow ample room
for the couple to display
their knick-knacks.

186

COUNTRY CHARM
Marc wanted to soften the surfaces of the home
and began by looking for recycled timber, which
he eventually sourced from Malaysia. These
distressed, tough-wearing wooden planks were
varnished and used to create storage cabinets, a
sliding barn door to the kitchen, and a tabletop
in the study room. The rustic look continues with
the laying of coated pine floor strips in the large
balcony and a woodgrain vinyl in the living room.
All the concrete bay-window ledges were also
covered in whitewashed wood.
The statement-making fireplace in the living
room has become a talking point with friends and
family. While her mum was wondering about its
inclusion, Justie had always imagined that having
such a feature would add to the homely country
feel of the place. The mantelpiece also doubles as

a shelf for displaying holiday souvenirs. Together

with the white-brick feature wall, the look is
altogether agrarian, and not like an apartment
eight stories off the ground!

GETTING IT RIGHT
Tucked at the end of a short corridor, the master
bedroom was expanded by combining two
rooms into one. A walk-in wardrobe is lit by
three vintage pendant lamps, each with its own
story. The first was found by Justie on Etsy.com,
while Marc found the second one at an old junk
store, spending only $13 on it. Finding the last
one proved the hardest. The couple went on
a shopping trip to Bangkok and decided they
wouldnt leave until they found a lamp but the

188

The sliding barninspired door to the

kitchen, with top hat
lights adding a playful
element. right Justies
cherry-red dresser was
sanded down and
painted black to match
the rest of the decor.

STYLE &
SUBSTANCE
2013

GSS

Sofa CAVATELLI, 260X150X74 cm, Pesto Fabric, Orig fr. $4713, GSS $3535

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IFFS Furniture Design Award 09
ASME Singapore Prestige Brand Award 07
SFIC Singapore Furniture Industry Award 06

MASSIMMO - KL

MASSIMMO LIVING - SG

sofa & outdoor showroom

sofa showroom

E/01/02 Plaza MontKiara

2 Jln Kiara, MontKiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur

1 Kaki Bukit Rd 1
#01-03/M Enterprise One
Singapore 415934

t: (603) 6211 1161

t: (65) 6749 2180

MASSIMMO RESORT - SG
outdoor furn. showroom

1 Kaki Bukit Rd 1
#01-04 Enterprise One
Singapore 415934
t: (65) 6749 2737

outdoor broch

w massimmo.com

sofa brochure

PURVEYORS OF FINE SOFA, SINCE 2005

The second bedroom

was converted into
a walk-in wardrobe,
lit by three vintage
pendant lamps.

190

prices were absurd. The hip Rot Fai Market finally

delivered a reasonably priced one. Justie is quick
to point out that the wardrobe space is split 5050. Alvin has many clothes, too! she quips.
The country look is complete with a custommade headboard and bed frame that matches
the sliding door that leads to the bathroom. The

$75,000 renovation cost (including furnishings)

might have ballooned beyond their initial
projection, but who can really put a price to the
perfect marital home?

where to go
LINEAR SPACE CONCEPTS TEL: 6462-3360

GREEN
MAKEOVER
In January, premium outdoor ooring specialist Absolut Outdoors teamed with
Home & Decor to give ve homeowners a chance to transform their balconies
into relaxing green sanctuaries.
After discussing the residents lifestyle preferences, the space planners from
Absolut Outdoors drew up customised design schemes for the balconies that t
what the owners had in mind perfectly. The results are visually stunning balconies
that are also new spaces for the family to enjoy, with the living area extended to
embrace the outdoors.
With a wide lineup of products that ranges from articial yet life-like green
walls to synthetic turf in fashionable hues to wooden decking with LED lighting
options, there is something for every alfresco requirement. Absolut Outdoors
products are also easy to install and clean, durable, weather- and mouldresistant, and safe for young children and pets to play on.
Its hard to believe that getting a beautiful balcony that is also practical can
be as easy as calling up the experts at Absolut Outdoors.

photography VEE CHIN

ALWAYS WANTED A LUSH GREEN BALCONY? FIVE LUCKY

WINNERS OF THE ABSOLUT OUTDOORS SPACE MAKEOVER
CONTEST PROUDLY SHOW OFF THEIR DREAM OASES.

After

Y
YAN
CHUI PING FROM
BOON KENG
B
C
Chui
Ping wanted a more
p
practical
yet cosy green
s
space
in her ve-room HDB
at in Boon Keng, one that
c
could
be more versatile.

Before
ANG HUI KIT FROM PASIR RIS
S
The balcony of this ve-room HDB
DB at was separate from
the living area. While it was neat, it wasnt very inviting.
Owners Hui Kit and YC wanted a cosy corner that
combined their love of potted plants with accents of
easy-care arti cial greenery.

T RESULT Absolut Outdoors

THE
s
solved
the problem by raising
t
the
under-utilised planter
b and tur ng the entire
box
b
balcony
to make it a more
t
textured,
open space in
w
which
to relax. Not only
do we have a garden, our
gnomes have found a nice
home! says Chui Ping.

After

THE RESULT The design team used Absolute Outdoors

green turf, splinter-free wooden decking and white
pebbles. The arrangement is accented by LED lighting,
which lights up automatically in the evening to create a
romantic ambience. Hui Kit shares: We were pleasantly
surprised by the outcome. Now, we cant wait to have
nds over.
over.
friends

MICHELLE GOH FROM SIMEI

Michelles brief to the design team
was to create a cosy outdoor space in
the balcony, where she could unwind.
THE RESULT The oor was kitted out in
Absolute Outdoors turf, demarcated
by the original planter bed. It is a
resort-inspired space that is both
welcoming and easy to maintain.
Says Michelle: We couldnt even
imagine that something like this could
be achieved. Thanks to the organisers
of this contest, we now have our own
lush, chill-out space.

After

Before

After

LIM HUI CHING FROM

ONE AMBER
Having recently nished
renovation works, Hui Ching
wanted a chic balcony space
that complemented the rest
of her home.

ALVIN OH FROM BISHAN

Not content with just potted plants on the oor, Alvin
wanted more greenery on the walls of the balcony of
his ve-room DBSS at in Bishan.
THE RESULT Absolut Outdoors installed a luscious green
wall in the balcony that is low on maintenance and high
on style. Alvin says: We were amazed at how much of
a difference the green patch on the wall made almost
instantly and how well it works with the rest of the living
room. It has certainly improved our living experience.

THE RESULT A combination of

arti cial turf and splinter-free
wooden decking in the balcony
of her condo unit, where she
also installed a swing. A water
fountain feature complete with
ornamental sh and soft lighting
completes the picture. Hui Ching
says: Thanks to Absolut Outdoors,
we now have the perfect place
to relax in, where we can hear the
sound of running water from the
fountain while sitting on the swing
and enjoying the breeze.

SHOWROOM: #05-19 UB ONE, 81 UBI AVENUE 4

TEL: 6749-8087 | WWW.ABSOLUTOUTDOORS.COM
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ABSOLUTOUTDOORS

After

kitchen
text MAVIS ANG

GREEN WITH ENVY

Known for its fashionable collection of pop-coloured
kitchen appliances, Kenwoods kMix range now comes
in another striking shade Glam Green. Break up the
monotony of the silver appliances in your kitchen with a
piece from this collection, be it a blender, coffee machine,
kettle, hand-mixer or toaster, or wrap one up to give as
an unforgettable house-warming gift.
The Glam Green collection is exclusive to Robinsons, #05-05 Centrepoint,
176 Orchard Rd, tel: 6733-0888.

DELIGHTFULLY CLOTHED
If youre the not-so-proud owner of a dull kitchen countertop
thats just crying out for a new look, we suggest the out of
sight, out of mind approach cover parts of it with attractive
dishtowels from Crate & Barrel ($9.95-$10.95). These
patterned cotton cloths will also come in handy for adding
colour to the dining table when youre entertaining.
View the full range at Crate & Barrel, #04-21/22 and #03-25 Ion Orchard,
2 Orchard Turn, tel: 6634-4222.

KITCHEN
PRECISION
Serious at-home chefs can now design
their own cooktop with the Gaggenau
Vario cooktops 400 series, in which
cooktops from 38cm to 90cm and
appliances such as the brands Teppan
Yaki cooker, steamer, electric grill, or
deep fryer can be installed side by side.
Beautifully flush or surface-mounted,
this sleek series is strictly for those who
regard their kitchens design as highly
as its functionality.
Take a closer look at the Gaggenau showroom, Bosch
Building Level 4, 11 Bishan St 21, tel: 6356-1080.

ON DESIGN
To make cooking in the kitchen more
comfortable, Ikea advises that you avoid
having the hob face the oven you dont
want to bake in the heat emanating from
the oven while using the stove.

MINERAL WATER

HOT & COLD

Tupperwares Nano Nature water

filtration system purifies (it removes
99.9 per cent of bacteria and viruses),
retains the good minerals in tap water,
and even incorporates the Japanese
technique of using a bakuhan-seki
quartz stone to enhance the quality of
the drinking water. Water in which this
healing stone is immersed is claimed
to treat skin problems.

Nescafe Dolce Gustos latest beverage

machine is the adorable and curvy Melody
($279), which is not only great for the
usual coffees but also teas, hot chocolate,
and even cold cappuccino and iced peach
tea. Just pop in a capsule, and Melody
will treat you to a fresh gourmet cuppa or
thirst-quenching cool beverage instantly.

Available for $1,228 at Tupperware Singapore,

#01-00, 85 Defu Lane 10, tel: 6285-3988.

Available at major electrical and department stores,

and authorised dealers.

property

THE
MILLIONDOLLAR
QUESTION
JAWS DROPPED WHEN AN HDB
FLAT WAS SOLD FOR MORE
THAN A MILLION DOLLARS LAST
SEPTEMBER. WILL THIS BE THE
NEW NORMAL?

photo GETTY IMAGES

text STELLA THNG

Public housing that costs a cool million a surreal but true-to-life

phenomenon that surely deserves its own #onlyinSingapore hashtag.
Last September, a 1,615 sqf executive apartment in Queenstown broke
the record for being the first HDB flat in Singapore to transact for a
cool $1 million, with a Cash Over Valuation (COV) of $195,000. This
triggered seven-figure asking prices for a growing number of HDB
properties. At press time, a quick search on STProperty.sg for HDB flats
going for a minimum of $1 million turned up 14 ads, though several are
HUDC apartments (see sidebar opposite) in the midst of privatisation.
Of course, these asking prices could just be wishful thinking on the
homeowners (and property agents) part. We baulk at the thought
that HDB flats built by the Government to provide affordable public
housing could potentially command such sky-high prices. This begs
the question: Whos buying these million-dollar flats, and why? More
importantly, will these rare transactions soon become commonplace?

WHERE ARE THESE

MILLION-DOLLAR FLATS?
The record-breaking unit sold last September
is located opposite Queenstown MRT station
and sits on a high floor. The home, with three
bedrooms and a study, works out to be about
$619 per sqf (psf) which, although high for an
HDB flat, would be considered reasonable
or even a steal compared to the private
condominium prices in the area. (A similarsized unit at a nearby condo, The Interlace, is
marketed at $2.1 million or $1,300psf).
Also commanding high prices are executive
maisonette flats in Bishan, which are over 20
years old. Last year, one such unit, with a 150sqf
roof terrace, was sold at $980,000. Another
executive maisonette went for $970,000, with a
record-busting $250,000 COV.
At press time, two executive units in Bishan
Streets 12 and 13 are currently advertised at
$1.08 million and $1.2 million respectively.
Both units are asking for COV of over $200,000.
Dixon Sioh, director of Estates 31 LLP who is
marketing the first unit, received an offer of
$1 million which the owner turned down. The

interested buyers are mostly HDB upgraders

and permanent residents buying it as a home,
not so much for its investment value. Theyre
attracted by the high floor, good view and the
units uniqueness, he explains. There are only
52 HDB units in Singapore with this unusual
layout two storeys and with a big roof terrace
which is rarely found in public housing.
Other HDB hotspots include Kim Tian Place,
where a 1,237sqf five-room flat is marketed
at $1 million. A huge 2,239sqf unit at Pasir
Ris (actually two adjoining four-room flats
combined) is asking for $1.05 million.
Mike Wong, associate director of Orange
Tee, is currently marketing a 1,324sqf five-room
unit at Telok Blangah Drive for $1.02m. The
37-year-old unit was renovated three years ago
and boasts a view of the sea and Sentosa from
its balcony. The flat is near to Telok Blangah
MRT, Vivocity and other amenities and of
course, offers a great view, says Mike, adding
that the owner will not consider any offer under
$960,000. Other similar units in the area have
previously been transacted between $800,000
and $900,000.

WHAT ARE HUDCs?

photo GETTY IMAGES

HUDC or Housing and Urban

Development Company flats were built
in the 1970s and 1980s by the HDB as
a housing option for middle-income
families. They can be said to be the
precursor to the executive condos built
by the HDB today. They were phased
out in 1987 and many of them have
either been privatised or are in the
process of privatisation, turning them
into private housing that is no longer
subject to HDB policies. Examples of
privatised estates include Pine Grove,
Ivory Heights, and Laguna Park.

AS EVERY FLAT IS DIFFERENT, EVEN

NEIGHBOURING UNITS MIGHT NOT
BE ABLE TO FETCH THE SAME PRICE.

198

Mike notes that potential buyers are mostly

aged in their early 40s, but some are also
young yuppie couples. Most potential buyers
are downgraders who have sold their private
property at a tidy profit; they tend to look at the
price as a whole, not at the COV, he notes.
The Telok Blangah five-room flat hes
marketing is valued at $725,000, which means
the buyer would have to fork out over $275,000
to meet the million-dollar price tag. Most
normal HDB upgraders may not cough up so
much COV if they didnt sell off their previous
home at a similarly high price. For most HDB
upgraders, anything above $100,000 COV
might be a stretch, he adds.
Last December, Dixon brokered a deal for a
penthouse executive maisonette on a high floor
in Bishan. It was sold to a Singaporean family,
who are HDB upgraders, for $1.01m and at
over $200,000 COV. He discloses, The buyers
were won over by the high floor and beautiful
city view. You can see the fireworks from the
National Day Parade from their home!
What do potential buyers think of shelling
out $1 million for an HDB flat? Janice Seah,
a single professional, has a $1 million budget
to buy a home for herself, her parents and her
younger sister, who currently live in a five-room
HDB flat. She was originally looking at private
housing. My budget can only get me a small
two-bedroom condo, and were not willing
to compromise on the living space. Although
paying $1 million for an HDB flat may sound
ridiculous, it may be the best solution for me.
Besides, my parents can rent out their HDB flat
and theyve offered to help contribute to some
of my monthly expenses, says Janice.
Business owner Denise Tan, who lives with
her husband and two kids in a five-room flat, is
also considering joining forces with her parents
who own a fully paid-up four-room flat. By
selling two flats, well definitely have more than
enough for a $1 million unit. Besides being able
to look after my parents (when we live together),
well also save by combining our household
expenses, she says.

photo THE STRAITS TIMES

WHOS BUYING THEM?

ARE CASH OVER VALUATION

(COV) LEVELS GOING TO FALL?

Despite the news reports of COVs dipping, the reality

doesnt seem to suggest a steep decrease yet. In
fact, median resale prices also rose 1.1 per cent from
the last quarter of 2012.
Due to the Governments cooling measures,
HDB prices will likely increase at a slower rate and
the COV is predicted to decrease gradually as more
sellers become more realistic about their asking price.
However, as COVs are influenced by the free market
forces of demand and supply, do remember that these
news reports are no guarantee, really. If the seller of
that resale flat youre eyeing refuses to lower his price
even though other units in his neighbourhood are
going cheap, theres really nothing you can do either.

However, homeowner Chan KC and his wife

are adamant theyll never pay more than $1
million for public housing. At the end of the
day, its still just an HDB flat. Besides being
locked in by HDB rules, such as having to fulfil
a five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)
before we can rent out the whole flat, were also
concerned that should we sell it in the future, we
may not get such a good price for an older flat,
says the couple.
Investor Theresa Lim agrees. If I have to
choose between buying a big HDB flat or a small
private condo, Id rather put the $1 million into a
private property. Besides enjoying the facilities,
I can also instantly rent out my condo any time
I want.

IS YOUR FLAT WORTH $1 MILLION?

200

photo GETTY IMAGES

Like everything else, property prices depend on

market forces. Where demand exceeds supply,
the seller can naturally command a higher
premium for a unique property. However, the
agents we spoke to caution us that despite the
media hoo-ha, million-dollar HDB flats remain a
rarity rather than the norm. Such units are either
in very good locations coupled with a good
view, or boast unique features such as a huge
roof terrace.
What this means is that other units in the
same area, which may enjoy the same amenities

but not have the same view or huge balcony,

may not fetch such prices something many
starry-eyed sellers fail to consider. Some sellers
use their neighbours selling price to up their
own asking price, even though their unit may not
be as well renovated or have unique features.
Sherry Tang, a senior sales director at DTZ
Property Network, thinks that regular HDB flats
should remain more realistically priced for now.
From the recent rounds of cooling measures,
you can see that the Government is really trying
to curb the rising property prices. Only rare units
may command such high prices; it wont be the
start of an enduring trend.
Dixon anticipates an increasing number of
sellers to ask for $1 million or more, especially
when they compare the transaction prices in their
area. When the Minimum Occupation Period of
five years for Pinnacle@Duxton matures in 2014
and the owners can sell it on the open market,
Im sure that many of them will transact at above
$1 million.
If youre tempted by the sensational news
reports and hope that your own HDB flat will
make you a millionaire, do take a good long
look at your property before asking for a skyhigh price. Our experts warn that unrealistic
expectations may cause the unit to be stuck on
the market for a very long time before a willing
buyer comes along.

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Email: sales@comfortfurniture.com.sg
Website: www.comfortfurniture.com.sg
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fixIT
text VERLAINE
LAINE
RAMOS-MARQUEZ
QUEZ

Did
you
know?

photo GETTY

IMAGES

KEEP IT COOL
Dirty filters in airconditioners restrict
airflow and reduce
the units efficiency
significantly. Change or
clean the filters at least
once every quarter:
unplug your unit, take
off the front cover grill
and remove the filter.
Soak it in soapy water
for 5 to 10 minutes.
Rinse and let dry.

QUALITYair

IF THE AIR-CON ISNT USED FOR

A LONG TIME, TURN IT OFF AT
THE MAIN SWITCH FOR SAFETY
THIS WILL PREVENT A SUDDEN
SURGE OF ELECTRICITY
SHOULD THE CIRCUIT
BREAKER FAIL.

IMPROVE THE VENTILATION AT HOME

FOR A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT.

202

You keep your home spick and span, but family

members are still falling ill. Perhaps something in the
air is making them sick. Make sure your home is well
ventilated. Cross-ventilation pushes warm air (and along
with it, dust and pollutants) out of our houses, replacing
it with fresh air from outdoors. Its also reduces the need
for air-conditioning, which cuts energy bills.
To cross-ventilate naturally, just open the windows.
Ideally, open a couple of windows (maybe a door, too)
that are directly opposite each other. When Mother
Nature doesnt provide a cool breeze, man-made
options such as an electric fan, air cooler or ventilation
fan can help get the air moving in the right direction.
When the windows and doors are closed due to
air-conditioning, effective ventilation is required to
remove the excessive moisture that can cause health
problems, says Gilbert Ng, project specialist at KDK.
Ventilation fans are beneficial in tight, humid areas
such as the kitchen and bathroom. If there are space
constraints, ceiling fans create more airflow for
circulation, he adds.
S ER V I CE I NF O R MAT I O N

clean up

Exhaust fans accumulate dirt, dust

and grease (when used in the kitchen),
and require periodic cleaning to keep
them running in top shape. Start by
turning off the power to the room. Use
a screwdriver to remove the exhaust
fan cover, and slide out the fan blade.
Clean the cover with a solution of mild
detergent and water, and dry with
a soft cloth. Wipe the fan blade and
motor with a little window- or allpurpose cleaner. Reinstall the fan
and cover after youve finished.

Check out the HDB guide to air-conditioner maintenance at www.hdb.gov.sg

(find the Living in HDB flats section, then click on Home Maintenance and Air-Conditioner Safety)

PROJECT
SHOWCASE
GREEN & LUSH

S T Y L I S H L Y AD OR N E D

This project shows how an easy-to-maintain space can still have character-making accessories!
text MAVIS ANG photos GREEN & LUSH

The occupants of this 1,315sqf home love nothing

more than their three dogs. Living with three furry
housemates, the 30something couple needed their
resale home in Upper Bukit Timah to be, above
all, easy to maintain. It also had to incorporate a
sprinkle of quirkiness that echoes their personalities.
Upon meeting the couple, who have a passion for
travel as well as the great outdoors, interior designer
Joel Chua of Green & Lush was inspired to create a
contemporary home with a slightly eclectic flavour.
Most of the cosy three-bedroom condominium unit
was kept intact except for the enclosed kitchen,
which was opened up to allow the generous natural
light that enters from the living room windows to
brighten the entire common area. With this new,
open-plan layout, the green view beyond the balcony
can be appreciated better, too perfect for the natureloving occupants. Although his clients emphasised

the importance of having a fuss-free home, Joel

was determined not to end up with a cookie-cutter
space devoid of personality. To this end, he filled the
interiors with small yet interesting decor details such
as charming accessories and furniture pieces.
I first shortlisted the items I thought would fit
the overall concept, then brought the clients along
to the stores. We ended up buying the items mostly
from Lee Antiques, Red House Carved Furniture and
Oddjects, says Joel. With the right mix, the antique,
vintage, and contemporary items came together
to form a home that is neither super-trendy nor
outdated, but rather one that boasts its own unique
perspective. As much of the renovation consisted of
cosmetic revamps (the living rooms homogeneous
tiles and bedrooms parquet flooring werent
touched), it only took three weeks to complete, at a
total cost of $22,000.

204

where to go GREEN & LUSH, TEL: 9009-2913

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gentle push. Priced from $2,699, this
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Visit www.lorenzo-international.com
for a list of Lorenzo showrooms.

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Drop by Sincero at #05-12, Blk 164 Kallang Way, tel: 6841-9133 to find out more.

PITTER-PATTER

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shower (the number refers to the width of the mouth
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pretend youre bathing under a gently gushing
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feeling with the Rainstream jet, which separates the
flow of water into many different jets.
Available at the Hansgrohe showroom at
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SLEEP ON IT
The Lotus Nordic features a natural latex zoning
system that offers three times more pressure relief
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multiple massaging points throughout the surface,
enables sleep that is not only restful but therapeutic.

206

Try it out at Lotus Boutiques at Park Mall, IMM, The Furniture Mall
and Courts Megastore, www.lotusbedding.com.

BUYING

GUIDE

BATHROOMS
Sansei

462 Tagore Industrial Avenue

tel: 6292-8321
www.sanseionline.com

Toto

#01-02 Boon Siew Building

tel: 6735-6546
www.watelier.com

BEDDING

FURNITURE &
FURNISHINGS
Abitex Designs

#04-50 Paragon
tel: 6338-7789
www.abitex.com.sg

Air

#01-01 Sophia Flats

28 Wilkie Road
tel: 6336-0662
www.weloveair.com

Boconcept
Bedtimes Gallery
#B1-09 Park Mall
tel: 6338-7889
www.napure.com.sg

Englander Gallery

#05-21/22 Plaza Singapura

tel: 6884-5755
www.englander.com.sg

ELECTRICAL &
ELECTRONICS
Legrand

16 Tai Seng Street

tel: 6383-2222
www.nobel.com.sg

#02-51/52/53
Millenia Walk
tel: 6338-3823
www.thecommunelife.com

Danovel

#02-54/55 Tanglin
Shopping Centre
tel: 6235-5020
www.danovel.com

Da Vinci Home

Nobel Design

Novamobili

#01-01
75 Bukit Timah Road
tel: 6735-6546

Om

16 Tai Seng Street

tel: 6235-0777
www.om-home.com

Poltrona Frau

#03-08/10 Scotts Square

tel: 6636-0080
www.proof.com.sg

Proof Living

10 Tanglin Road
tel: 6738-6333
www.davinciasia.com

#03-15 Ion Orchard

tel: 6509-0555
www.proof.com.sg

Dream Interiors

Teak & Mahogany

#03-07 Scotts Square

tel: 6732-8155
www.proof.com.sg

Gilt & Folly

Grafunkt

#02-01 Tong Yuan

Industrial Building
85 Playfair Road
tel: 6281-8465
www.grafunkt.com

Harvey Norman
208

Lush

Comfort Design

Panasonic Singapore

#02-17/20 Techpoint
tel: 6484-7877
www.schneider-electric.com.sg

#01-13/18 Pan-I Complex

tel: 6746-1180
www.lorenzo.com.sg

#01-03, 1 Kaki Bukit Road 1

www.massimmo.com

456 River Valley Road

tel: 6235-0220
www.dream-int.com

Schneider Electric

Lorenzo

Massimmo

#07-05/06/07
Frontech Centre
tel: 6861-2234
www.legrand.com.sg
2 Jalan Kilang Barat
Panasonic Building Level 1
tel: 6270-0110
www.panasonic.com.sg

4 Hoot Kiam Road

tel: 6736-0800
www.learticle.com

#03-08/09 Park Mall

tel: 6337-6433
www.castilla.com.sg

Commune

#03-341/342
Marina Square
tel: 6339-7966
www.simmons.com.sg

Le Article

Castilla

Serta International

Simmons Gallery

7A & 7B Dempsey Road

tel: 6735-3307
www.johnerdos.com.sg

#02-01 Centro Bianco

tel: 6858-5882
www.lush-lush.com

#01-11/12/13 Park Mall

tel: 6339-2268
www.lotusmattress.com
#05-07 Plaza Singapura
tel: 6238-0070
www.serta.com

John Erdos Home/

Art

#04-01/03 Paragon
tel: 6736-0777
www.boconcept.sg

Level 2, Comfort
Design Building
110 Eunos Ave 7
tel: 6747-4809
www.comfortfurniture.com.sg

Lotus Sleep Studio

YOUR ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Level 2, Millenia Walk

tel: 6311-9988
www.harveynorman.com.sg

#07-04 Century
Warehouse
tel: 6273-8116
www.teakand
mahogany.com

INTERIOR
DESIGNERS
Distinctidentity

#01-02 Lion Building B

tel: 6846-0033
www.distinctidentity.com.sg

Dwell Interior Design

11 Kim Yam Road
tel: 6883-1005
www.dwell.com.sg

Haire Living

Level 4, 29 Mayo Street

tel: 6441-3345
www.haireliving.com

Mong Design Studio

#13-05, 8 Burn Road
tel: 6753-3005
www.mongdesignstudio.
com.sg

XZQT

#01-05 UE Tech Park

tel: 6774-8031
www.xzqt.com.sg

Lightcraft

131 Jalan Sultan

tel: 6297-6658
www.lightcraft.com.sg

PAINT
Dulux

22 Soon Lee Road

tel: 6265-0677
www.dulux.com.sg

Nippon Paint

1 First Lok Yang Road

tel: 6265-5355
www.nipponpaint.com.sg

RENOVATION
MATERIALS

Prozfile

1 Starlight Road
tel: 6396-6672
www.prozfile.com.sg

Rezt & Relax Interior

#02-09 Vertex Tower B
tel: 6348-7787
www.reztnrelax.com

The Design Practice

#04-01 The Modules

387 Joo Chiat Road
tel: 6337-6478
www.thedesignpractice.sg

Three-D
Conceptwerke

784 North Bridge Road

tel: 6293-8001
www.three-d-conceptwerke.
com

Vegas Interior Design

#01-07 Orion @ Paya Lebar
tel: 6252-5522
www.vegas.com.sg

Formica

502 Sims Avenue

tel: 6514-1313
www.formica.com.sg

Rice Fields

#01-06, 66 Eng Watt Street

tel: 6227-3456
www.rice-fields.com

OTHERS
Absolut Outdoors

#03-11, 59 Ubi Ave 1

tel: 6553-1540
www.absolutoutdoors.com

Capital Distributors

#02-31/32/33, 9 Tagore Lane

tel: 6288-9190
www.kdk.com.sg

Excel Hardware

KITCHENS

#03-52/51
Northlink Building
tel: 6853-3113
www.excelhw.com.sg

Mudian

H2O Life Source

Xtra Designs

#01-01 Park Mall

tel: 6336-0688
www.xtra.com.sg

LIGHTING

#06-00 Ever Expand Building

tel: 6733-7378
www.mudian.com.sg

Teka

#01-33/34 UE Square
tel: 6734-2415
www.teka.com.sg

#01-03/05 Sime Darby

Enterprise Centre
tel: 8100-6600
www.h2olifesource.com

Hafele Singapore
#03-00 Nutzcentre
tel: 6494-7400
www.hafele.com

Legate Enterprise

#01-47 Northstar @ AMK

tel: 6242-1911
www.legate.asia

whereTOBUY
Abitex

#04-50 Paragon
tel: 6745-7711

Absolut
Outdoors

#05-19, 81 Ubi Ave 4

tel: 6749-8087

AF Home

274 River Valley Road

tel: 6733-7012

Asiatique

14A Dempsey Road

tel: 6471-3146

Boconcept

#04-01/02/03 Paragon
tel: 6736-0777
#03-33/36, 112 Katong
tel: 6636-3118

Builders Shop

#04-01 Builders Shop

Building
11 Changi South Street 3
tel: 6603-0031

CB2

178A Orchard Road

Peranakan Place
Complex, tel: 6732-5333

CMYK

27 Teo Hong Road

tel: 6410-9678

Comfort Design
Level 2, Comfort
Design Building
110 Eunos Avenue 7
tel: 6747-4809
www.comfortfurniture.
com.sg

Crate & Barrel

#04-21/22, #03-25
Ion Orchard
tel: 6634-4222

Design
Intervention

Miles & Theodore

Space Sense

Minotti by Marquis
Interiors

Teak & Mahogany

456 River Valley Road

tel: 6235-0220

#01-02, 30 Hill Street

tel: 6338-2822
www.minotti.com

#07-02/03/04
Century Warehouse
100E Pasir Panjang Road
tel: 6273-8116

Egg3

Mountain Teak

Xtra

Floor Depot

Natural Living

Francfranc

Originals

75E Loewen Road

Tanglin Village
tel: 6506-0920

Dream Interiors

#07-01 Tong Yuan

Industrial Building
85 Playfair Road
tel: 6281-2197
511 Balestier Road
tel: 6254-1500
#02-41/42 Vivocity
tel: 6376-8077

GF+A Global

276 River Valley Road

Level 4, tel: 6423-9155

#07-02 Tan Boon Liat

Building
315 Outram Road
tel: 6224-7176

#02-03 Sime Darby Centre

896 Dunearn Road
tel: 6471-9918

Pomelo Home

Ikea

Proof Living

Lifestorey

#02-15 Great World City

tel: 6732-7362
www.lifestorey.com

#01-01 Park Mall

tel: 6336-0688
#01-01/02
Winsland House I
tel: 6836-0288

#03-01 Park Mall

tel: 6334-8928

24 Mohamed
Sultan Road
tel: 6222-2112
www.gfaglobal.com
317 Alexandra Road;
60 Tampines North
Drive 2
tel: 6786-6868

#02-00, 19 Tannery Lane

tel: 6858-5258

#10-04 Tan Boon Liat

Building
tel: 6226-4663
#03-15 Ion Orchard
tel: 6509-0555
www.proof.com.sg

Skyline Design

#06-00 Ever Expand

Building, 85 Defu Lane 10
Tel: 6281-1377

Lladro

#01-28 The Paragon

tel: 6738-3900

Massimmo

#01-03, Enterprise 1
1 Kaki Bukit Road 1
tel: 6749-2180

Danish Design Co

photography WONG WEI LIANG styling LEYNA POH

#08-01 Century
Warehouse
100E Pasir Panjang Road
tel: 6270-8483

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HOMES OF CREATIVES
text KITTY CHEW
photography WONG WEI LIANG
art direction NICCO LIM & LEYNA POH

STYLE

rial,
Contemporary indust
with a hint of retro

As Woon likes symmetry,

he positioned the long
table down the middle
of the dining area. The
designer lamps in the
common spaces come
in a mix of styles, from
sculptural to ornate.

CREATIVE
CREATIV

INT
INTERIOR
TER
RIO
IIO
O R DES
DESIGNER
IGN
WOON
G,, WHO
G
W H O LIVE
WH
S HERE WITH
NG,
LIVES
IS
S WIFE
W I F E AND THEIR
T
HIS
TWO
Y O UNG SONS
SO
YOUNG
HOME

FIVE-ROOM
IV
V E - R O OM HDB
H
FLAT
N QUEENSTOWN
Q U EENST
IN
SIZE

1,300SQF
1
, 3 00SQ

BREAKING
DOWN
BARRIERS
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DRESS UP WITH MOSAIC

MOSAICO.SG
240A River Valley Road, Singapore 238297
www.mosaico.sg
65-68363618

DESIGNER
SHOWCASE
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Working on the pages of this Designer Showcase and

marvelling at the drool-worthy homes, ingenious spaceplanning solutions and the renovation journeys of the
homeowners, I cant help but be reminded of the importance
of nding an interior designer you can click with.
Ensuring your renovation experience is a happy and
fruitful one is not so much about hiring a good designer,
but the right designer. Finding one you can connect with
will ensure he or she understands you and your dreams.
Its not about design credentials or being aware of the latest
trends, its about sensitivity and the ability to listen and
anticipate your needs. The right designer will also be able to
work within your budget constraints, know which areas to
splurge on and when to stick with timeless styles.
So, where to nd your ideal working partner? Start
right here with the Designer Showcase 2013 booklet youre
holding in your hands. The 26 beautiful homes featured in
these pages oer a smorgasbord of dierent design themes
from loft living and contemporary urban to tropical resort
and local retro to inspire you and get your own design
conversation started.
Theres no need for time-consuming trawling through
shopping malls and design websites. Here are the latest
portfolios of some of the best home-grown design talents in
Singapore. One of them could be your best match, and bring
your dream home to life.

Sophie Kho

C O N S U LT I N G E DI TO R

contents
Philosophy

We believe in creating timeless,

classic spaces that homeowners
can call their own

10

Collective Designs
Cherie Goh Kate Dimalanta
Maribel De La Cruz

Philosophy

o
tudi
s
n
g
Desi ng
ing
v
eo
i
L
ine L
Arte
Car

06

o
y Bo
Gar

Philosophy

Designing with
passion we believe
good design
needs to be original
and specially created
for every space,
whatever the size

18

Cube
asso
Sar
ciat
ah T
e De
ham
sign

We believe in the
coupling of
the artful and the
functional in each
and every home
we work on

Philosophy

Providing personal
attention from the
principal designers,
while oering a
high level of design
that adheres to the
clients aesthetic and
budgetary goals

Philosophy

30
26

To create
modern
minimalist
spaces that are
a reection
of the clients
lifestyle, yet
remain
true to our own
design ideology

Dyel De
sign

Diana

Yap

DESIGN CHANNEL
Diana Yeo

SIGN
PH DE
n
R
O
M
axua
META
ng Ji
o
Y

40

n Lee
Kavi y Lee
d
An

34

FREE
SPAC
E INT
rey
ENT
Lin

Jeff

Raym

ond

Seow

Philosophy
Philosophy

Respecting the
form and function
of modern design,
while thinking out
of the box

To transform
clients intentions
into spaces with
a strong presence
and personality

Philosophy

Reinventing contemporary
architectural expression
by bringing together our
traditional values and
modern spatial composition

52

METER
SQUA

RE
Daphn
e
Boyc Gan May
C
e Tan
Joc hang
elyn S
hu

44

IO
METAPHOR STUD

To help clients achieve

dream homes that are
aesthetically pleasing as
well as functional, while
keeping in mind their needs
and budgetary concerns

un
Jesfer Dima
Angela Tantry
ra
nd
na
Si
o
Hary

Philosophy

Delivering the best

interior design
experience to clients
by loving, breathing
and living modern
design

56
62

Space
Defin
e

Danie

l Loi
Der
ric

k Boh

CK
ID
M
ong
Y
U
E
k
Mar
MUS
an
Alex

Kam

Kw

Philosophy

Good design is not

resurrecting commonplace
ideas, but conceptualising
unique solutions to each
clients specic design
problems

photography VERONICA TAY & ALECIA NEO assisted by VERNON WONG & MARK LEE; hair & makeup LOLENT LEE; styling NONIE CHEN & KAFFY TAN
laminates TAK KOKO RAMSHACKLE from TAK & ENGLISH LEATHER BROWN from ADMIRA; chairs from Egg3.

Philosophy

Philosophy

A collaborative approach to
design, with a strong emphasis
on sustainability and a respect
for the environment and
Mother Nature

68

UDIO
NSE ST
E
S
E
C
SPA
Kelvin

Teo

Philosophy

The journey through design

development always begins
with endless thoughts and
ideas that evolve
into dierent folds of
meaning that harmonise

82

White Spac
e Living

Elden Lim
Syed Ag
il Albaha
r

74

78

erke
Three-D Conceptw
rence Soh
Dess Chew Te
h
Lo
ck
Ja

Vega
s Int
erio
Tan
r De
Ke
sign
lvin
Li

Erin

Philosophy

Design evolves from the

interaction between a
space and its inhabitants

Philosophy

Service should be matched

with quality design and a
commitment to detail

Arte Living Design Studio

Philosophy
We believe in creating timeless, classic spaces
that homeowners can call their own
280A River Valley Road tel 6238-1057 / 9858-1704 / 9170-6721
fax 6238-1056 e-mail enquiry@artelivingstudio.com
www.artelivingstudio.com

Principal Designer

Carine Leong
Principal Designer

Gary Boo

HOME

Twobedroom
apartment
in Rochester
Road
size

1,200sqf

Arte Living Design Studio

The open
kitchen is kept
sleek with
a concealed
built-in fridge.

The homeowners of this two-bedroom apartment in

Rochester Road can testify to the well-earned reliability of
Arte Living Design Studio. After all, the couple have hired
the design rm for every home theyve moved into four
times, to be precise. They felt at ease leaving the design
plans and renovation project management in the capable
hands of principal designer Carine Leong, who knew they
liked everything all-white.
One of the biggest challenges of this project was the
apartments narrow odd-shaped layout. It was like a
Christmas tree, quips Carine, referring to the slanted
walls and tapering conguration. To make the living room
appear more symmetrical for instance, Carine decided
to include sliding panels to ush out the oddly angled
wall. Slide these panels across the TV console, and a
surprisingly sizable storage unit is revealed. The designer

Sliding panels
straighten
out the
slanted living
room while
concealing
ample storage
behind them.

White acrylic
cabinetry
augments the
light-lled
apartment.

In line with the

clean, clutterfree look,
white acrylic
was used for
almost all the
cabinetry work.

A ip-up
bed in the
childs
compact
bedroom
frees up
space for
play during
the day.

had maximised the deeper end of the apartments

tapered layout to create this storage space, which is
deep enough to hide a ladder. An essential spacesolving solution, especially since this apartment did
not come with a storeroom.
In line with the clean, clutter-free look the couple
wanted, Carine used white acrylic for almost all
the cabinetry work. This includes the custom-built
furniture in the two compact bedrooms. By deftly
maximising every precious square foot in the master
bedroom, Carine managed to t in plenty of wardrobe
space for the lady of the house. Above the cantilevered
dressing table are cabinets built to ceiling height for
even more storage space. The kids room is likewise
well-laid-out a customised bed that ips up against
the wall when not in use, wall-to-wall cupboards ush
up to the ceiling, and even a streamlined TV console
niche for hours of play on Xbox.


Decking
strips are
tted in
place of
planter boxes
to further
expand the
balconys
footprint.

All the
furniture in
the master
bedroom,
including
the bed, was
customised
to maximise
the compact
space.

ARTE LIVING DESIGN STUDIO

COMPANY PROFILE

Seven years on, Arte Living Design Studio continues to build on its
reputation of oering dependable, personable service. Bearing testament
to the companys good name, many clients are often repeat customers who
know they can count on principal designers Gary Boo and Carine Leongs
reliable expertise.
Design-wise, the company is known for its knack of carving out neat
storage solutions within a modern classic decor scheme. Comfort is
essential, too. After all, as the designers proclaim, every home should be an
easy, clutter-free retreat in which one can relax at the end of the day.

STRENGTHS

Carving out smart storage spaces even in the most compact of homes.

Collective Designs
Philosophy
We believe in the coupling of
the artful and the functional in each and every
home we work on
#06-00 Ever Expand Building, 85 Defu Lane 10
tel 6280-6161 fax 6382-3381 e-mail enquiry@collectivedesigns.com.sg
www.collectivedesigns.com.sg

Senior Designer

Head Designer

Maribel De La
Cruz

Cherie Goh
Designer

Kate Dimalanta
Principal designer
and founder

Selina Tay

(not pictured)

This east-side
home needed
extensive A&A
works to bring it
up to date.

A large
swimming pool
was installed
in the homes
former garden.

HOME

Five-bedroom
bungalow in
the East
size

2,025sqf

This family of four had previously engaged Collective Designs for another
home. Happy with that project, they returned with a larger, more complicated
task updating an old and badly worn bungalow in Singapores east. The
family not only wanted the house refreshed but also asked for a pool to be
installed. With ve existing bedrooms, the owners wanted more space, not
rooms. As such, Selina made a decision to extend the house to the back
and on the sides. After extensive A&A works, the living and dining area
was combined into a showcase room with oor-to-ceiling glass panels and
Volakas marble ooring.
Apart from ooding the house with light, the soaring windows bring the
outdoors in, with its expansive views of the garden and the whopping 12m x
4.5m swimming pool. All the built-in cabinetry in the house was deliberately
kept muted to allow the soft furnishings to stand out. Its like creating a
canvas to ll in with beautiful and personal objects, explains Selina. In the
case of the living room, a gorgeous Missoni rug pops with colour and the
hanging crystals of the Lolli e Memmoli chandelier over the dining table

Collective Designs

A light-coloured
marble was used
for the ooring to
lighten the space.

11

Floor-to-ceiling windows bring

an expansive feel to the living and
dining area.

Tinkling strands
of Bohemia-cut
Italian crystals
form the eyecatching feature
light in the
dining area.

brings a touch of luxe to the room. Further luxurious touches throughout the house
includes the exotic Zucchi Palomino marble used as a feature wall in the master
bathroom. Come bath time, the swirls and organic feel of the wall invites one to
linger in the large bathtub just a little longer.
Aside from interior design and decorative input, Collective Designs also exed
their project-management muscles with the installation of the home-theatre room.
Working with an audio specialist, they created a completely soundproofed room
that was wired up with a cinema screen and top-of-the-range AV system.
Getting this varied and complicated renovation exactly right means that these
homeowners, like many of Collective Designs clients, will certainly be back.


The kitchen
remains
a sleek
entertaining
area with all
appliances
tucked inside
cabinets.

Attention
to detail
included a
niche cut into
the Palomino
Zucchi
feature wall
for toiletries.

Custommade
acoustic
panels were
installed on
the walls and
ceiling.

13

The foyer
of this
penthouse
has a full
wall of builtin storage
stretching
over 3m.

A former utility
room was
transformed
into the family
kitchen on the
rst oor.

HOME

Two-storey
penthouse in
River Valley

size

4,000 sqf

Collective Designs wrestled with this dated penthouse

in the River Valley area and took it to breathtaking new
heights with their careful renovation. Walking through
the front door, the glass-panelled double-volume space
looks out to an incredible panoramic cityscape. Yet getting
the glass installed wasnt as easy as it seemed, Selina
admits. Its hard getting large glass panels up to the 25th
oor! Leading up to the second oor, the original ugly
railed staircase was transformed with clear glass panels to
open up the space while matching the balcony windows.
When the house was renovated, Selina advised the
homeowners to retain the original Italian marble ooring:
all it took was a polish to bring it back to life. Marble,
a classical material, has been much maligned, explains
Selina. With proper maintenance, homeowners are able
to have a long-lasting material that ages well. Its this
devotion to carefully choosing and explaining materials
to homeowners that allowed Collective Designs to boldly
clad the master bathroom walls in luxurious, richly veined
Marmi Di Rex marble.

An amazing
view through
the doubleheight glass
greets visitors
as they enter
the home.

The glass-panelled, double-volume space

looks out to an incredible panoramic
cityscape.

15

As the homeowner enjoys cooking and entertaining, a key aspect to the renovation was the
installation of two kitchens: one on the ground oor for general day-to-day use, and the other
on the massive top oor decking. The latter was equipped with a full complement of top-end
appliances including a wine fridge. It has ample bench space for entertaining guests and its open
design seamlessly connects with a garden area and water feature. A nal touch here is the glass roof
that keeps the elements out whilst allowing natural light to lter through.
Giving an old space a new lease of life is never easy, but Collective Designs proves that it can
do so with ease and class.

The glass
staircase was
installed to
enhance the
view through
the balcony
doors.

Colourful
Fabio
Novembre
chairs adds
a cheeky
element to
the rooftop
kitchen.

A fullyequipped
kitchen on
the roof
deck makes
outdoor
entertaining
a classy yet
practical aair.


Marble walls
and ooring
bring a touch
of luxe to
the master
bathroom.

This truly
luxurious
shower
features
super jets
built into
the wall.

COLLECTIVE DESIGNS
Company profile

Founded in 1991 by principal designer Selina Tay,

Collective Designs is a boutique interior design company
with extensive experience garnered from working on
more than 1,000 local and overseas projects.

Strengths

Ensuring that homes are luxuriously designed yet

imbued with the homeowners personality.

17

Cube Associate Design

Philosophy
Designing with passion we believe good design
needs to be original and specially created for every
space whatever the size
22B Ann Siang Road tel 6538-8918 fax 6533-8918
e-mail design@cubeassociatedesign.com www.cubeassociatedesign.com

Founder &
Design Director

Sarah Tham

HOME

Two-storey
terrace with
attic and
private lift
in Jalan
Menarong

size

4,370sqf

A run-down
corner terrace
made way for a
completely new
six-bedroom
building.

Cube Associate Design

top Floor-toceiling glass

windows
bring light
into the
living area.
left The lift
and bomb
shelter are
tucked away
behind a
freestanding
wall panel.

Sarahs no stranger to taking on challenging projects. When a

former client returned, asking her to tear down a worn-out corner
terrace and build a six-bedroom, three-generation family home
in its place, she took on the project with much aplomb. Being
able to work on a project from the ground up allows me to blend
architectural works with interior design it makes space planning
more interesting as both the interior and exterior designs are
related, Sarah explains.
The result is a two-storey terrace with an attic and a built-in
lift, and enough room for the homeowners, their four children
and the husbands mother. The design signature began with the
facade of the house, where natural split rustic yellow stone was
contrasted with unlled nish Treventino Blanco stone to provide
a lovely texture. Sarah confesses that she loves stone and natural
materials, because stone has character... and using stone has a
calming eect when done properly.

19

Its this love of natural materials that continues

on into and throughout the house. The wood-decked
patio walls are clad in Golden Forest marble, which
continues inside the house and powder room on the
ground oor. The simple patio is an important feature
for the homeowners as it faces the dry kitchen. This
means mum can keep an eye on the kids playing
outside while she prepares meals.
Moving past the kitchen, the living and dining
areas are deliberately designed in muted tones. A
mirror concealing under-stair storage serves to give
the illusion of space while Palissandro Gold marble
ooring aords a soft, luxe feel. Sarah explains that
a fair number of modern houses, especially those

with many windows, are cold and too stark. The Metal rods are
combination of the muted colours and stone serves to installed along
the staircase
bring character to this level.
at irregular
Thats the same rationale behind abandoning
angles for a
a glass staircase in favour of something with more dramatic look.
character. Irregularly shaped rods are installed where
a stair rail would normally be. These reduce bulk
and are also a sexy visual feature in the home. The
stairs itself are built with walnut timber to cut away
the aforementioned starkness in most new homes.
Of course, in holding true to Sarahs design ethos of
Sliding doors
blending functionality with form, ankle-level LED
hide oce
lights are embedded along the stairs. These are left on
equipment
at night for easy navigation.
and books.

21

This family home is at once bright and

comfortable, never cold and stark.

A gold Foscarini
suspension lamp
brings a little
theatrical air to
the dining space.


The dry
kitchen sets
the scene for
preparing
simple family
meals and also
entertaining
guests.

The master
bedroom
is kept
deliberately
understated
with a custom
oating
bed and
cantilevered
bedside tables.

Within the house, one of Sarahs design concerns was to

address the lack of natural illumination. She solved this by
building a courtyard on the ground oor, which acts as an openair skywell soaring up to the third oor. Each oor has a threesided glass window opening onto the sky well to facilitate crossventilation as well as bring in natural light. Sarah indicates that
this design feature is inspired by old Peranakan shophouses built
with similar design elements. The stairwell also ended up serving
an unintended dual purpose when the homeowners realised they
could lean out the skywell window and communicate with family
members on other oors!
The living spaces adopt a dierent tack, design-wise. All the
bedrooms have timber ooring to suit both the Asian culture
and climate. As Asians tend to walk around the house barefoot,
we wanted ooring that was softer and cosier, says Sarah.
And timber stays warm with the air-conditioning on but also
stays cool during the day when the AC is switched o. On the
attic level, a study room opens out to a roof terrace. Concealed
full-height cabinets serve as bookshelves and home oce
equipment. A niche and shelf was added to the desk for family
photos and other mementoes.

23


The bathroom
door opens up
to a bathtub and
playful Moooi
Lolita lamp.

Bigger isnt necessarily better for Sarah, however she still gets a
thrill out of doing interiors for smaller homes as well as shops. Some
of her recent projects included a 400sqf one-bedroom apartment as
well as a 300sqf shop space. Its really not about the size, but whether
the project gives me a sense of achievement. I got e-mails from clients
recently saying how happy they were with my work, Sarah condes.
Its things like these that keep me passionate about interior design
even after all these years!

Sarah designed
a standalone
washbasin, a
design feature
in itself, for the
powder room.

Natural light
from the sky
well lters
through a
wooden trellis
and tinted glass.

CUBE ASSOCIATE DESIGN

Company profile

In 1998, Sarah Tham started Cube Associate Design

just nine months after graduating from the Nanyang
Academy of Fine Arts. This same sense of intrepidness
carries on into her designs, which are often recognised
for their bold yet functional appeal. After all, the founder
and design director has a knack for stylish, creative
space-oriented solutions that do not compromise
on practicality. The rm provides expertise in both
architectural and interior design.

Strengths

Providing a fresh, modern perspective to design solutions

by blending function with visually appealing forms.

Awards

SID Singapore/Nippon Paint Design Excellence

Award (2003)
Home & Decor Home of the Year (2000)

25

DESIGN CHANNEL
Philosophy
Providing personal attention from the principal
designers, while oering a high level of design that
adheres to the clients aesthetic and budgetary goals
498A Sims Avenue hp 9799-2934 fax 6842-2755
e-mail designchannel@singnet.com.sg www.designchannel-id.com

principal designer

Diana Yeo

The wide
windows in
the kitchen
link it to the
living room.

The blackframed posters

and mirror in
the corridor
and dining
area give the
spaces visual
continuity.

HOME

Threebedroom
condominium
unit in East
Meadows
size

1,380sqf

In the rush to renovate, many busy homeowners just go with cookiecutter designs that may look good, but lack that something special.
Not the husband-and-wife couple who live here, however their
initial brief to designer Diana Yeo of Design Channel stated that they
wanted to avoid the chic but common showat-like aesthetic. We
preferred something unpretentious, but focused on various elements
to accentuate the homes design, says Des, the husband.
In the hands of a rm that believes good communication with
clients is the key to successful design, this translated easily into
a clean-looking, modern space with a keen attention to detail. The
living and dining areas wear a combination of light, woody tones,
most evident in the strips of light woodgrain-patterned tiles laid
diagonally across the space, and the rustic, warm brown dining table.
We knew we wanted a wooden dining table with visible natural
woodgrain, says Des, and we nally found the perfect one online.
It has beautiful details and comes with industrial-looking legs that

DESIGN CHANNEL

A white brick
feature wall
and shaggy
carpet add
to the mix
of textures
in the living
room.

27

make it unique. We were going for an industrial, chic look, and chose
black dining chairs that really complete the picture.
The adjoining study is accessed by wide sliding doors in wiremesh glass panels framed in black aluminium. Unique materials such
as these, which were proposed by Diana for consideration, were a
hit with the owners. We discussed the various elements and details
that we liked, recalls Des, such as the wire-mesh glass panels
incorporated into various doors and cabinets, and the brick feature
wall in the living room. The latter, made up of red brick painted
a pristine white, gives a fresh and airy appeal to the space while
continuing the pale hues of the ceiling and curtains.
The master bedroom, kitchen and bathrooms feature crisp and
clean palettes, with white and cream bases that are highlighted with
dark details. We paid a lot of attention not just to the overall look but
to small items, too, says Diana. The master bedroom, for example,
is done in a simple, classic design of mainly light, solid colours, but
these are complemented by ne details such as the elegant door
handles, which were specially sourced from Thailand.
Besides these doses of individualism, other features also speak
strongly of the residents lifestyle and philosophy. On one wall
of the dining space sits a poster of the movie Eat, Pray, Love. We
enjoyed watching this movie because it very much embodies how we
would like to live our lives, says Des. So, we have hung this up to
constantly remind us to fuel our bodies with good food, to pray for
Gods guidance, and to share these graces with the people we love.
In a home that has been skilfully customised to their preferences, they
will no doubt be able to do just that.

Rectangular
white wall
tiles give the
bathroom
a simple
geometric
edge.

The built-in
wardrobe
blends
seamlessly
into the
room,
adding to the
clutter-free,
clean look.


The white
walls, warm
brown
ooring and
full-height
corner
windows add
to the studys
breezy feel.

DESIGN CHANNEL
Company profile

Founded in 2000, Design Channel is a dynamic company specialising

in residential and commercial designs, space planning and turnkey
renovation. The rm focuses strongly on client requirements and aims to
anticipate how these will evolve over time. It believes in developing longterm client relationships based on mutual trust and understanding.

Strengths

Design Channel is passionate about meeting the lifestyle needs of each

client. It promises a detailed proposal of various materials, carpentry,
lighting, soft furnishings and accessories to express dierent kinds of
design styles and eras.

29

Dyel Design
Philosophy
To create modern minimalist spaces that are
a reection of the clients lifestyle, yet remain
true to our own design ideology
#06-08 Vertex Tower B, 33 Ubi Ave 3 tel 6922-6399
e-mail enquiries@dyeldesign.com www.dyeldesign.com

Founder and
principal designer

Diana Yap

The open-plan
living and dining
area extends all
the way to the
kitchen, subtly
demarcated only
by the function
of each space.

Dyel Design

The kitchen
opens out to
the backyard,
facilitating
natural
ventilation. The
earthy tones and
sleek xtures
accentuate the
contemporary
resort theme.

HOME

Intermediate
three-storey
terrace house
in Parbury
Avenue
size

Approx
3,000 sqf

The owners of this house are in love with Bali

and its lifestyle, and they longed to recreate
a Balinese paradise right here in Singapore.
Putting its modern resort and minimalism
design ethos into practice, Dyel Design stepped
in to make this dream a reality.
The most striking design elements in this
house are its openness, classic resort detailing
and easy, laid-back tropical ambience. For
instance, the living room on the rst level is
lled with natural teak furniture, and opens
out to an ornamental pond at the front porch.
The feature wall in textured stone-like tile acts
as the anchor, tying in the earthy and natureinspired theme of the space.
Totally enamoured with the natural life,
the owners even eschew air-conditioning in

31

A Balinese villa-style
space that brings
the outdoors in for
a natural lifestyle
that is both organic
and contemporary.


The living area
leads to the front
porch, which
features a lush
pond. Floor-toceiling sliding
glass doors and
teak furniture
enhance the
Balinese theme.

The terrace
adjoining the
bedroom on the
third oor is a
lush green zone,
with a ceiling fan
keeping things
cool on hot days.

favour of natural ventilation. The uid layout of the living area and
the kitchen, with few doors, oers every stray breeze uninterrupted
ow. At the back of the house, the spacious and well-laid-out kitchen
extends into a bamboo-fringed yard equipped with outdoor cooking
facilities. This is where the owners entertain family and friends.
Upstairs, where the bedrooms are located, astute space planning
continues to blur the lines between the interiors and the outdoors.
The en-suite bathroom attached to the master bedroom features an
open-concept shower area that opens up in the balcony attached to
the bedroom. So while theres light and ventilation streaming in from
the open top, the occupants privacy remains intact.
Using natural materials and earthy accents, the open design and
nishes in the house closely mimic that of a luxurious tropical resort,
which is just the way the owners wanted their dream home to be.

The master
bedrooms
shower area
sits outside the
actual bathroom.
Open only at the
top, it aords
the chill-out
experience of
outdoor showers.

DYEL DESIGN
Company profile

Started in 2004, Singapore-based Dyel Design has successfully completed

several residential and commercial projects. The interior design rm also
recently launched a womens clothing boutique, which reects the same
design ethos as its interiors.

Strengths

Creating minimalist modern spaces with an emphasis on clean lines and

high-quality materials. Dyel Design prioritises clients requirements by
oering customised solutions for each project.

33

FREE SPACE INTENT

Philosophy
To transform clients intentions into spaces with
a strong presence and personality
#02-07 Zervex 8 Ubi Road 2 tel 6392-8885 fax 6292-8885
e-mail enquiries@fsi.com.sg www.fsi.com.sg

Managing Director

Jeffrey Lin
Design Director

Raymond Seow

A plush,
colour blockpatterned
carpet and
deep sofa
add cosiness
to the space.

A simple
grid-like
screen gives
the dining
area a subtle
boundary.

FREE SPACE INTENT

The glass
walls and
slatted screen
create an
airy, openplan layout.

The studys
marble
wall, in a
grey shade,
complements
the black
ceiling and
cabinets.

HOME

Five-room
HDB at in
Bishan
size

1,300sqf

After spending a decade in a home originally renovated by

Free Space Intent, it was natural that the husband-and-wife
owners of this spacious Bishan at would return to design
director Raymond Seow when they wanted to update its
look. Instead of their previous industrial-style aesthetic, the
couple were now inclined towards a more natural, tropicalresort theme with accents of modernism.
Raymond therefore replaced the old pale laminate
ooring with warm parquet strips, and kept the main colour
tones earthy and neutral. Of course, in true Free Space Intent
fashion, there were bound to be hints of drama in the nal
oering, and these come in the form of the dramatic black
ceiling, a glass-walled studio, and the white-streaked grey
marble feature wall within it.
By bordering the studio with glass, Raymond created
a space where the husband can be isolated from noise yet
remain visually connected to the rest of the home. The glass
panels also allow light to ow freely throughout the living
and dining spaces, and let the imposing marble wall remain
visible from beyond the study.

35


The use of
long linear
proles in
the living
space helps
to visually
elongate it.

The study is bordered by a Z-shaped bench-and-low storage unit that straddles

the study and the living room. This means extra table space in the study as well as
ample seating in the living room for guests when the owners have gatherings. The
units multiple cabinets on either side also easily stores knick-knacks and other loose
items a denite boon to any home.
Skilful space-planning also came into play when Raymond radically enlarged
the master bedroom to incorporate a chic walk-in wardrobe. The new bedroom
was created out of two original bedrooms and part of the old kitchen, so its no
wonder the couple now luxuriate in the new-found space. The open-concept walk-in
wardrobe even includes a stylish black island cabinet that stores the wifes fashion
accessories. Mirrored full-length sliding doors on the wall behind it not only make
the space look larger, but also make dressing up easier and quicker.
To complete the warm yet modern feel, the bed frame connects to a half-height
bedhead of wood-panelled strips. This streamlined prole keeps the room looking
neat and structured, yet not overwhelmingly woody. The dark tones blend into a
tan wall above, and are accented with spots of colourful modern art for impact and
points of visual interest.
In the master bathroom, a sleeker, more utilitarian vibe comes through in the
stark black, white and charcoal colours spliced with shiny stainless steel and glass.
The stronger, no-nonsense feel here echoes the masculine elements of the bedroom,
yet gives o a subtly more practical energy. As with many of Free Space Intents
homes, each individual space expresses its own distinct edge yet remains cohesive
with the rest of the house.

Blocks of solid yet muted

colour give the home a strong
but soothing personality.

Bright pieces
of modern
art lift the
more subdued
background
colours of the
bedroom.

Having a
kitchen that
is visible
from the
dining space
encourages
the owners to
keep it tidy.

37

HOME

Showroom
with home
interior
settings
size

1,015sqf

Lighting
plays a key
role in giving
the kitchen
its warm yet
streamlined
ambience.

By mixing
bright tones
with dark
materials,
Raymond
created a
colour scheme
that sizzles.

Stepping into Formicas showroom may well be a

surprise. Although its meant to showcase Formicas
laminate products, I wanted to break the mould of a
typical show-space by displaying them in a homely
environment to show how the various laminates can be
used, explains Raymond. Luckily, his clients bought
into the idea, resulting in dramatic interiors that could
well be transplanted into any apartment.
Given a free hand, Raymond was able to capitalise
on the elements of fun and striking colours that his
rm is known for. In the living space, for example, a
re-engine red, retro-style sofa perfectly matches the
circular-patterned oor rug, which further emphasises
the round light feature on the ceiling above. The latter
conceals colour-changing LED lights, so the mood of
the space can be altered at the ick of a switch. By
playing with lighting, you can really change the feel of
a space, says Raymond.
To balance these bold tones, Raymond decked
out the wall and TV console unit in calmer shades
of brown. The ooring was also kept simple, in light
wood-grained laminates. We like bold colours such
as red, orange and yellow, but these must be used
carefully, says Raymond. Most homeowners enjoy
some colour, but not many want to be engulfed in it!
The bedroom reects a similar concept cherryred bedlinen on a simply structured bed and
bedhead emphasises the clean, linear look. Clad in
wood-patterned laminates, the bedhead displays a
deliberately uneven surface of vertical strips that seem
to ripple inwards and out across the wall. This creates
an element of depth and movement that enlivens the
otherwise simple space.
In the kitchen, laminate ooring is deployed
underfoot and on the upper walls, too. It works
well not only functionally, but also to give a sense of
continuity throughout the space, says Raymond.
Lighting eects were also employed to
give the kitchen an added dimension. The toplit cabinets and under-lit kitchen counter inject
a soft, almost dreamy eect in what is usually
a practical room, showing that functional spaces can
also have a sophisticated side if designed well.


Rainbow hues
draw instant
attention to the
unique showroom,
where pops of
colour come
from the ceiling
design and retro
furnishings.

The uneven
wood-patterned
strips of the
bedhead form
the focus point
of the room.

FREE SPACE INTENT

Company profile

Established and helmed by Design Director Raymond

Seow, Free Space Intent has grown over more than a
decade from a small rm to one with eight designers
and sta. The full-service rm boasts an extensive
portfolio which includes residential spaces, bars and
lounges, restaurants, retail outlets and oce spaces. The
rm prides itself on oering each client unique design
concepts that are impressive yet functional.

Strengths

A bold and dramatic approach in using colours and

materials. Creating fresh, contemporary designs with
a retro edge.

Dark, exotic
mosaic in the
shower area and
vanity add a
luxe feel to the
bathroom.

Awards

Top 100 Singapore Excellence Award (2012, 2013)

Singapore Brand Award (2012)
Successful Entrepreneur (2010, 2011)

39

METAMORPH DESIGN
Philosophy
Respecting the form and function of modern design,
while thinking out of the box
9 Hamilton Road Singapore 209180 tel 6398-0500 fax 6396-5065
e-mail enquiries@metamorphworks.com www.metamorphworks.com

Business Director

Andy Lee

Design Principal

Kavin Lee
Design Consultant

Yong Jiaxuan

The living
area features a
wide range of
materials, such
as Caesarstone
quartz for the
TV wall and
mirrored panels
by the dining
table.

Kavin replaced
the solid walls
between the
master bedroom
and bathroom
with clear glass
panels for a more
spacious feel.

METAMORPH DESIGN

Blackout drapes
help to mue
heavy trac
noise from the
outside, so the
homeowners
can get a good
nights sleep.

HOME

Four-room
HDB at in
Kim Tian Road
size

1,000sqf

If this HDB at feels a little like it has multiple personalities, that was
likely the look its homeowners a young couple with a child hoped to
achieve when they brought on board Kavin Lee of Metamorph Design.
Sleek and sophisticated in one part, raw-industrial in another and
furnished like a boutique hotel elsewhere, the home holds your attention
no matter where you look. To tie the melange of disparate elements
together, Kavin selected a neutral palette in shades of beiges and browns
and carefully judged the positioning of materials and furnishings. A TV
wall in quartz Caesarstone, a sparkling feature in the living-dining area,
is paired to a sofa-set in a similar hue and a thick, shaggy rug for an
upscale-yet-casual vibe.
The walls behind the dining table sport mirrored panels for a glitzier,
more glamorous feel. Its akin to the ambience at a bar appropriate
considering Kavins choice of a bar counter as a dining table, which allows
for more spaciousness than a traditional dining set. A whitewashed, craft
stone wall behind the counter lends an unexpected industrial edge.
The master bedroom oozes classical charm. A padded fabric wall
broken by a display ledge for family portraits concocts a more organic
feel, as does the luxe fabric headboard. As in the living area, full blackout
drapes conceal the windows to create a more opulent, elegant air.

41


The couple
chose the
dining table
as they are
huge fans of
large-sized,
natural wood
furniture.

HOME

Threebedroom
condominium
unit at
Seascape in
Sentosa Cove
size

1,800sqf

Its exclusive address ensures this 1,800sqf apartment in the Sentosa Cove
enclave stands out. But its homeowners a young couple enthusiastic
about bold, new ideas wanted interiors that were simple but just as
unusual when they approached Kavin Lee of Metamorph Design.
The ultra-cool, almost futuristic vibe it now evokes certainly sets it
apart. Asymmetrical stainless steel structures illuminated by cove and
recessed lighting wrap tightly around the apartment, infusing each zone
with depth and dimension while leaving it clean and uncluttered. The
uber-modern look is toned down through wood tones in the neutral
palette, which inject a cosy and slightly rustic feel.
In the living area, Kavin designed the stainless steel structure to form
part of the TV wall and extend across the ceiling to the opposite side. The
couple loves large natural wood furnishings, and both in the indoor and
outdoor zones, furniture is generously sized, though sparse to conjure up
the illusion of added spaciousness.
A similar stainless steel structure runs across the dining area by
the kitchen. But here, Kavin mounted a doughnut-shaped dimmable
pendant lamp made partly from fabric on the structure, suspending
it over the table to visually demarcate the dining space from the food
preparation zone.
Unlike the marble ooring that injects a touch of luxe into the
common areas, the master bedroom uses wood for a softer feel underfoot.
However, Kavin took pains to ensure visual continuity with a two-piece
stainless steel structure broken up in an asymmetrical pattern behind
the bed that functions as both headboard and display ledge. A customdesigned platform bed and accompanying bedside tables in solid wood
take up most of the oor space, but using a glass panel to divide the
bathroom visually enlarges the master bedroom so it does not feel
claustrophobic. The ambience overall is a comfortable, enveloping nest
with an upscale, contemporary vibe.

Kavin
mounted the
TV on the
asymmetrical
steel
structure in
the living
room.

An unusual steel-and-light structure

infuses a futuristic vibe while visually
linking various parts of the home.

A doughnutshaped pendant
lamp denes
and illuminates
the dining area.

The two-piece
steel structure
in the master
bedroom does
triple-duty as
a headboard,
display ledge
and lighting.

METAMORPH DESIGN
Company profile

This interior and architecture design rm, now a decade old, refuses
to be boxed in by convention. Form and function may be its guiding
principle, but Metamorph Design also strives for creative planning and
unique solutions to design problems. Its diverse portfolio ranges from
HDB ats, condominiums and landed properties to corporate, retail and
F&B spaces.

Strengths

Using existing techniques to develop creative design solutions and

achieve outstanding quality.

43

METAPHOR STUDIO
Philosophy
Reinventing contemporary architectural expression
by bringing together our traditional values and
modern spatial composition
331A Beach Road tel 6291-9786 fax 6291-2996
e-mail enquiry@metaphor-studio.com www.metaphor-studio.com

Senior Project
Designer

Senior Project
Designer

Haryo
Sinandra

Jesfer Dimaun
Principal Designer

Angela Tantry
Creative Director

STEPHEN GOH

(not pictured)

Designer

Ricky Cheah
(not pictured)

Designer

Fesia Prawirya

(not pictured)

Organic wood
and stone on
the walls in the
open living and
dining areas
augment the
resort theme.

Dierent textures
rugged stone,
exotic wood and
slick mirrors
coexist in elegant
harmony. far right
The panelled
headboard with
built-in lighting
serves as an art
installation, too.

METAPHOR STUDIO

Wooden
panelling
on the
ceiling acts
as a spatial
demarcation
between the
kitchen and
living-dining
areas.

HOME

Threebedroom
condominium
unit in One
North
size

880sqf

The owners of this apartment have enjoyed so many beach resort holidays
in Asia that they were keen on recreating a similarly relaxed environment at
home. Stephen Goh and Angela Tantry of Metaphor Studio a rm known
for its emphasis on natural living were tasked to design a warm space
that was also modern.
Metaphor Studios interpretation of tropical resort styling in an urban
context meant using lots of luxurious, organic materials. Mindful of the
couples budget, the designers kept costs down by using ply instead of solid
wood panelling.
The couple also wanted to be able to throw open their doors to friends on
the weekends. The key structural change was removing the wall separating
the kitchen from the living-dining areas. The island that replaced it has
become the homes focal point. To cater to large gatherings, the design team
also added benches with hidden storage beneath the full-length windows.
This is a home that both hides and reveals, a space that is a relaxing
tropical haven as well as a place in which friends can share good times.

45

HOME

Threebedroom
condominium
unit in
St Michaels
Road

The raised
wooden
platform bed,
with storage
space beneath
it, gives the
bedroom a
resort-like feel.

A concealed
pocket door for
the bedrooms
takes up less
space than
a standard
swing door.

Monochromatic
sliding panels
provide clever
concealment
for shelving
solutions while
also hiding
exposed beams
and columns.

size

850sqf

The owners of this apartment a young couple who are hairstylists by

profession wanted a space that was modern yet heavy on classical,
baroque style. But given its compact size, the designers suggested a
more subdued classical style that would enhance the space.
While mirrors have traditionally been employed to give the
illusion of a bigger space, Metaphor Studio achieved this with the
use of white and neutral shades throughout, with accents of black
and grey. The monochromatic colour scheme was inspired by the
understated elegance of pre-war black-and-white colonial bungalows.
The design team decided to do away with the partition between
the master bedroom and the adjacent study to turn the space into
one large room. The team also relied heavily on natural and warm
materials such as wood to balance out the predominantly white space.
Even the built-in wardrobes and window treatments adhere to the
black-and-white theme. Stephen and Angela tackled the space issue
by incorporating storage into the raised platform bed as well as the
bay window seating. So, all you really see in the bedroom is a serene
space that oers unobstructed views, while personal belongings are
neatly tucked away.
In addition to the aesthetics, practical storage solutions disguised
as design elements recur throughout the apartment. For instance,
mirrors and black-and-white sliding frames conceal unsightly
elements such as columns and beams behind them, and cleverly
planned shelving units ensure an uncluttered living experience.
While the general decor scheme remains subdued, the driftwood
sculptures and statement-making lighting lend a more dramatic feel.
Metaphor Studio eectively succeeded in creating a contemporary
home that impresses as much with its innovative planning as its
glamorous execution.

The monochromatic scheme throughout

the apartment is inspired by the classiness of
black-and-white colonial bungalows.

The use of
bold black
outlines to
frame the
niche and
wall panelling
lends a
classical
grandeur to
the corridor.

47


Small alcoves
in the custom
wooden storage
unit in the living
and dining
area create
functionality and
add interesting
details, too.

size

2,680sqf

The juxtaposition
of stone and
wood plays with
smooth and
hard textures
for dierent
layers of visual
presentation.

Five-bedroom
plus study
condominium
unit in Kim
Seng Road

HOME

To design a home that clearly demarcates its public and private spaces yet unies the
entire property might sound contradictory, but that is exactly what Metaphor Studio
achieved in this spacious apartment. Its foreign owners, who stay in this pied-a-terre
or holiday home when they visit Singapore, requested an interior design scheme that
favoured a modern resort feel and wasnt too clinical in its disposition.
The ingenious use of wooden wall panelling hides the storage compartments and
all the bedroom doors, ensuring a uniform identity throughout the house. Alcoves in
the wood-panelled walls provide nifty spaces for displaying artwork and accessories.
The family likes to keep everything neatly organised so neatly, in fact, that its hard to
spot the collection of over 1,000 DVDs, tucked away neatly inside the bespoke television
console, which also holds a number of karaoke and audio/video-related gadgets.
Owing to their penchant for orderliness, the owners felt that there were too many
bedroom doors opening into the corridor, creating unsightly visual interruptions. To
deal with this issue, Stephen and Angela panelled the wall in seamless, matching wood
to provide a single uniform layer of privacy to the bedrooms. By doing so, the otherwise
ho-hum corridor space metamorphosed into a gallery-like setting with subliminal
lighting on the walls and oor.

Even the private

lift lobby landing,
which opens
out opposite the
balcony, has been
designed with
the same elegant
wood detailing.

49


Just as the
mirrors in the
dining area
exaggerate the
interiors, the
linear panel
on the lift
lobbys ceiling
elongates the
outside space.

One unique layout feature of the apartment is that the private

lift opens directly out to the balcony, but the strong glare proved a
problem. So, the designers came up with an interesting solution they
erected a timber lattice screen between the balcony and the elevator to
tone down the harsh sunlight.
While the decor is minimalist throughout, customised features
add pizzazz while being functional. For example, in one of the
bedrooms, a striking bed canopy composed of wooden slats also
provides semi-translucent separation from the wardrobe area.
Unsurprisingly, the apartment reects a sophisticated and modern
lifestyle, adhering to the familys need for immaculate organisation
while borrowing ever so subtly from traditional style.


A timber
lattice screen
separates the
private lift
lobby that
opens directly
onto the
balcony.

The wooden
panels along
the corridor
provide a
gallery-like
ambience
and a
uniform
facade.

In one of
the bedrooms,
wooden slats
provide visual
separation
between the
bed and the
closet-anddressing-area.

METAPHOR STUDIO
Company profile

Started by two architecture graduates from the US in a

home oce in 2000, this design studio has grown into
a team of seven architecture-trained sta, which has
won major industry accolades. The rm has worked on
several residential and hospitality projects throughout
South-east Asia.

Strengths

Metaphor Studio prides itself on its contemporary focus

in its use of space, natural materials, and light. The rm
is also known for creating Asian-inspired settings with a
modern twist.

Awards

Design Excellence Awards (2004, 2008 and 2012)

Exhibited at Shanghai World Expo (2010)
Represented Singapore at International Federation of
Interior Architects (IFI) Seoul (2009)

51

METER SQUARE
Philosophy
To help clients achieve dream homes that are aesthetically
pleasing as well as functional, while keeping in mind their
needs and budgetary concerns
#01-03, 1 Pegu Road tel 6256-2586 fax 6256-2582
www.metersquare.com.sg

Design Manager

Designer

Boyce Tan

Design Director

May Chang

Designer

Jocelyn
Shu

Daphne Gan

The lighting
feature on the
ceiling helps to
demarcate the
living area from
the dining area.

METER SQUARE

HOME

Two-bedroom
condominium
unit in Sin
Ming Plaza

Discreet
storage
solutions and
a nook for the
wine chiller
are worked
into the linear
dining and
living area.

While the rest

of the house has
neutral tones,
the couples
seven-yearold daughter
specied pink
for her bedroom.

size

1,258 sqf

Recently, May Chang of Meter Square worked on a

project for a professional couple in their mid-30s. The
only brief was to make the place bright and spacious.
To allow more natural light to come into the living
and dining areas as well as the kitchen, May hacked
away the wall dividing the two areas and replaced
it with a breakfast counter. She also created a nifty
storage wall in the dining area with both open and
closed shelves, which makes it ideal for displaying and
storing items. The owners wine fridge found a place
next to the storage unit in the dining area.
Since the layout of the living and dining area is
open and linear, they are demarcated subtly with such
features as the wooden beam partition at the entrance
foyer. Another such detail is the wooden strip on the
ceiling of the living area, which dierentiates it from
the dining zone.
To brighten up the interiors further, the design
team used white oor tiles to make the space airy and
expansive. Keeping in mind the couples desire for a
clean, minimalist space, the apartment features midcentury modern-inspired furniture and light colour
palette throughout. The only exception is the little girls
room which has a pink theme, from the wallpaper to
the furniture.

By hacking
away the wall
separating the
kitchen from
the living and
dining areas,
the space
seemed bigger
and brighter.

53


The pool
table
converts
into a dining
table by
putting the
top back on.

HOME

Five-room
HDB at in
Clementi
size

1,200 sqf

Being self-confessed foodies, the newly married owner couple

of this apartment wanted to create an intimate home, where
they could also entertain friends and family. In keeping with
their lifestyle, the key request by the IT professionals in their
late 20s was for separate dry and wet kitchen areas that
necessitated rejigging the workspaces.
May and her design team started out by hacking away
the wall between the kitchen and the living and dining areas
and adding a breakfast counter in the dry kitchen zone. This
is also where the major appliances such as microwave oven
and refrigerator are located. The wet kitchen is separated
by a sliding glass door. A bright orange tempered glass
splashback was used to provide a punch of colour and to
counter the predominantly grey tones of the cabinetry.
The largely open-plan concept of this apartment located
on the 31st oor lends itself to the couples lifestyle quite
well. Its not just a place to call home, but its also where
the owners and their friends spend many leisurely hours
together playing video games and shooting pool.
To keep things organised, May created storage solutions
that are discreet, functional and harmoniously blend in with
the rest of the interiors. For instance, the shelving unit in
the living room stores the owners large collection of Xbox
games, and the pool table converts into a dining table by
sliding its top cover back on. Even in the master bedroom,
which the couple wanted to keep clear of unnecessary
distractions, the design team installed sliding wall panels
for extra storage.
While grey tones can be seen throughout the apartment,
bright splashes of pinks and oranges by way of soft
furnishings provide a balanced contrast.
Staying-in is the new going-out, and its a description
that perfectly characterises this apartment, which has such a
fun personality and chilled-out vibe.

With fewer
walls and
doors, and
concealed
storage areas,
the open-plan
living and
dining area
seems more
spacious.


The wet
kitchen is
separated
from the
dry kitchen
by sliding
glass doors.

METER SQUARE
Company profile

The design studio has more than 18 years of experience, during which
time it has worked on more than 1,000 projects ranging from residential
to commercial jobs.

Strengths

The ability to work through space as well as budgetary constraints to turn

concepts into reality. Most of the rms projects are client referrals, which
also speaks volumes about its creativity.

Awards

Singapore Entrepreneurs Award (2013)

55

MUSEUM ID
Philosophy
Good design is not resurrecting commonplace ideas,
but conceptualising unique solutions to each clients
specific design problems
#07-143 Tradehub 21, 18 Boon Lay Way, Singapore 609966
tel 6737-9793 fax 6762-0312 e-mail alex@museumid.sg, mark@museumid.sg
www.museumid.sg

Project Director

CK Kam

Principal Designer

Alex Kwan
Principal Designer

Mark Yong

Glass panels
and natural
materials bring
nature into the
living area.

Getting the pool

to cut indoors
and divide the
living and dining
areas was a
challenge, but
the serenity the
water feature
exudes made it
worthwhile.

HOME

Detached
house
with three
storeys and a
basement in
Kembangan
size

7,000sqf

When a family approached Alex Kwan of Museum ID for a

pre-sale makeover of their detached house, they gave him
free play to modify the existing dull look of both the interiors
and exteriors.
The designer wasnt shy to go all out. A modernist edice
with strong, geometric lines now rises impressively from the
ground, with a steel structure jutting out unapologetically
from the front facade half of which is made from concrete
and the other half from elongated glass panels and grilles.
These arent only for cosmetic purposes: The steel construction
functions as an outdoor garage, while the grilles improve
natural light and ventilation while retaining some privacy.
Yet therere also plenty of homely, natural touches,
particularly in terms of materials. Part of the rst oor facade
is clad in wood strips, as is the pool decking on one side,
which Alex converted into a lap pool amid verdant greenery.

MUSEUM ID

The straight
lines and bold
extensions of
the steel-andconcrete facade
are softened by
timber cladding
and decking.

57


Alex paired the
wood ply storage
in the washing
area with a
marble top and
stainless steel
backsplash for
easier care.

Alex took considerable pains to have the pool turn indoors to divide the living
and dining areas, bringing nature to both. While the former is a pleasantly light,
bright space clad in cream-coloured marble ooring and wood panelling with
sunlight ooding in through sliding glass doors, the kitchen and dining zones are
darker and cosier. Here, black and deeper wood tones predominate. The TV wall
by the dining table is made from dark wood; closer to the kitchen, a wall of customdesigned storage in matte black laminate sets the mood when one grabs a bite at
the breakfast counter, made from a similar black laminate with a customised steel
display rack above. For a feel of continuity, Alex clad the sides of the breakfast
counter and washing area in wood ply similar to the panelling in the living space.
Indeed, wood nishes are used throughout to unify the interiors, though the
eect diers dramatically based on how Alex works the materials. The basement
entertainment room warmed up by wood ooring takes on a luxe look with
black padded walls that enhance acoustics, as well as recessed and sleek pendant
lights. But the master bedroom on the second oor, which features oors, walls
and storage in wood, is about casual chic with largely white furnishings and
Pop Art-esque portraits.

Similar wood finishes visually connect

disparate zones in the house, while taking
on vastly different looks depending on
the materials they are teamed with.

In the master
bedroom, a
long desk
topped by a
sumptuous
marble slab
provides
storage and
working space.

Padded wall
panels improve
the acoustics of
the basement
entertainment
den while
adding to the
luxe feel.

59

HOME

Semi-detached
house in
the Upper
Thomson area

size

3,500sqf

The owners of this old semi-D in Thomson Hills sought

a designer who could reorganise the space and provide
extensive storage without altering the shape of the
building. They entrusted the job to Museum ID.
Mark Yong began by gutting the entire rst oor
and demolishing some external walls to bring in natural
light. The theme on this oor can be described as modindustrial, with cement screed oors throughout.
Full-height glass doors open up the living area, whose
centrepiece is a towering custom-designed teak and
powder-coated steel shelf housing the library that goes
all the way up to the kitchen sited a half-ight above.
The raw vibe becomes more evident in the
kitchen and dining area with the exposed rafters. A
more tranquil ambience envelops the second oor,
with its open-concept master bedroom suite with an
entertainment den. Mark added a ceiling-mounted
frame and grilles plus perforated hardboard on the
walls and sliding door to promote sound dampening.
Echoing the industrial theme downstairs, the
master suites bed and bedside tables are made of
repurposed crates. Otherwise, the room is kept serene
and even sophisticated: A free-standing tub on a raised
platform elevates the bathing experience while woodlook ceramic tiles add to the cosiness of the suite.

A multicoloured rug
and chandelier
from Belgium
warm up the
industrialthemed living
area.

far left A teakand-steel shelf

extends upwards
from the living
room downstairs
to the ceiling of
the kitchen and
dining area.
left A wall of
cabinets in the
master bedroom
suite takes care
of storage.


A ceilingmounted wood
frame and grilles,
plus perforated
hardboard for
the walls and
sliding door,
promote sound
dampening in the
entertainment
room.

MUSEUM ID
Company profile

Established in 1998, Museum ID is made up of a group of

professional interior designers, consultants, draftsmen,
3-D renderers and artists experienced in all facets of
design and construction. It has a portfolio of highly
recognisable residential and commercial projects.

Strengths

Conceptualising design solutions that are unique,

personalised and aesthetically pleasing.

Awards

Brick pillars
bring a retro
vibe to the
dining area.

UTGP08 Judges Choice Award: Kenichiro Mogi Prize

Japan
SID Singapore/Nippon Paint Design Excellence Award
(2002)
SID Singapore Merit Award (2001)
SID Singapore/Nippon Paint Merit Award (2001)

61

SPACE DEFINE
Philosophy
Delivering the best interior design experience to clients
by loving, breathing and living modern design
318 Joo Chiat Road tel 6345-0318 fax 6345-0319
e-mail enquiries@spacedene.com www.spacedene.com

Director

Derrick Boh

Director

Daniel Loi

The multipanelled
laminate wood
TV wall injects
polished warmth
into the family
room on the
second storey.

Wood ooring
demarcates the
walkway leading
to various zones
in the rst-oor
common areas.

SPACE DEFINE

Well-placed
windows allow
the bathing
area to have an
open, outdoorsy
feel while also
ensuring privacy.

Blackout drapes
and a mix of
recessed and
track lighting
give the plush
AV room a
moody feel.

HOME

Two-storey
detached
house in
Bo Seng
Avenue
size

8,000sqf

This 8,000sqf bungalow by Space Dene brings its homeowners a family with two boys
as close to nature as possible in an urban setting. The structure wraps around a balmy
terrace with wood decking, verdant greenery and a mosaic-lined pool.
The interiors are generously clad in natural materials. In the living room, which comprises
a sitting area and bar corner, furnishings and marble and wood ooring come in cream,
brown and grey. The designer unites the various zones with similar materials: The strips
of deep grey marble on the TV wall are similar to the marble ooring of the dining room,
with mirrored panels and light-hued furnishings for a brighter feel. The kitchen takes on a
similar warm yet modern feel with generous storage, marble counters and a stainless steel
backsplash, while heavy drapes and track lighting give the AV room a moody ambience.
Space Dene carefully planned each space so the furnishings and mod-cons would
t together neatly. The second oor houses the bedrooms and the family room, where a
custom-designed TV wall made from laminate wood panels demands attention. In the
master bedroom, a luxurious padded headboard almost blends into the streaked laminate
wall behind, which hides the walk-in wardrobe. The modern-tropical master bathroom is
an even bigger delight, with the wooden decking and leafy plants in the bathing area almost
convincing the homeowners that they are truly showering amid nature.

63


right Open
shelving keeps
the bookcase
visually light. far
right Furnished
in white,
aquamarine and
wood tones, the
open-concept
master bedroom
and bathroom has
a beach resorttype look and feel.

HOME

Shophouse
with two
storeys and
an attic, in
Tembeling
Road
size

2,000sqf
The monochromatic exteriors of
this quietly glamorous three-storey
shophouse hint at whats to come
indoors, but nothing can prepare you for
the oasis-like pool and lounge area that
The secondoor living
awaits inside. Home to a creative couple
area resembles
who run an advertising rm, its an odd
a black-andwhite colonial contradiction of sorts that somehow just
bungalow
works: Conceptualised by Space Dene,
with its
monochromatic the historic building is imbued with a
palette.
retro-meets-contemporary vibe, and
eclectic loose furnishings in amboyant
hues jolt the black-and-white palette.
Likewise, the space conguration
isnt whats expected. Most homeowners
prefer the rst oor to house the
common areas; the couple, however,
wanted their own pool and a bedroom
that could look out onto it. Space Dene
rose to the challenge, hacking the wall
between the two original rooms to
reconstruct the space so the couple
dont only get their lap pool and master
bedroom but also a chill-out outdoor
lounge where friends gather for drinks,
an open-concept master bathroom, plus
a cavernous walk-in wardrobe complete
with dressing area. The black-and-white

The linear
layout of
the kitchen
prompted
the designer
to turn the
focus on the
view with a
long window
overlooking
the lap pool.

theme, infused with hints of serene

aquamarine in tiles and soft furnishings,
unites the spaces for a cohesive whole.
The second storey is no less
impressive, designed to house a cosy
living area with a casual, lived-in vibe
and kitchen with an elongated linear
layout. The couple seldom cook and
opted for a simple, utilitarian kitchen,
with appliances, storage and the
worktop arranged in a single, neat row
opposite a half-height window that
overlooks the pool. The living space
dotted by vibrantly hued upholstery
and cabinetry comprises a host of eyecatching features, including a graceful
spiral staircase and a reclaimed vintage
grille the homeowners found and
mounted on the wall. Past the sitting
area and stairs stands a full-height
bookshelf in metallic laminate really
rows of open shelves that look as airy as
the oating stair treads nearby.
Illuminating the bookshelf, loose
bulbs with exposed wiring drape from
the ceiling of the attic above to visually
connect the two spaces. Brick walls
(some whitewashed) lend an old-school
feel to the uppermost oor, which the
homeowners retreat to when they seek
a quiet reading corner.

The sheltered
poolside
lounge allows
the couple
to relax
outdoors
without
having to
brave the
elements.

65

HOME

Threeroom HDB
apartment
in Marine
Crescent
size

700sqf

Loose raw wood

pieces in the openconcept living
area add to the
industrial vibe,
which is brightened
by upholstery in
punchy hues.

Industrial nishes tend to gain fans particularly among adventurous young

homeowners who appreciate their edgy look and promise of painless maintenance.
Part of their devoted following, the couple who bought this HDB apartment brought
in Space Dene to help them achieve the home of their dreams.
Its clear to see the couples vision for their love nest was fullled. In the openconcept living and dining areas, the designer clad the oor in cement screed and
crafted a brick-wall stucco eect for the TV wall. Exposed beams and raw wood
nishes in the furniture accentuate the warehouse look, but such industrial
elements arent just for show the track lighting in both zones, for instance, gives
the homeowners the exibility to adjust each spotlights angle for a more even
distribution of light.
The furnishings are kept sparse, while savvy positioning makes the tight common
areas appear more spacious than they actually are. The kitchen wall creates a long,
rectangular zone that the designer leveraged by tucking most furniture along the
walls. To save oor area, the homeowners also decided to forego an unwieldy dining
table for a breakfast counter nished in the same materials as the kitchen counter
solid ply with laminate and a solid-surface top for a more seamless transition
between spaces. A few quirky features reveal the homeowners fun personality: In
the dining area, pendant lights sport the same design but come in dierent hues and
lengths, while the seats of the dining chairs are upholstered in dissimilar shades.
Hacking the wall between the two original bathrooms gave the occupants an
enviably large space with wet and dry sections for the shower and WC respectively.
Homogeneous and long, wood-look tiles in neutral hues jazzed up with touches of
polished black in the vanity area concoct a pleasing, inviting ambience.

The breakfast
counter
demarcates
the living and
kitchen areas
and provides a
spot for dining.

The wall between

the two original
bathrooms was
hacked to carve
out a larger
bathing space.

A similar nish
for the kitchen
and breakfast
counters gives
the open-concept
common areas a
unied look.

Cement screed
oors and a
stucco-eect
brick TV wall
make for easy
maintenance.

SPACE DEFINE
Company profile

Fresh, vibrant and dynamic, Space Dene is a one-stop

hub for interior solutions, providing services such as
building alterations and additions, space planning,
design development, project management and
consultancy. Its customised solutions infuse charisma
into where its clients live, work and play.

Strengths

Creating chic, liveable spaces where function and space

planning are key.

Awards

Asia Pacic Brands Award (2013)

67

SPACE SENSE STUDIO

Philosophy
The journey through design development always
begins with endless thoughts and ideas that evolve
into dierent folds of meaning that harmonise
#02-00 Liao Ning Building, 19 Tannery Lane tel 6858-5258 / 8200-8777
fax 6745-2485 e-mail kel@kelvinteo.com www.kelvinteo.com

Founder and
designer

Kelvin Teo

The black
and white
asymmetrical
grid sliding
doors mirror
the chessboardlike oor.

The long drykitchen space

comes with a
wall of glassclad storage
cabinets.

HOME

Bungalow
in Seletar
size

3,600sqf

Theres often no better way to go than building on the

basics, especially when you have a strong starting point.
This colonial-style bungalow was getting on in years, but
its design foundations were something to be treasured.
When Kelvin Teo rst saw the house, he felt it had plenty
of potential.
While some might have recommended tearing down
the structure to create a whole new contemporary space
unfettered by structural constraints, Kelvin preferred
to resurrect its spirit. We kept the root design, with the
original ceiling beams, columns, lattice door, window
panels and especially the high, inverted V-shaped ceiling,
he says. It would have been a waste not to play up the
homes rich architectural heritage.
To match the architectural elements of the house,
Kelvin gave it a black-and-white colour concept. The

SPACE SENSE STUDIO

The living
rooms textured
stone wall
softens the
harshness of
the interiors
two-tone colour
scheme.


The main and
secondary
living spaces
are dened by
the jet-black
oor and
black rafters
against the
white ceiling.

The strong colour

contrasts in the black
ceiling beams and geometric
profiles serve to emphasise
the architectural heritage
of this home.


simple yet striking tones are in
keeping with the homes colonial mien,
providing it a style that has a touch
of classical vintage, yet is primarily
timeless, Kelvin says. At the same
time, this look is versatile enough to fuse
with other themes and concepts.
Luckily, the family who live here
agreed that they did not need additional
levels in the home, and were happy to
keep to a single storey as before. This
meant that the existing high ceiling,
with its iconic pointed prole, could
continue to dene the interior, giving it
that open, spacious feel that comes with
ample vertical space.
While maintaining the ceiling, I
also felt that we could maximise the
space by creating an attic in the centre
of the house, Kelvin explains. He
therefore carved out an additional room
at the top and middle of the home,
while letting the outer areas of the
high ceiling remain visible to view. The
attic is now the teenage childrens new
hangout spot, where they spend time
reading or playing musical instruments,
and is accessed by an eye-catching
black ladder that leads up to the cosy
space. In a clever touch, the ladder can
be concealed by a folding door panel
if preferred.

While the black-and-white colour

scheme runs through the home gridstyle carpets in the main and second
living areas and similarly patterned
sliding doors in the latter proudly
display these contrasting hues not
everything is decked out in these sombre
tones. The stone feature wall that the TV
is mounted on breaks the ice with its
rugged, rustic facade, and its varying
orange, grey and brown palette injects
a welcome warmth. If you just use
black and white, it may feel a bit cold,
notes Kelvin. Thats why I introduced
the earth-toned stone wall to make the
space cosier.
In the second living room, a glossy
white-painted brick veneer wall adds a
polished feel to the space. The adjacent
black and white panels hide a TV screen,
gaming consoles, DVDs and even a shoe
cabinet, which frees up the space from
clutter. By thoughtfully varying the
texture and eect of materials used
from matte to raw to shiny Kelvin kept

The second
living rooms
storage space
includes
an easily
accessible
shoe cabinet.

The uneven
texture and
colours of the
stone wall
also adds
warmth and
interest to
the owners
accessories.

71

the simple monochromatic colour palette from looking

boring. Organic shapes were also called on to break up
the monotony of the chessboard look.
The second living space connects seamlessly to a
posh dry kitchen, with gleaming built-in ovens and a
fridge. Glass doors along one side provide generous
storage space for kitchen equipment and food. The wet
kitchen beyond it sits in an extension of the house that
was previously outdoor space, and is where the family
gathers for meals. The low roof trusses above the
dining table retain some of the avour of the originally
outdoor area, giving it a breezy, alfresco feel.
Of the two kitchens, Kelvin says, From the very
beginning, it was important to identify the purpose of
each and every space. So, the dry kitchen is used mainly
as a storage area for kitchen appliances, dry foodstus
or drinks. The wet kitchen, on the other hand, has its
own fridge for raw food, a long counter and sink, and
is where the heavy duty culinary activities take place.
When style and functionality go hand in hand, the
winning eect is as clear as black and white.

The black
remans
ladder can
be concealed
behind a
sliding panel.

The wet
kitchen
connects to
the dining
table, and is
where the
family has
their meals.

Varying shades
of black, white
and grey give
the home a crisp
and fresh appeal.


The soaring
ceiling of
the A-frame
roof allowed
Kelvin to
create a new
attic space at
the top.

SPACE SENSE STUDIO

Company profile

Award-winning interior and furniture designer Kelvin

Teo leads Space Sense Studio, which he founded in
2003. Kelvin believes that interior design begins with
understanding the environment and the needs of clients,
as well as the creative, analytical and aesthetic skills to
transform a space into the ultimate design solution. The
rms dedicated team is adept at a wide range of modern
and contemporary styles, with a focus on architectural
and abstract elements.

Strengths

Carpeting
the attic oor
turned the
library area
into a cosy
nook for
the teenage
children to
relax in.

Space Sense specialises in loft and Scandinavian-style

spaces, which Kelvin particularly likes. He gives highvolume, vintage and industrial-like spaces a modern and
practical take with the use of clean-looking materials
and ample storage space. The company also provides
customised, one-of-a-kind furniture designed by Kelvin.

Awards

Presidents Design Award for Furniture (2009)

73

Three-D Conceptwerke
Philosophy
A collaborative approach to design, with a strong
emphasis on sustainability and a respect for
the environment and Mother Nature
784 North Bridge Road tel 6293-8001
fax 6294-8001 e-mail enquiries@three-d-conceptwerke.com
www.three-d-conceptwerke.com

Design Consultant

Jack Loh

Senior Design
Consultant

Terence Soh
Principal Designer

Dess Chew

HOME

4-room
HDB at
in Eunos
Crescent
size

968sqf

Three-D Conceptwerke

An assortment
of quaint display
items and
country-style
photo frames
gives the living
room a charming
touch.

The home
is a fun,
intimate mix
of vintage,
art deco,
retro and
modern
elements.

Vibrant, eclectic and with a touch of art deco a tough

job to pull o, but when you have the right design
team and accessories, it can be a piece of cake. The lady
owner of this HDB at wanted colour and diversity
at home, and was keen on channelling an Alice in
Wonderland-type feel in her place. So, designer Dess
Chew of Three-D Conceptwerke put together a basic
structural form and a charming assortment of unusual
and quaint furnishings to convey the uplifting, almost
fairytale-like feel of this classic story.
We combined the owners brief with our expertise
to give the at a life of its own, he says. Every part of
the home has its unique touch, but all of them blend to
form a picture thats well put together.

75


A refreshing
sunny
yellow wall
brightens
the kitchen.

Space dividers were kept slim and

simple so each part would merge into
the others. The partitions carving out
the dining space from the living room
are fashioned from glass and wire-mesh
panels framed in nyatoh wood. This
lends a lightness and transparency to the
home, with the wooden frames adding a
rustic, shophouse-like feel.
The living room shows o a fun mix
of colours and forms, from retro pieces
including the TV console and sofa
from Lorgans to woody ones such as
the coee table and heart-prole chair.
Thrown into the mix are lively items: the
blue-and-black poue and carpet, and a
trio of vivid baby blue lamps suspended
above a side cabinet.
Not surprisingly, being afraid of
mixing bold colours was never one of the
homeowners concerns. The kitchen is
decked out in wake-me-up yellow wall
tiles that provide a stunning contrast to
the white countertop as well as the pale
brown cabinets.

The dining space is also bright

and welcoming, notes Dess, as the
client wanted punchy colours here. She
planned to use her dining table as a work
desk at times, and therefore wanted
the space to have a fresh and inspiring
feel. With that in mind, the table was
dressed up with a oral fabric tablecloth
from Hawaii, and coupled with sunny
tableware and accessories. These chirpy
additions add a subtle art deco vibe to
the warm, cottage-like setting.
The master bedroom features a
similar but toned-down eect, with
spots of colour amid a base of soothing
whites and earth tones. We combined
the art deco-inspired fabric curtains with
vintage-style pieces such as the wooden
dresser, armchair and bedframe,
says Dess. For lighting, a refurbished
chandelier contributes a whisper of oldstyle glamour.
All the pieces of furniture and
accessories complement each other to
bring out a laid-back and personalised
mood that hints at a past era, he sums
up. At the same time, it feels totally
comfortable and livable.

top A trio of
glossy blue
hanging lamps
enhances the
blue-grey patina
of the cabinet
below. left The
dining areas base
palette of creamy,
light browns tones
are punctuated
with bright,
eye-catching
accessories.

The rustic
glass-panelled
cabinet is
decked
with homey
accessories for
an altogether
cosy look.

THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE
COMPANY PROFILE

Three-D Conceptwerke is a growing rm of local designers with a

common passion for architecture, interior design, interior gardening and
lifestyle products. The rm specialises in loft-living concepts and believes
in preserving elements of the surrounding natural and architectural forms
with consideration and care. They believe in creating environments that are
both spiritually and visually ideal.

STRENGTHS

The rm is an ardent advocate of being environmentally, socially and

ecologically aware. It is adept at recycling waste or factory over-run
materials as well as old, unloved and discarded items, and incorporating
these into its designs.

77

Vegas Interior Design

Philosophy
Service should be matched with quality design
and a commitment to detail
#01-07 Orion@Paya Lebar, 160 Paya Lebar Road
tel 6252-5522 fax 6250-0092 e-mail enquiry@vegas.com.sg
www.vegas.com.sg

Managing Director
General Manager

Erin Tan

Kelvin Lim

The tactile mix

of luxurious
elements on the
walls includes
bronze-tinted
mirrors and
marble.

Vegas Interior Design

HOME

Five-bedroom
condominium
at Floridian
size

2,400sqf

Here was a client who knew what they wanted. When the
homeowners approached Vegas Interior Design, they were
clear about having a family residence that looks grand,
says designer and general manager Erin Tan, who handled
the project. The idea was to recreate an English Baroque style,
with the emphasis on achieving a rich, plush eect.
Starting with the shell of the interior, the design team
rst clad the living room walls in marble, bronze-tinted
mirrors, and carved wall and ceiling mouldings, instantly
transforming the space into one reminiscent of the lush
classical era. The designers also sourced for the custommade gilded sofas, display cabinets, dining chairs and table
to further accentuate the theme. It helped that this 2,400sqf
ve-bedroom apartment at Floridian in Bukit Timah was

Most of the
ornate classical
furniture
was specially
customised to
t the interior.

79


The daughters
bedroom
follows a similar
lush theme,
with a glittering
chandelier and
luxurious soft
furnishings.

The ornate,
wallpapered
bedrooms are
cosy, luxe havens.


The feature
wall in the
guest room
hides a
pull-down
storage bed.

spacious enough to accommodate all the ornate

furniture. Upholstery in gold, along with heavy satin
oral curtains and grand chandeliers, cement the look.
The master bedroom as well as the four daughters
rooms are equally swish. The master bedroom, for
instance, is a cosy, luxe haven with walls lined in a
bronzy, Victorian-patterned wallpaper. A closer look
at the feature wall behind the bedhead reveals that
the wallpaper is studded with twinkling crystals an
attention to detail that caps the grandiose theme.

VEGAS INTERIOR DESIGN

Company profile

The ve simple yet crucial priorities of Vegas Interior Design have

remained constant since the rms debut in 1996. The company remains
driven to provide service, quality, responsibility, punctuality and integrity
in all its dealings with clients. It prides itself on delivering projects on time
to homeowners, while balancing the budget and a discerning standard
of quality. The rm has also built a repuation for designing lush, classical
styles and is well-regarded for its attention to ne details.

The
customised
console in
the master
bedroom
was spraypainted gold
to match
the opulent
decor.

Strengths

Rendering quality, personable service, regardless of size of project.

Awards

Nippon Paint Designers of Choice (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)

Singapore Brand Award (2011)
Successful Entrepreneur Award (2010)

81

White Corporate
Philosophy
Design evolves from the interaction between a space
and its inhabitants
#16-08 Trivex, 8 Burn Road tel 6323-3139
email enquiry@whitecorps.com www.whitecorps.com

Senior
Consultant

Elden Lim
Design Principal

Derrick Lim
(not pictured)

Senior Stylist

Thomas Tham
(not pictured)

Design Manager

Syed Agil Albahar

Project Manager

Eddie Lee

(not pictured)
Design Consultant

Pinky Devi Kywe

(not pictured)

The versatile studyand-guestroom

features spacesaving designs
such as a ip-down
bed, a movable
sliding desk, and a
wardrobe built into
the storage cabinet.

The feature wall

and customised
side table and
shelf hint at the
homes spools of
ribbons theme.

HOME

Four-bedroom
condominium
unit in River
Valley
size

2,800 sqf

The busy, Kuching-based homeowners wanted

their River Valley getaway home to tick several
boxes: the design had to reect their love of
music and art as well as incorporate a good
sound system. White Corporate proposed
a design inspired by spools of ribbons
unravelling themselves signifying the energy
and lines akin to a rhythmic dance.
One challenge was to ensure that the large
living area was acoustically dampened. With
this in mind, the team sought to combine both
functional necessity and aesthetics. The result?
A striking feature wall of walnut veneer
and decorative acrylic panes interwoved
with acoustic fabric-wrapped panels. This
criss-cross weave pattern also suggests the
interlacing of ribbons a design element
again echoed in the almost sculptural TV
feature backdrop.

White Corporate

The weavepatterned
feature walls
of the living
room cleverly
integrate
acoustic
fabric-clad
panelling.

A customdesigned
display shelf
doubles as
a privacy
divider in
the master
bedroom.

83

HOME

Four-bedroom
condominium
unit in
Glentrees
size

1,500sqf

Glass panels
replace the
kitchen
walls for a
light-lled
cooking area.

One wouldnt imagine that this four-bedroom

apartment at the Glentrees condominium in Mount
Sinai Lane could possibly be a retirement home. Sure,
there might be the mahjong room designed with a
custom-built table for all-night sessions but the rest of
the house exudes a vibe that is modern, youthful and
even a little playful.
The designers started with earthy tones tinged
with gold to evoke a feeling of elegance and luxury.
The ultra-modern kitchen was deliberately enclosed in
glass panelling to allow natural light to lter through
into the dining area. Here, strings of customised
Swarovski crystals drape across LED downlights on a
wooden ceiling panel for an exclusive lighting feature.
In the bedrooms, the storage spaces are all tucked
to the sides, along with customised multi-functional
furniture that keeps the rooms neat and streamlined.
For instance, a hidden full-length mirror recessed
into the TV feature wall pulls out when needed. The
owners favourite spot is the study, which also doubles
as his man cave theres a television, couch and
storage for all his golng equipment and memorabilia.
Sounds like this couple have it all sorted out: it truly is
a paradise for retirees.


A customised
Swarovski
crystal
lighting
feature ups
the glamour
level of the
dining room.

A full-length
mirror is
recessed into
the master
bedrooms
TV feature
wall, and can
be tucked
away when
not in use.

The living
room is a
study in
contrasts,
with dark
wallpaper
playing up
the white
gloss and
pale wood
furnishings.

Earthy tones tinged with

gold evoke a sense of
elegance and luxury.
85

The sun-kissed
double-volume
dining area
is perfect for
entertaining.
HOME

Four-storey
terrace at
Seletar Green
View
size

3,910sqf

Warm wood
decking and
ambient
lighting
turn the top
balcony into
a relaxing
meeting spot.

The brief seemed simple enough the clients wanted

their Seletar Green View terrace home to look
contemporary. Yet with four oors of space to cover,
the designers had their work cut out for them.
The design process tackled two distinct areas:
the ground oor comprising the living, dining and
kitchen area, and the rooms located on the other three
oors. A netural colour palette was used throughout
to keep the home from appearing dated. In the living
and dining rooms, the main highlights are the display
and feature walls that stretch along both sides of the
space. The walls were built with LED-lit niches to
allow the homeowners to display family portraits and
collectibles. One of these feature walls also serves to
conceal the bulky staircase and bomb shelter door. The
dining area sits under an airy, sun-kissed cavernous
double-volume space perfect for entertaining.
On the upper oors, the master bedroom was
enlarged by hacking a wall. The new-found space
now ts a walk-in wardrobe with ample room for the
owner to display her bags. As the owners sometimes
work from home, large windows and PVC blinds
were installed in the study to ensure that the room is
lled with light.
And with such stunning unblocked views of the
local estate, it seemed only natural to convert the roof
into an area for gatherings. The addition of greenery
and simple outdoor furniture create a space where
family and friends can meet to toast the end of the
day as the sun sets.


top The dining
table, placed
directly under
the sun-lit void
makes for bright,
cheery meal
times. above
Large windows
draw light into
the study room.

WHITE CORPORATE
Company profile

At the heart of
the home is the
double-volume
dining area,
which lends an
openness to the
whole house.

From a humble set-up in 2001, the company has since

grown into an award-winning establishment. Its
portfolio includes a wide range of private residences,
from condominium apartments to bungalows. Armed
with a mission to transform every clients home into an
impressive interior, its no wonder the group has earned
a reputation for creating plush, luxurious spaces that are
both glamorous and comfortable.

Strengths

An innovative approach based on maximising the

functionality and potential of every individual home.

87

SINGAPORES NO.1 INTERIOR DESIGN MAGAZINE

PRESENTS

2013 N
EDITNIO
OW!
OUT

E
V
A
H
T
S
U
YOUR M
!
K
O
O
B
E
C
R
RESOU
HEX APPEAL

One of the hottest patterns in interiors now seen as mosaic tiles, in upholstery, and on
accessories is the honeycomb, which is made up of hexagons and more hexagons.
o n t a b l e, f ro m to p Tom Dixon hexagon bowl, $181.90, from Xtra; diamond- and square-shaped
brass paperweights, $60 each, from Supermama; cup and saucer set, $9.80, and plate, $6.30, all from
Francfranc; Samarra bowl, $175, from Royal Selangor. o n f lo o r Green shades side tables
(set of 3), $595, and Cubic rug, $1,900, all from Boconcept.

FOLDING AROUND

Take paper folding to another level

with these origami-inspired pieces in
melamine, ceramic and brass.
o n w a l l Wall art, $25.60, from Francfranc.
o n f lo o r Lucy chair, $680, from Pomelo Home.
o n t a b l e, f ro m l e f t Paper plan cardholder, $53.50,
from Xtra; brass trays, $48 (small), and $60
(medium), and Ihada spoon & fork, $60 each, all
from Supermama; Origami boat (set of 3), $80,
from Proof Living; melamine square plates,
$9.10 each, and soya sauce bottle, $42, all from
Francfranc; white pepper shaker, $18, and white
square dish, $10, both from Supermama.

/ THE LATEST IN LAMINATES,

WALLCOVERINGS & TILES

128

trends

/ 9 INSPIRING RENO PROJECTS

/ A TO Z OF THE
HOTTEST IN DESIGN

Named after its founder, DJ De Prees father-in-law (who helped finance

the business), Herman Miller is an American company that has
been manufacturing furniture since 1905. It gained prominence for its
collaborations with iconic modern designers George Nelson and Charles
and Ray Eames in the mid-20th century. Today, it is also known for its
innovations in ergonomic furniture. /w w w . h e rman mille r. co m

As one of the most prolific

contemporary designers, there
are few things the flamboyant
Jaime Hayon hasnt applied
his creative skills to from his
Baroque-inspired furniture
for BD Barcelona, Moooi and
Bisazza to decor accessories
for porcelain brands Lladro
and Baccarat. At this years
Milan Fair, he launched an
outdoor lounge collection
called Gardenias to enthusiastic
response. /w w w . h ay o n s tu d io . co m

22

trends

Index is the latest bathroom accessory

from Italian bathroom and kitchen
accessories maker, Boffi, which is
known for its sleek collections by famous
designers including Piero Lissoni, Naoto
Fukasawa and Claudio Silvestrin, among
others. A reversible magnifying mirror
in stainless steel by Felicia Ferrone,
Index is designed in a similar vein to its
predecessors with high quality and great
functionality. /w w w . b o ffi. co m

Kvadrat (pronounced Kwa-drat) is

Europes leading manufacturer of design
textiles. Its products range from curtains
and upholstery to carpets and modular
fabric tiles such as Erwan and Ronan
Bourollecs Clouds (below), created in
collaboration with Ligne Roset, which
multi-task as decorative, acoustic and
tactile objects. /www.k va dr a t.dk

project
RENOVATION OF A
TERRACE HOUSE

design brief
BRIGHTEN UP
THE INTERIORS
AND MAKE THEM
CONTEMPORARY AND
FAMILY-FRIENDLY,
REFRESH THE HOMES
NEO-RENAISSANCE
FACADE

location
BUKIT TIMAH

house area
APPROX. 3,500SQF

84

project

S
TERIAL
A
M
/
G
IN
PLANNESIGN
E
C
A
P
S
S/
G/D
TREND /LIGHTIN

LEFT

A sleek, panelled gate

and lush greenery partially
conceal the dated, uted
columns of the car porch.
TOP RIGHT

Plush, vintage-looking
leather armchairs in the
foyer connect the neoRenaissance exterior to
the modern interiors.
BOTTOM RIGHT

Carefully installed tiles

transform the curved
exterior staircase from
wedding cake to
contemporary chic.

ISSUE 03 / 2013 S$10.00

Available at all major bookstores and

www.homeanddecor.com.sg/magazine.

A FRESH U PDATE
BEHIND THE REVAMPED NEO-RENAISSANCE FACADE OF THIS TERRACE
HOUSE IS A MODERN, CUSTOMISED ABODE FOR A GROWING FAMILY.