Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2021 i Home & Decor

Loud colours, geometric objects and oversized toy props have long been popular tropes in children’s fashion stores. But not at Versace’s new 90 sqm boutique for children that’s chic and inviting as well as on-brand and age-appropriate. Located at B1 of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, it showcases Versace’s comprehensive children’s line, which includes ready-to-wear, footwear, bags, toys, jewellery and other accessories. The interior follows the design concept of the grown-up store, also created by French architect and interior designer Gwenael Nicolas, who is also the founder of the Japan-based studio Curiosity. Gwenael is no stranger to luxury fashion boutiques. He has designed stores for Issey Miyake, Dolce & Gabbana and Moncler, as well as the Versace boutiques in Miami, Munich, Florence, and Beijing. And, while each has a…

On the outside, it’s a nondescript wall of tinted windows with a smooth expanse broken only by the single outline of a neon pink bird. There is no signboard. Push your way in through the towering door and it’s a very different story. Immediately, you are greeted by hip, pulsating tracks, concrete and dark wood dimly lit by artfully-placed lamps and the bar, standing smack in the centre of the place. The whole feel is part New York speakeasy and part Tokyo underground – gritty, urban, ever so slightly illicit and always with the sense that something exciting is about to happen. This is Neon Pigeon 2.0, the second incarnation of the well-loved izakaya bar formerly located at Keong Saik Road. Its presence in Carpenter Street now lends the otherwise…

With over 23 years of experience in the industry, Joey Khu has established a reputation for his skilful space planning, meticulous interior styling and decorating as well as well-resolved design details. Continuing a childhood love for art and design, he has honed his ability to incorporate sophisticated touches in a contemporary way, with an eye for rich materiality. When the occasion arises, he even creates statement art pieces to complement his interiors. THREE-BEDROOM CONDO/WEST AREA The design concept for this apartment is proof that dark need not be dull. The walls, ceiling and built-in cabinets are clad in various shades of black and grey. Playing up the variations in the tonality of the black ash veneer and taupe and black laminates, as well as their different levels of light reflectivity,…

Behind this multidisciplinary studio that specialises in interior design, interior styling and furniture craftsmanship is a team of design renegades who live and breathe their work. They are constantly pushing and rethinking design boundaries, bestowing renewed purpose to spaces, seamlessly integrating design into the daily lives of homeowners and creating tangible, long-lasting relationships between inhabitants and their homes. All regard their work as a stamp of communicative design that leaves an indelible mark on every blank canvas they encounter. THREE-BEDROOM WALK-UP APARTMENT/EAST COAST Here, the design team had free rein as the client did not have a specific brief. Based on factors such as the location, the immediate surroundings and the age and context of the apartment, Three-D Conceptwerke proposed a scheme based on bringing nature inside. Beyond just incorporating…

Driven by a “desire to inspire”, DISTINCTidENTITY takes pride in delivering design and architectural services to both trusting and returning clients by turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. The studio focuses on conveying the personality of each project by understanding the clients’ needs and seeking inspiration from various fields, visuals and lifestyles. TWO-BEDROOM + ONE STUDY CONDO/BHAMO ROAD CONTACT #01-02, Building B LTC 12 Arumugam Road Tel: 6846-0033 www.distinctidentity.com.sg…

EightyTwo is a leading, award-winning bespoke interior design studio that believes in defying labels, debunking conventions and transcending trends. The team's designs distil the essence of how people live and the openendedness allows for multiple interpretations and showcases the studio's creativity. THREE-BEDROOM CONDO/RIVER VALLEY CONTACT 685A East Coast Road Tel: 6698-7987 https://eightytwo.sg…

BEAT LIGHT Hand-spun, braised and hammered by artisan craftsmen in Northern India, each minimalist light is a unique testament to the time-consuming, age-old craft. Finished with an external matte grey powder coating, the collection is composed of Beat Light Stout, Beat Light Wide, Beat Light Fat and Beat Light Tall. MELT LIGHT Stemming from experimentations in the technologically-advanced field of vacuum metallisation, this distorted globe in copper, gold or silver features light bouncing and reflecting around the uneven surfaces, which produces a dramatic, melting hot blown glass effect. Translucent when on and mirror-finished when off, it emits a light resembling images of the cosmos at night. S CHAIR Some view it as a female form, a flame or a 1960s-influenced pop object, but the serpentine seat (above) originated decades ago…

What is your favourite time of the day? The early morning, just after the sun comes up. I’d throw back the velvet curtains of the JLA Studios production offices, walk out onto the balcony and drink in the view of the majestic 100-year-old rain trees across the street from where I work and live with my family. In those moments, I cherish the preciousness of life, how lucky I am to live where I do in these exciting times – my wife and I just had a baby – and the clear-eyed vision of the beauty and purpose I am working to articulate in this life. What is your design style? Neat, colourful, crisp and light-hearted with strongly-contrasting colour fields, neatly hewn details and natural patterns and textures wherever possible.…

There is no immediate antidote to 2020’s dark clouds. Nevertheless, the arrival of 2021 brings with it hope and the promise of recovery – as evidenced by the colours of the year, ranging from Pantone’s cheery yellow Illumination to Dulux’s soothing beige Brave Ground. Here are other interior ideas that we believe will become big hits in the coming months, and ways to incorporate them into your rooms. BIOPHILIA Plant parenting is one of the most popular ways to battle the pandemic stress. It is therapeutic, rewarding and irresistibly Instagrammable. Biophilia or the love for nature has long been shaping our domestic environment. The pandemic has simply highlighted the benefit of biophilic design, especially in Singapore’s dense and vertical urban environment. Incorporating it into the design of your home is…

Singapore Ceramics Now! What: Ceramics exhibition at Singapore Art Week Where: Block 7, Level 1, Gillman Barracks When: 20 January to 13 February 2021 Curated by renowned ceramicist Jason Lim together with SEED The Art Space, Singapore Ceramics Now! showcases contemporary ceramics work of 19 Singapore-based artists. Taking the theme of Marking | Making, the exhibition celebrates the diverse processes, techniques, and artistic ideas in the local ceramics scene. The exhibits blend the dexterity of traditional and experimental techniques and present ceramic art objects in refreshing contexts.…

The design of Capella Sanya reflects rich Chinese cultural elements combined with the beauty of nature and luxurious architectural spaces,” says Jean-Michel Gathy, founder and principal architect-designer of Malaysia-based Denniston International Architects & Planners. “For example, flowing water symbolises success in China, so we have created a complete central water system that starts at the lobby with a water fountain and flows down through the resort. Serene, reflective pools, another distinguishing feature, are layered throughout the resort.” Co-created by Denniston and Bensley Design Studio, which has offices in Bangkok and Bali, Capella Sanya on Hainan Island welcomes guests with a stunning water feature called the Dream Pool of Essays, which spans 4,257 sq m. Everywhere, Jean-Michel references Chinese culture. He used feng shui principles in the spectacular lobby, where a…

It can be a challenging task trying to find a good interior designer, one that understands your needs and who is also able to interpret your requirements into a well-thought out design proposal. In 2020, my team and I had the pleasure of featuring over a hundred local homes in the magazine and on our website. We shared with our audience the quality and aptitude of Singapore-based interior designers capable of offering interesting design solutions to the various sorts of spatial challenges and time or budgetary constraints. The Top of the Class honour roll is the dean's list of the most outstanding interior designers in Singapore, whose projects have previously been featured last year, and stood out with their flawless execution combining excellent design knowledge and impressive use of materials,…

Wolf Woof is synonymous with a creative and holistic approach to interior design. The boutique design studio does not believe in the standard practice of designing cookie-cutter homes. Neither does it go for simply creating picture-perfect spaces. The team believes in crafting personalised spaces that reflect their owners. THREE-BEDROOM CONDO/UPPER SERANGOON While this home can be categorised as being of Nordic influence, Wolf Woof's Carmen Tang was determined to not let it turn into just another Scandi-style home. Instead, she adopted a light-hearted approach to its design. A series of built-in cabinets with handles comprising wooden birds peeking out of a hedge injects an element of fun to the living room as does the feature wall with its old-school TV frame with antennas that houses a flatscreen TV. In the…

Dwell provides interior design, styling and decoration services for discerning clients who desire to transform their homes into fine residences reflecting their personalities and styles. The design team is sensitive to the spatial nuances of both large and small homes – from detached houses to apartments and even conservation shophouses – and works tirelessly with clients to create personal sanctuaries. FOUR-BEDROOM CONDO/JERVOIS ROAD CONTACT 11 Kim Yam Road Tel: 6883-1005 www.dwell.com.sgtalktous@dwell.com.sg…

Founded by two architecturally-trained graduates in 1998, Metaphor Studio specialises in exclusive residential and hospitality projects around the region. The founders regard interior architectural design as a framework within which life can be experienced through the constructive orientation of space, light and material. SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE/UPPER BUKIT TIMAH CONTACT 331A Beach Road Tel: 6291-9786 www.metaphor-studio.com…

A reinterpretation of the classic country vacation home by Cape Town-based architecture firm SAOTA, this family getaway set against the bucolic landscape of Lake Huron is a lesson in contemporary glamour. Sitting on a lakeside that bridges the forest and water, and rising 3.5m above the road before it dips down towards the lake, it is strategically positioned to maximise the vista of the natural landscape. The building exterior is dressed in a mix of light and dark tones, and clad with durable ceramic panels that can withstand the extremes of the Canadian climate. Conceptualised to resemble stacked concrete boxes, it creates a unique shadow play on the facade and inside. The front of the seven-bedroom property is wrapped in expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows that invite in plenty of natural…

Around for the longest time, open-concept homes have received a new lease on life, thanks to our addresses now being a primary place for gatherings. While they may look effortlessly bright and spacious, it takes lots of spatial planning to avoid having them become just a place with a jumble of furniture and other what-nots. Luckily, there are many ways in which you can demarcate areas while adding style and functionality. Here are our favourites. CARPETS If you like changing things up now and then, carpets or rugs are an excellent way to define a space while keeping things flexible. According to Shermaine Ong of MOW Interior, living rooms are the best place for a large carpet as it grounds the sofa and pulls an overall invitingly comfortable look together.…

1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF LIGHT. Lighting is essential when it comes to preventing eye strain and headaches. Natural light is best, so ensure your window treatments allow sufficient daylight through. In the evenings, you’ll need both general and task lighting. Opt for warm white, which best mimics natural daylight. 2. KEEP YOUR ROOM COOL. Studies have shown that temperature can have a significant impact on your concentration and memory. The optimal temperature for focused work is 23 to 25 deg C. While this varies between individuals, it’s generally agreed that a working space that is too warm can be most detrimental, causing alertness and energy levels to plummet. Keep your study cool with air-conditioning or a standing fan next to your desk. 3. AIM FOR A CLUTTER-FREE…

Architects Apartment Italian furniture brand Living Divani has joined Space Furniture’s portfolio. The brand’s latest and greatest, including pieces from local designers like the Pebble vanity by Lanzavecchia + Wai and Rabbit & Tortoise tables by Studio Juju, can be viewed at Space Furniture’s new showcase, titled the Architects Apartment, which features Living Divani products alongside other brands like Flos and Glas Italia. Visit www.spacefurniture.com.sg for more information. Seven Zones of Sleep European mattress company Emma established a presence in Singapore in December. Hailed as Europe’s most-awarded mattress, the Emma Original Mattress provides full-body support with advanced zoning technology featuring seven foam zones that distribute pressure and support with exceptional motion isolation for the best sleep. Each purchase comes with a 100-night trial with a money-back guarantee and a 10-year…

This 20ha property between the towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico was the private holiday refuge of an Italian duchess who fell in love with the idyllic landscape before it transformed into Hotel Esencia in 2014. Its current owner Kevin Wendle led an 18-month renovation with the help of creative director C S Valentin and architects Gabriel and Alfonso Nunez. Designed as an oasis in the middle of lush vegetation, Hotel Esencia overlooks the beautiful, white, sandy beach and crystal-clear waters of Xpu-Ha. It consists of the main house and paths that take guests to 38 suites and three villas, each with a private terrace and a rest area. The most spectacular are the jungle-backed penthouse suites that look like apartments in…

Design Intervention is a multiple award-winning firm helmed by partners Nikki Hunt (left) and Andrea Savage. While they pride themselves on their national, regional and international accolades across the full spectrum of projects, including residential, retail and the public sector, they consider the creation of environments that put a smile on the faces of clients their greatest achievements. Nikki and Andrea's mission as designers is to craft joyful, sensual and liveable homes that inspire the mind, soothe the body and nourish the soul. PENTHOUSE/BANGKOK Belonging to a bachelor in his 30s, this luxurious penthouse in the heart of Bangkok enjoys a 270-degree view of the city skyline. Formerly a four-bedroom family unit, it has been reconfigured to suit the needs and lifestyle of its single occupant who desired a refined…

MOW Interior is known for delivering design excellence that exceeds clients' expectations. With its expertise in residential and commercial projects, from design development to project management, the studio spares no effort in putting together designs that are inspirational and functional. FOUR-BEDROOM CONDO/MARINA BAY Looking at the immaculately appointed interior of this stylish apartment, it is hard to imagine that MOW Interior took only 10 weeks to complete the project. As the homeowners wanted to move in before the arrival of their second child, the team rallied to pull off an assignment that would normally take four months. This boils down to experience and the commitment to achieve their design goals while being on time and within the budget. The contrasting style preferences of the couple also presented a demanding brief.…

With a 30-year history, this boutique ID company has built a reputation for contemporary designs that exude elegant simplicity. Accredited by the Interior Design Confederation Singapore, it has also grown from conceptualising boutique homes in Singapore to creating luxury homes around the world. DETACHED HOUSE PROJECT/BROADRICK ROAD CONTACT #01-21 Vertex Building 33 Ubi Avenue 3 Tel: 6280-6161 www.collectivedesigns.com.sg…

EHKA Studio is a licensed architectural practice registered with the Board of Architects Singapore. Its approach is one of continuous exploration and logical clarity. Practical considerations along with a client's needs and budget are carefully resolved and refined in a poetic solution that seeks to engage human perception. FIVE-ROOM HDB APARTMEN/SENGKANG EAST CONTACT 891B Bukit Timah Road Tel: 6909-2798 www.ehkastudio.cominfo@ehkastudio.com…

When JP and Daniel clapped eyes on the pre-war apartment in Tiong Bahru, it was love at first sight. They visited it almost every day before they moved in. “I would come in here and just sit and visualise the place,” laughs JP, a 37-year-old financial planner. Today, the walk-up is home to him, partner Daniel, their 13-year-old chihuahua Clover and JP’s parents. And, much like the hip bars in the neighbourhood, it is a dimly-lit, welcoming place that’s a blend of industrial edge and vintage speakeasy, with nods to their Singaporean heritage. A tricky mix for sure but they pulled it off beautifully, thanks to working closely with Desmond Chew and Serene Tan of Three-D Conceptwerke. Of course, this has had friends and family members mistaking their place for…

Occupying levels 39 to 64 of Singapore’s tallest building, the 181 luxury units at Wallich Residence sit between 180m and 290m above sea level and enjoy the most spectacular view. This was a deciding factor for ophthalmologist Desmond Quek when buying his unit. He went so far as to check the area’s development blueprint and when he found out that the plot near the residence might be developed into a 40-storey building, he bought a threebedroom unit on the 50th floor just so his view stayed unobstructed. Initially working with an interior designer to bring his concept to life, Desmond then worked directly with a contractor. The result is a minimalist, ultra-contemporary bachelor pad with a disciplined material palette. The number of the bedrooms was reduced to one, turning the…

There are only so many items one can comfortably fit inside one’s home. And if you subscribe to the core tenet of Singaporean Dream of home upgrading, which is owning progressively larger (or more prestigious) properties during one’s lifetime, you will need to master the art of letting go of your items to make space for better things. And did you know that according to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), at the rate that we are going, our one and only landfill will run out of space by 2035? You can do better than just merely dumping your unwanted items at the foot of your block. Here are ways to dispose of your items correctly, sustainably, and possibly profitably. CALL FOR HELP Who are you going…