Innholdsfortegnelse for Jun 2016 i Tatler Homes Singapore

The design fraternity turned out in force at the Salone del Mobile Milan recently. As an annual event, the Milan Furniture Fair presents the opportunity for the world’s established furniture makers and designers to gather and present their latest collections, and this year’s fair was filled with plenty of new ideas for home furnishing. In addition to the launches, it’s also refreshing to visit the many off-site exhibitions and art installations conceived as ways to inspire the audience to bridge the cross-disciplinary divides between design, art, lifestyle and fashion. Some of these commissions included a stunning ‘Forest of Light’ show by fashion brand COS and artist Sou Fujimoto, an art display by Amsterdam’s Dirty Art Department in a former slaughterhouse called The Wandering School and Berlin-based architect Diébédo Francis Kéré…

ACACIA The eponymous in-house label of Acacia Fine Fabrics, this one counts satin- and silk-textured textiles among its tactile range. ESTELLE Comparable to a bespoke suit from Saville Row in London, fabrics from this designer brand are crafted by skilled artisans and offer a touch of class to any space. FR-ONE Safe, modern and ecological are the best ways to describe FR-One. Its collection is made from fibres with fire-retardant characteristics, melded with stylish design. UV PRO The brand for outdoor fabrics, UV Pro materials are engineered to be water repellent, with colours that stand the test of time. FABRIC LIBRARY As its name suggests, this label has a vast collection of materials named from A to Z. It prides itself on affordability and quality—a priceless combination for any homeowner.…

FIAM CHRISTINE The high-shine finish enhances the sculptural contours of the frame that surrounds the flat mirror. Price upon request, available at Macsk MINIFORMS RETROVISEUR DOMESTIQUE This mirror creates an effect that’s at once playful and urbane, and it comes in various finishes. $1,129, available at Xtra BONALDO SPIRAL Defined by the seam stitch along the border, this is an easy match for any walk-in wardrobe. $2,080, available at XZQT PLISSAGE Hand-carved pleats on a continuous swirl bring depth and dimension to this standout number. $3,631, available at Christopher Guy MARIE THERESE It’s hard not to love this ornate design. Shaped like an antique hand-held mirror, it boasts a mahogany frame carved to perfection. Price upon request, available at Boca Do Lobo TOM DIXON GEM The faceted cut of a…

What do homeowners need to consider when deciding on the right wine storage solution for their home? First, consider the need: is the wine cabinet meant for long-term storage or will it be just a space to keep the wines chilled prior to serving? Wine cabinets for storage purposes don’t require special aesthetic designs, since they can be kept in the back room, beneath the stairs or in the basement. Local homeowners prefer to get smaller units that can be displayed close to the dining area. Secondly, think about the desired capacity. How many bottles do you intend to keep? Small wine cabinets can hold 20 to 40 bottles, while larger ones can hold up to 120 bottles. Then, look at the price and technology. People here don’t focus too…

She has a knack for making concrete appear gravity-defying and perform contortionist-like moves. UNCONVENTIONAL, UNEXPECTED AND UNINHIBITED These are three words that can be used to describe Zaha Hadid and her works. The Iraqi-British starchitect is known for speaking her mind and she once admitted that diplomacy is not one of her best talents. Many of her works were so radical that clients doubted that they could actually be constructed. Perhaps this explained why many of Hadid’s proposals never left the drawing board despite being schemes that pushed the boundaries of design. RISE TO NOTORIETY Hadid’s upbringing influenced the person and the architect that she would grow up to be. She was born in Iraq in 1950 to a high-ranking Iraqi diplomat. Her liberal parents encouraged her curiosity and gave…

As a key trade event of the Singapore Design Week, the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016/ 33rd ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS) has drawn visitors from around the world. The fair consisted of a trilogy of events: the IFFS/ AFS, the Décor Show and furniPRO Asia. With 423 exhibiting companies from 29 countries this year, visitors hailed from 92 countries and included 87 buying delegations. Every year, the four-day IFFS/AFS draws members of the public on the event’s last day. Altogether, 20,343 visitors attended the fair this year. The trade event took place across six halls at the Singapore Expo, a scale that demonstrated the breadth of products on showcase. These included furniture, furnishing, decorative accessories, interiors and fittings. Feature zones were created around the theme Celebrate Inspiration. More than a…

Organised by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, the Furniture Design Award 2016 selected a total of 14 finalists from across Asia and beyond. The jury consisted of six industry personalities, including Patrick Chia, founding director of Design Incubation Centre at the National University of Singapore and Jurgen Bey, co-founder of Studio Makkink & Bey from the Netherlands. This year, the products were primarily small furniture pieces including tables, seating and storage units. WINNING DESIGN: SIT by Katarzyna Kempa Zeroing in on the practical needs of office workers who spend hours at their desk, Polish designer Katarzyna Kempa conceptualised an ergonomic wooden stool and working table that encourage proper sitting posture. The piece is at once practical in its form, yet it’s casual as it breaks away from the usual serious…

The kitchen is a functional zone where culinary experts and home chefs spend much of their time. Of all the elements in the kitchen, the countertop is one of the most important areas because that’s where most of the action takes place. It’s where we sort ingredients, clean and prepare them. Therefore, for most homeowners, having countertops that are easy to clean and maintain while being hardwearing is a priority. It’s especially so in the modern Asian kitchen, where cuisines from all over the world are explored. Here’s a look at things you should consider when choosing your countertop material... CORIAN SHARP KITCHEN SYSTEM WITH CORIAN TOP BY DANIEL LIBESKIND FOR POLIFORM Homeowners can consider using materials such as stainless steel, quartz and solid surfaces for food preparation areas. Another…

What are the pros and cons of having an AV system in the bedroom? The great thing about having a system in the bedroom—and enjoying it mostly from the bed—is total comfort. Bedrooms are usually quieter than other areas of the home, and they absorb more reverberation and echoes. This results in better sound reproduction like clearer dialogue and greater details, even at soft volumes. Also, when it comes to acoustics, owners do not have to do as much planning for a system in the bedroom as they would for one in the living room. How difficult is it for homeowners to change their AV system, given that homes today have concealed wiring in their ceilings and walls? I wish more homes were pre-wired! Even more so in the correct…

“My goal is to create well-balanced compositions with minimal bold accents.” What was once the First Italian Methodist Episcopal Church on a quiet residential street in Little Italy (in southwest Chicago) has been reinvented into a streamlined and contemporary seven-bedroom, six-bathroom single-family house for a busy couple with three young children. Architect Giovanni Boschetti, a Milanese immigrant, was commissioned to design the architecture for his congregation’s new place of worship in 1901. It was cherished by the church community and local residents, but eventually shut in 1920. After it was left vacant for decades, the University of Illinois at Chicago purchased it to accommodate various campus ministries from the 1970s to the early 2000s before its latest incarnation completed in 2015. GREAT BEGINNINGS Directing the renovations including the initial…

ROSSARA JAMIL FEATURES WRITER Rossara Jamil is relentless when it comes to sussing out luxe finds and interior design trends. In addition to speaking with and profiling designers, architects and artists, her portfolio includes coverage of lifestyle, travel and luxury trends around the world. YONG WOEI NA STYLIST Having spent the last 14 years honing her craft and working with various interior, socialite, food and fashion titles, Woei Na’s expertise ranges from styling jewellery, interior, food and wedding spreads. An avid cook, she prefers to spend her free time experimenting with new recipes. CAI HUIXIN PHOTOGRAPHER Cai Huixin is one of Singapore’s leading female photographers specialising in interiors and architecture in Singapore. A member of Calibre Pictures, her passion lies in getting the perfect shot in and out of the…

ONE-STOP SHOPPING Shopping for the home can be tedious, but perhaps less so when you can find everything under one roof. HomesToLife carries more than 20 brands covering living, dining and bedding labels, so there’s plenty to choose from whether you’re looking for something for your own home or a gift for a friend’s housewarming party. In addition to two showrooms, HomesToLife now has a sprawling flagship showroom at Mohamed Sultan Road. A brainchild of HTL International, it builds upon a 40-year heritage in the furnishing business. You can even get sofa customisations done at HomesToLife. The showroom presents several experiential areas that offer plenty of inspiration. HomesToLife Flagship Store 65 Mohamed Sultan Road Tel: 6635 5050 CONTEMPORARY CHINESE Homegrown furniture brand Scene Shang stands out for its clever blend…

What is the trending style for home fabrics in 2016? Minimalist, modern contemporary style schemes are now more popular than resort and rustic style schemes. We see owners leaning towards simpler fabric designs for their sofas and curtains. However, there are also those with more adventurous tastes who will pick clashing designs to make a statement. How has technology affected the evolution of fabrics over the years? Man-made fibres like polyester and acrylic have become so sophisticated that the end product can even look and feel like natural fibre products such as cotton and silk. What is the trending material for home fabrics in 2016? Polyester-based products have become increasingly popular for their versatility and the fact that they can be printed with different designs. In addition, they are easy…

“WE ARE GOING TO PRESENT DISRUPTIVE INNOVATIONS, NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AS WELL AS FACELIFTS AND UPDATES TO EXISTING PRODUCTS.” What are the new appliances that Gaggenau will be launching? This year, the European market can expect the Flex Induction Cooktop, Combi-steam oven and vacuum drawer, the latter two of which have a sous vide function. They will then be introduced to Asia. The highly anticipated 90cm oven will be released in 2017. But you will notice we are not launching many new appliances this year, or next, because we are currently in a transitional phase. Come 2018, you can expect a slew of big announcements from Gaggenau. We are going to present mind-blowing innovations, new technologies, as well as facelifts and updates to our existing products. What changes do you foresee…

“IT TOOK ME FIVE LONG YEARS AND 5,127 PROTOTYPES TO COME UP WITH THE FIRST BAGLESS VACUUM CLEANER WITH CYCLONE TECHNOLOGY.” How did you get involved in the vacuum cleaner business? It all started with frustration. I had bought a state-of-the-art vacuum cleaner and realised it quickly lost its suction. I couldn’t understand why the performance of the machine dropped so quickly. Ripping out the bag, I saw that it was clogged even before it was full and I became obsessed with trying to fix the problem. Inspired by a large industrial cyclone at a sawmill, I wondered whether the same concept of separation could work on household dust. It wasn’t easy; it took me five long years and 5,127 prototypes to come up with the first bagless vacuum…

ARTURO ERBSMAN STUDIO KALEIDO French designer Arturo Erbsman and his eponymous studio produced a clever candleholder using one-way glass panels. The result is a visual illusion of additional illumination as the glass reflects the candles within. BOUILLON WARM STOOL There are the rare days when you’ll need to keep the body warm. And there are others when a seat like the Warm Stool can double up as a warming tray for your pot of tea. The Warm Stool by Japanese design studio Bouillon explores new ways of using ceramic as a seat or side table. TAREK ELKASSOUF SQUARE ONE TABLE Its sharp angular lines make this solid walnut table a statement piece, but its impact is amplified when clustered in a set of four. The Square One brings to life…

Proportion is important. Large tiles can be hard to fit on small spaces. Wall tiles should never be larger than the floor tiles. Create a sense of balance. With stronger colours or busy patterns on the walls, go for flooring in muted colours. Wall tiles that blend with the colour of the flooring create a larger-looking space. Small wall tiles help to create flow. Why waste the effort with distractions? Keep furniture streamlined to draw attention to an attractive wall feature.…

DEKTON VALTERRA COSENTINO Part of the Dekton Wild Collection by Cosentino, the Valterra captures the warmth and beauty of natural wood patterns with reddish tones, creams and browns. It also has a slight wrinkled finish and is a fuss-free option that’s resistant to ultraviolet rays, scratches, stains and thermal shock. KOMPACPLUS KOMPACPANEL Durable and versatile, KompacPanel is made of layers of paper pulp soaked with resin. The reinforced panel is then treated under high temperature and pressure. It makes countertops sporting wood grains possible, while offering a waterproof, steamproof, flame-resistant and hygienic surface. Instead of having a thick block of real wood, this one is sturdy at only 6mm thick.…

Conventional ovens are fast becoming an essential element in the modern domestic kitchen, with recipes that call for baking and grilling becoming popular among intrepid home chefs eager to try their hand at creating grilled meats, cakes and confections. Yet one major realisation that many home cooks encounter is that not all ovens are created the same, and a reliable oven is an absolute must-have in order to achieve the desired cooking result. For over 90 years, German brand Teka has been producing quality ovens for commercial as well as domestic use. With continued investment in research and development, the brand has become a leader in the production of ovens that are not only technologically advanced but engineered perfectly for easy usage and convenience. DEVELOPED FOR EASE Available in Singapore,…

When looking for faucets and showers for the home, one of the first things we look at is durability. Quality ones are typically made of brass, a metal alloy of copper and zinc, which is why faucets and showers are often referred to as brassware. Today, however, while the faucet body is made of brass, other coating materials make available a variety of colours and finishes that can give your bathroom the specific look you’re going for. The most common would be polished chrome, and the others available include brushed chrome, brass and gold. Each offers its own merits aesthetically. Matte finishes, for example, are more suited for families with children because fingerprints would be less visible. “There has certainly been a growing trend over the years where homeowners are…

JANUS ET CIE Tiempo Named for the Spanish translation of “time”, this collection is created exclusively for Janus et Cie by architect and designer Jorge Pensi. It offers a host of geometric modules that can be combined to create countless configurations of sofas perfect for the poolside. The base is moulded from premium solid teak, onto which can be placed structured reticulated foam cushions encased with a fabric of your choice. B&B ITALIA Titikaka A row of teakwood strips makes up the Titikaka bench, its curvaceous design throwing out all conventional forms of this furniture category. Created by industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa, its seat almost appears to ripple like the effect of wind over water, thanks to the aluminium frame that the wood lathes with, that has a wavy and…

A Acacia Fabrics 10 Ubi Crescent #04-03 Ubi Techpark Lobby A Tel: 6743 0060 acaciafabrics.com Asiatique Collections 14A Dempsey Road Tel: 6471 3146 asiatiquecollections.com Atlas Sound & Vision 10 Winstedt Road #01-18 Block D Tel: 6631 9453 atlas-sv.com Atomi 333A Orchard Road, #04-27/29 Mandarin Gallery Tel: 6887 4138 atomi-jp.com B Bang & Olufsen Scotts Road Grand Hyatt Singapore Tel: 6737 7500 bang-olufsen.com Bathroom Gallery 25 Changi South Avenue 2 Level 1 & 2 Tel: 6546 5900 bathroomgallery.com.sg C Cetec 36 Armenian Street, #02-05 Tel: 6634 5998 cetec.com.hk Christopher Guy High Street Centre 1 North Bridge Road Level 30 Tel : 6590 8502 christopherguy.com Concrete LCDA Asia 91 Farleigh Avenue Tel: 9012 7626 concrete-beton.com Cosentino City 34/35 Duxton Road Tel: 6713 9543 cosentino.com D Danish Design Century Warehouse, #08-01 100E Pasir…

Textiles are vital to home interiors. Whether you’re looking for drapes with an art nouveau motif, or chequered linen upholstery in a specific shade of orange, Acacia Fine Fabrics is the ideal go-to for a wide range of European fabrics. It has more than 19,000 items in its inventory, and they come with a five-year warranty. The Kuala Lumpur-headquartered Malaysian company offers six distinctly different brands, which are available throughout its boutiques across Southeast Asia. More recently, it opened a new warehouse-cum-office space spanning 70,000sqft that houses a comprehensive fabric library, and can hold up to four times more stock than before. Additionally, it also has a rooftop terrace offering impressive views of the twin-towered Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The venue is perfect for hosting Acacia’s partners, designers and dealers.…

When placed correctly, floor lamps add layers of visual interest by highlighting textures and shapes while casting light and creating shadows. “They are usually positioned in a room like the living or bedroom where comfort ranks highly, and the top concern when choosing a floor lamp is undoubtedly ‘visual comfort’, that is, whether the design and aesthetic of the lamp looks good and fits stylistically with the rest of the room,” says Eileen Tan, marketing manager at Space Furniture. Take note, too, of the way it produces and throws light on the surroundings. Leo Marvin, lighting gallery manager at Million Lighting, advises: “Sometimes, lighting up the ceiling creates the illusion of a higher space. It also highlights ceiling designs. Downward lights are usually for task lighting as they mostly illuminate…

Founded in 1683 by Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden, Gaggenau was named after the town it was situated in within the heart of the German Black Forest. It began as an ironworks factory producing hammers, nails, metal goods and tools. In 1931 Gaggenau was acquired by the von Blanquet family and 25 years later, the scion Georg, himself an avid home chef, changed the path of the company forever when he created a custom-designed fitted kitchen complete with appliances. Georg von Blanquet’s direction charted a new course for Gaggenau, shaping it to become a leader of built-in kitchen appliances that combines a strong aesthetic, high-precision craftsmanship and innovation. Among the many creative products it has pioneered include the glass ceramic cooktop and combisteam oven that have been game-changers in the…

What’s central to being a great interior designer? You must have good taste, and a lot of experience in solving problems and being sensitive towards the needs of the persons using the space. Instead of imposing our style on the client, I prefer to create a space they’ll be comfortable in. For most people, a home is their most expensive investment emotionally. So when a client passes us the keys to their home, it’s really precious. At a time when many homeowners ask for computer renderings, you are one of the few designers that prefer to use hand-drawn sketches. Why is this a better approach for you? Most of our clients come to us through recommendations. Although we are capable of doing AutoCAD and 3D renderings, our clients have also…

Design is an essential part of daily life, but much of it remains unseen to the untrained eye of the general public. Held annually in March, Singapore Design Week (SDW) brings together design activities involving local and international design practitioners. The event is organised by the DesignSingapore Council. It is aimed at engaging the design community, businesses and design students. It also aims to give members of the general public a greater understanding of the inner workings of design. The third edition, held from 8 to 20 March, took place at the National Design Centre (NDC), Singapore Expo and other locations across the island. Key events included the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016/ 33rd ASEAN Furniture Show, Maison&Objet Asia and SingaPlural. This year, organisers also kickstarted the inaugural Innovation by…

For its fifth year, SingaPlural, the anchor event of Singapore Design Week explored the theme Senses: The Art and Science of Experiences. The yearly event aims to bridge designers with the industry, encouraging collaborations between designers and industry players. More than 100 designers and over 20 local and global brands participated to showcase innovative concepts and ideas. The event attracted almost 28,000 visitors. SingaPlural also held a series of talks, workshops and walking tours where visitors could gain insights into the process and philosophy of the respective designers. Among them was a workshop on wooden spoon carving by Everyday Canoe and an architectural walking tour by Architecture Walks Singapore. This year, the installation showcase was curated by PLUS Collaboratives and GOVT. More than a mere visual display, the exhibition encouraged…

In a country where the temperature constantly hovers around 30 degrees Celsius, covering a home with carpets is not something many owners will think of doing. Nonetheless, there is no mistaking the aesthetic value and sense of luxury and comfort the accessory evokes. This is especially so when it comes from The Rug Maker. Set up in 2004, it is a local family business that not only retails floor coverings but also specialises in creating customised designs for residential and commercial projects, using the artisanal hand-tufting technique. It is managed by husband-and-wife team Freddy Khong and Lee Foong Yoke, together with their son Melvyn. FAMILY HERITAGE Do not be fooled by the relatively young age of the company however. The Rug Maker is the second business set up by the…

What are the most common things homeowners look for in kitchen countertops? Clients always look for the same features in a countertop: durability, price, resistance to scratches and stains, and the colours available. Does the material of the countertop play a part in how the kitchen is designed? Yes, mostly for newly built kitchens. Countertop materials come in different specifications, for example, different thickness, size, finish and colour. In order to achieve a specific look with the selected countertop, we have to integrate the design following the countertop specifications, like the joint details, edge profile, sink integration, and other elements. What kind of kitchen designs and finishes work best with different countertop materials? This really depends on the client’s preferences. We can use solid colours for both worktop and kitchen…

1 Bathroom faucets use four types of valve technology. They are compression, ball, cartridge and ceramic disc. Ask for bathroom faucets with ceramic disc valves, which are considered the most durable. 2 Choose a uniform finish for all your bathroom fixtures. So if you love brushed brass, ensure that everything from faucets to towel bars and door handles are in the same finish. 3 If you have kids at home, opt for brushed finishes. They hide water spots and fingerprints better. 4 Go for faucets with sturdy handles so that they are easy for children to use. 5 A single-handle faucet is the most convenient for everyday use. 6 Not sure which finish to choose? Take the time to visit showrooms and observe the look of the fixtures and how…

Launched at the recent EuroCucina kitchen exposition, the new Château 150 range cooker, designed by Dutch artist Lex Pott, was an instant head-turner at the fair. What truly mesmerised the crowd of 370,000 visitors was the sight of this electric blue hue enveloping the gold-framed cooker. It was formed by oxidising the solid brass surfaces of French brand La Cornue’s most iconic cooker through a painstakingly gradual process of natural oxidation. Ironically, the biggest challenge of this technique was having to leave much of the chemical process to chance and letting nature take its course. When the golden alloy transforms into a river of blue, the process is halted by immersing it in an ice bath. “The idea was not to work on the effect, but, above all, to find…