Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2017 i Tatler Homes Singapore

A month has passed and I’m still on a New Year high. Perhaps it’s because we capped January with the Lunar New Year celebrations and it’s only now that we are finally getting back to our usual routines. Come to think of it, what does “usual” really mean? With the world becoming more unpredictable by the minute, the collective notion on what’s normal is in a flux. That’s probably why I find solace in the confines of my own home—a feeling that I’m sure a lot of you share. In this changing world, homes remain a constant. It is the place where we can reveal our true selves, cherish precious time with our loved ones, and feel warm and safe. The concept of the home being a cocoon against the…

ROOM TO VIEW Molteni&C and Dada are two brands that are as acclaimed for their quality furniture as they are for their wardrobe and kitchen systems. Now, you can view their collections at the more spacious P5 showroom. Previously housed on Purvis Street, P5 has relocated to an 8,100sqft space in Sultan Link. The two brands have recently come under the watch of a new creative director, Vincent Van Duysen, who oversees the retail concept. Apart from Molteni&C and Dada, the P5 showroom lets homeowners view offerings from other leading brands including E15, Louis Poulsen, Flos, Kettal, Oluce and Fiam. P5 #01-14 Sultan Link, 63 Mohamed Sultan Road Tel: 6337 0050 p5.com.sg PLAY ON THE SENSES Timothy Oulton’s refurbished showroom offers a complete sensory experience. Listen to relaxing…

Helmed by Nikki Hunt and Andrea Savage, multiple award-winning studio Design Intervention has acquired a reputation for its exquisite custom-made designs and attention to detail within meticulously crafted and styled interiors. With the Singapore-based firm’s penchant for bold and statement-making style and knack for creating striking vision impact through bespoke interiors, it has garnered international attention for its works, securing projects across residential and commercial sectors in Australia, Japan and Singapore. All this highlights its status as an industry leader in the region. Design Intervention’s latest accolade—a feature in the 20th edition of Andrew Martin’s Interior Design Review which highlights works by the world’s leading interior designers of 2016—is the latest testament of the high quality level in the firm’s projects. With the publication considered to be the “Oscars” of…

Specialising in tailoring taps, shower heads and bathroom accessories, the small yet dedicated team at Axor Manufaktur in Schiltach, Germany, has been customising bespoke sanitary fittings for private customers and global projects since 2002. Aside from the standard range of 15 different finishes, they also coordinate custom engravings directly with customers, making the possibilities of catering to an individual’s vision for a bathroom almost limitless given the range of Axor Manufaktur’s offerings. With each piece bevelled and polished by hand to meet the highest standards, the exclusive sanitary fittings have found their home in the master bathrooms of private villas and mansions and, most recently, in a Chinese luxury hotel compound, where the one-of-a-kind fittings had been embellished with Swarovski crystals upon the client’s request. CUSTOMER PRIORITISATION Part of Axor…

ORDOS MUSEUM 2011 Floating atop a sand dune-like plaza, the space-age metal container art museum appears to have landed in the Gobi Desert in Inner Mongolia from another planet. The interior is like an airy cave linked to a canyon that creates a void between the galleries and exhibition hall, which is at times flooded in natural light from the skylights and at other times mysteriously plunged in shadow. CHINA WOOD SCULPTURE MUSEUM 2013 The 13,000-sqm museum in Harbin housing wood sculptures and paintings portraying the ice and snow of the regional scenery is encircled by a Chinese-style neighbourhood. Its polished steel plate exterior blurs the lines between solid and liquid mirrors the surroundings and changing light, while referencing native landscapes. HARBIN OPERA HOUSE 2015 Located amidst Harbin’s riverside wetlands,…

ABACA Also known as Manila hemp, abaca comes from the leaf sheath surrounding the trunk of the abaca, a plant native to the Philippines. RATTAN This climbing vine is abundant, especially in southern Philippines. A more sustainable source than wood, it can be dyed to obtain the desired colour. RAFFIA Locally called buri, raffia originates from the young shoot of the buri palm. It is usually handwoven and used to make hats, mats as well as string. COCONUT Most parts of the coconut plant—from the roots, to the husk—are used to make furniture, while fibres from the coconut palm are often employed in weaving. GIANT BAMBOO This fast-growing plant is available throughout the country. Four- to six-year-old bamboos are the most durable—and therefore ideal for furniture-making. SHELLS The most commonly…

EASY DOES IT “We constantly study to ensure our devices help you cook better,” shares Angeline Yeo, marketing manager at Brandt Asia. The De Dietrich DOP1597 Multifunction Plus Pyroclean Oven is a good example—it comes with the brand’s patented intelligent cooking system as well as full-touch Tactillium control panel. dedietrich.com ACCURACY GUARANTEED “On social media, we’ve noticed that more home cooks enjoy the sous vide method,” shares Joey Piyong, marketing manager at BSH Home Appliances. “Our sous vide products have features to help create a perfect dish, such as greater accuracy in temperature control to get tender, perfectly-cooked steak. gaggenau.com MULTI-PURPOSE MAVEN Smaller kitchen spaces require multipurpose appliances, something that Miele addresses. “We have a fleet of products that offer combination functions in one device, moisture-plus function for optimum roasting…

At the International Property Awards in December 2016, this two-storey bungalow by Singapore-based Design Intervention beat other Asia-Pacific projects to win Best Interior Design in the Private Residence category and it’s no surprise why. It took over a year and a half for the firm to overhaul this 8,000sqft bungalow, transforming it into a lively home for a doctor, a businessman and their young children. In order to bring in more light, Design Intervention demolished the dark-framed folding doors and dated glass blocks. The firm used bright colours and introduced airy spaces with large expanses of windows to infuse the space with a light sense of cheerfulness. “The client had rather strict feng shui requirements, both for colour and layout, so we incorporated their requirements into our schemes,” recalls Nikki…

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. CAI HUIXIN PHOTOGRAPHER A member of Calibre Pictures, Cai Huixin is one of Singapore’s leading female photographers specialising in interiors and architecture. Her passion lies in getting the perfect shot, both in and out of the studio. Her hobbies include diving and yoga. LYNN TAN FEATURES WRITER Trained as an architect, Lynn Tan is a contributor for various newspapers, magazines and publications in Singapore and abroad. Writing is an extension of her passion for architecture, interior design and cars. She considers the written language, and built…

IRON TRIPOD TABLE BY BARBARA BARRY Crafted in gold leaf over iron with an antique mirror top, this unique sculptural table designed by Californian style maven Barbara Barry lends an air of sophistication to any room. Price and availability upon request at Barbara Barry Paragon BRISLEY BY MINOTTI Inject a dose of sophisticated glamour into your living room with the Brisley side table. Made from glossy chrome-plated metal, the design by Rodolfo Dordoni comes in two different models. From $4,200, available at Minotti by Marquis Interior RECIPIO ’14 BY B&B ITALIA Designed by Antonio Citterio, the Recipio ’14 small table comes with a tripod frame and lacquered top in the shape of a serving tray—a stylish addition that is versatile enough to fit into any room in your home. From…

PACO’S PURSUIT FOR THE IDEAL STONE SURFACE LED TO THE CREATION OF SILESTONE IN 1990. Looking at Cosentino’s sprawling headquarters that spans more than a million square metres, it’s hard to imagine that only a decade ago, this impressive network of production facilities and office buildings didn’t exist. Today, the site provides jobs for more than 1,200 employees living in the town of Macael, located in the Spanish province of Almería, and continues a legacy of working with stone for which the community is well known. According to the president and CEO of Cosentino, Francisco Martínez-Cosentino Justo, commonly known as Paco, the journey towards establishing Cosentino’s industrial park hasn’t been easy. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS In 1940, the first members of the Martínez-Cosentino family started working in a marble quarry in Macael,…

Not many people can have an indefatigable spirit to soldier on in a competitive field such as the designer kitchen industry. There are the inevitable long hours, and the mental challenges to meet clients’ expectations and budgets while delivering high-quality products in short time frames. However, one person rose above all these challenges—Mahmud Karim. The 43-year-old self-effacing managing director of MK-Tre—a firm specialising in premium Italian designer kitchens Binova—smiles through all the hardships he has endured. It took him 22 years of perseverance and hard work to arrive at a point in his career which he is proud of. Before forming MK-Tre, Mahmud worked with renowned luxury kitchen brands such as Poggenpohl, Bulthaup, Rational, Hacker, Eggersmann, Effeti Cucine and Schiffini. With an educational grounding in interior design, he has also…

“A GOOD INTERIOR DESIGNER IS A CREATIVE AND RESOURCEFUL PROBLEM-SOLVER.” Decked in a luxurious combination of gold and cream, the new studio space of Prestige Global Designs at River Valley Road manages the feat of pairing grandeur with comfort. For that, the studio was recognised at the recent Asia Pacific Property Awards during which it bagged a further five accolades. Founded by established interior designers Jeremy Tay and Michael Ong, the design practice has collected a string of awards ever since its inception in 2008. Not one to rest on its laurels however, the design practice is determined to bring itself to greater heights in Singapore and beyond. Singapore Tatler Homes speaks to Tay, the mastermind behind some of the firm’s most recognised interior design projects—such as the Prestige Global…

When one thinks of Chinese-inspired interiors, austere rosewood and cold jade often come to mind. But this isn’t always the case. Put a new spin on an Eastern-style living room by minimising clutter and selecting pieces that have distinct Chinese touches, yet are thoroughly modern. “Start with loose furniture and art, and choose pieces that speak to you and will make your home unique,” suggests Ed Ong, creative director of Dwell Interior Design. He also stresses the importance of picking the right materials: “Opt for solid wood over cheaper finishes so your furniture ages gracefully and takes on its own character over time.” Jiang Qiong Er, the Chinese-born, Paris-trained creative director of luxury lifestyle brand Shang Xia, believes that less is more. “Chinese interiors are founded on the principles of…

“CONSIDER A GRASS CLOTH WALLPAPER AND SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ONE OR TWO NATURAL OBJECTS” The bedroom is where we spend almost one-third of our time, so it makes sense to craft a relaxing sanctuary where we can retreat to for rest, a snuggle with our loved ones and some deep, rejuvenating slumber. Alongside the growth of the hygge phenomenon—a Danish word and concept that connotes cosiness, which was on Oxford English Dictionary’s shortlist for 2016’s Word of the Year—creating a cocooning ambience in the bedroom just makes sense. Get inspired by the philosophy of award-winning British designer Ilse Crawford, who helped popularise the concept of hygge by infusing space with humanising elements. She is always concerned with the “six inches around you”, making sure to add organic touches that perpetuate…

For some time now, the love affair with Scandinavian- and industrial-style interiors in Singapore has been going strong. These minimalist concepts appeal to many for whom the home is a reflection of individual style and personality. However, for this young couple who holidays in Scandinavia frequently, it’s about bringing shared memories and their love of the region into the home. They roped in Stephen Goh and Angela Tantry, founders of Metaphor Studio, to spearhead the design and construction of their two-storey loft duplex. “The challenges the space presented included translating the trendy industrial look into a luxe Scandinavian ‘barn’ setting and fine-tuning the design profile, proportions and details to complement the owners’ deep appreciation for Scandinavian fine furniture and design,” says Goh. There’s much to love about this apartment. For…

BEST CONSERVATION PROJECT KRI:EIT ASSOCIATES Embodying the personality of its owner Roy Teo—the founder of design consortium The Mill and creative director of Kri:eit Associates—the Teo family home in Chatsworth balances timeless luxury and contemporary aesthetics with a splash of nostalgia. The feature on Teo’s home in the August 2016 issue wowed readers, who were impressed by his remodelling of a 1960s colonial bungalow into a chic, sophisticated abode. Taking advantage of open spaces, natural light and cross-ventilation, Teo tastefully transformed the bungalow to meet the needs of his family. The inviting and elegantly styled interiors open out seamlessly to the gardens, resulting in a home that is one with nature. THE brief TYPE OF HOME Landed PROPERTY SIZE 12,000sqft BUILT-UP AREA 4,500sqft RESIDENTS 4 INTERIOR DESIGNER Roy Teo, Kri:eit…

There’s always room for a new hotel, especially one that celebrates a city’s colourful history. The Warehouse Hotel, located on the banks of the Singapore River at Robertson Quay, may have just opened but it’s deeply rooted in the city’s history. It’s housed in a building dating back to 1895, but its refreshed look references its past as a depository for spices while also carving a modern identity—something that Lo & Behold, the proprietors of the hotel, are known for. Designed by local creative agency Asylum, the interiors marry industrial elements with a decidedly contemporary spin. The former warehouse’s old pulleys, high vaulted ceiling, masonry walls and other remnants of its former life have been cleverly reused. Case in point: the lobby’s highlight is the array of cogs and wheels…

A Natural Balance WHAT The new Gessi Equilibrio line brings nature into the bathroom. Designed by Maurizio Scutellà, each faucet appears like two stones perfectly balanced, one on top of the other. Inspired by artist-philosopher Marsel Lesko’s stone balancing performances, the tap handles are made with stone sourced from Piedmont, northwest Italy. The stones retain their unique natural colours and are shaped into equal sizes for the taps. Choose from 10 types of metal finishings such as chrome, copper or glossy black for the faucet body, then pair it with tap handles made from Marquina black marble, Calacatta white marble or other stones, and rosewood, teak or maple wood finishings. The handle of the Equilibrio tap is interchangeable—swap it with any of the 18 styles available to give your bathroom…

What’s in a picture? A lot, if you ask Alexander Melchers, managing director of Lumas Gallery, which has a portfolio of 1,800 pieces by over 200 artists. Housing a wide range of photographic works in an array of styles, sizes and edition runs, Lumas Gallery is a place for serious and novice art collectors alike. Design lovers gathered at the Paragon boutique where they admired blue-chip names such as Takashi Murakami and Damien Hirst to younger, up-and-coming artists. The intimate cocktail event, co-hosted by Singapore Tatler Homes, welcomed architect Peter Tay, Nikki Hunt of Design Intervention as well as Paulina Böhm among others, to peruse the limited edition art photography. The evening featured the journey of Lumas Gallery, detailing how it has revolutionised the art world by helping make art…

Bring the majesty of Mother Nature into your home—and let there be light. Compared to lights made from synthetic materials such as plastic, those made from natural materials usually require less water and energy to produce, and are therefore better for the environment. Often, the components used to make them are also more easily renewed. Not only are these lighting options more sustainable, they also add interesting textures, warmth and earthy charm to the spaces they illuminate. Whether you’re going for breezy seaside chic or sophisticated minimalism, lights made from natural materials can be used to complement and enhance many design concepts. The brilliance of nacreous mother-of-pearl, polished and carved coconut husks, and beautifully grained woods rendered in wonderful designs transform lighting into a piece that steals the spotlight—an objet…

Carnival in Venice has been described as Lladró’s greatest artistic and technical challenge. Why is this so? This is the first time we have created such an imposing piece. It’s a monumental work, with a creative process that involved five years of research and testing. It took that long to develop because of the many characters that make up the tableau. There are 14 different characters inspired by the [Italian theatre form] commedia dell’arte. We call the piece the highest level of porcelain because of its complexity—more than 22,000 hours of work by 35 artists and around 450 fragments went into giving life to this creation. The fragments are joined together and painted before entering the kiln. In the firing process, the pieces undergo a reduction in size of around…

Forget boxy, geometrical and rectilinear designs—Ma Yansong is on a mission to create cities that are more organic, undulating and ultimately more liveable and more human. So futuristic are his megastructures that they could be spaceships right out of science-fiction flicks. Yet they are not mere figments of his imagination. His projects are being built in China—a country witnessing explosive population growth—and increasingly in the West, in cities in search of solutions to high urban density. It’s a true testament of his creative prowess that his unconventional soaring edifices are seeing the light of day, even though they trigger massive technical challenges for their builders and engineers as well as increased financial costs for their developers. Take towers for instance. Most are constructed on straight lines simply because they are…

From its modest beginnings in the 1940s as a hub for rattan porch furniture and antique reproductions, the Cebuano furniture industry has come a long way. Today, Cebuano brands are not only attracting the attention of celebrity interior designers and international luxury brands, they are also making big impressions at prestigious trade fairs such as Maison & Objet. When placed in the hands of Cebu’s creative designers and their capable craftsmen, treasures from the seas (such as shells and molluscs) and the land (such as abaca, coconut, rattan, wood, bamboo and animal skins) are transformed into exquisite furniture and home decor. THE NEXT GENERATION Vito Selma is a prime example of how Cebu’s furniture industry has evolved. He spent much of his childhood around his parents’ traditional furniture-making business. As…

Whether you’re an avid cook or someone who just enjoys eating, there’s no denying the value of a beautiful kitchen. Aside from a place to cook up a storm, the heart of the home has become the default gathering place—in most cases occupying a bigger square footage to accommodate an eat-in area, a living space and a large cooking theatre. For those refashioning their kitchen or building one from scratch, we’ve culled expert insight on how to create a chic kitchen in five easy steps. 1 THINK OF THE LAYOUT If space allows, an island kitchen is the ideal layout to go for. Compared to the galley style, island kitchens allow for the “ability to interact with guests while cooking in a fluid, big space”, says Bong Yee Chein, head…

After dating long-distance, Andre and Belinda Huber shared his bachelor pad in Balestier when she moved to Singapore from Australia. As the family grew, however, they needed more space—especially for their two young children, Hayley, aged three, and Ashley, two. The couple confined their search for a new home to the neighbourhood where Andre grew up, which is less than a kilometre from the primary school they plan on enrolling the girls in. “We settled on a semi-detached property along Goldhill Avenue, and decided we would renovate it so that the interior would better suit our lifestyle and reflect our personalities,” says Belinda, director of online children’s fashion retailer Baby Style Icon. Bu Shukun was an obvious candidate to execute the interior design of the new Huber residence. “We met…

A Akar De Nissim 4 Teck Lim Road Tel: 6221 6301 akardenissim.com Artemide Showroom 203 Kallang Bahru Tel: 6337 6167 artemide.com Atomi 333A Orchard Road, #04-27/29 Mandarin Gallery Tel: 6887 4138 atomi-jp.com B Barbara Barry 290 Orchard Road #04-42, Paragon Tel: 6735 1566 barbarabarry.com; proof.com.sg C Commune 9 Raffles Boulevard #02-52, Millenia Walk Tel: 6338 3823 thecommunelife.com Cosentino 34/35 Duxton Road Tel: 6713 9543 city.cosentino.com D De Dietrich 65 Ubi Road 1 #02-70 Oxley BizHub Tel: 6508 4600 dedietrich-asia.com G Gaggenau 11 Bishan St 21, #04-01 Tel: 6356 1080 gaggenau.com Gessi 165 Penang Road Tel: 6733 9542 gessi.com H Hansgrohe 69 Mohamed Sultan Road Tel: 6884 5060 hansgrohe.com.sg K King Living 22 Kallang Avenue #01-00, Hong Aik Building Tel: 6805 4198 1 kingliving 58 .Scom IN.GA au PORE L Lalique…