Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2017 i Tatler Homes Singapore

“Buy what you need, not what you want.” Whether you interpret this as a piece of financial advice or a road map to happiness, we can all accept this as words of wisdom. It’s a mantra that resonates with many nowadays and has been reinforced by lifestyle personalities including the American duo The Minimalists and Japanese organising guru Marie Kondo, who have inspired us to strip down to the bare essentials. Being discerning about what we include in our lives is definitely necessary, but I don’t believe in taking it to extremes. Deep inside, I also know that there are belongings that bring me happiness, especially those pieces imbued with soul. I recognise this because I feel moved when I see a thought-provoking work of art, lovingly crafted ceramics or…

1 UPGRADE Renovating and remodelling old or outdated buildings and structures is what this book is all about. With its vibrant images and anecdotes from architects, this book reveals how forgotten architecture can be transformed into practical and beautiful new living spaces. gestalten.com 2 CONCRETE An ode to one of the most versatile construction materials in the world, this book explores the many wonderful properties of this robust material—as seen on intriguing structures by architects the likes of Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright. uk.phaidon.com 3 THE RED THREAD The Swedish expression den röda tråden (meaning “the red thread”) describes the essence of a piece of creative work—which is what this book sets out to do, by getting into the heart of modern and contemporary Nordic furniture. uk.phaidon.com 4 INSIDE…

MAGIC CIRCLE Designed by Carlo Colombo for Italian lighting brand Penta, the Je Suis lamp features a base of Carrara white marble, with orb-shaped shades in white blown glass and silver, or in transparent blown glass and silver. Available as a table lamp and floor lamp, Je Suis brings to mind a fortune teller’s crystal ball or a wizard’s sceptre. FOCAL POINT New York-based designer Lindsey Adelman’s lighting pieces are as much installation art as they are a source of brightness. The Edie marble chandelier, designed by Mary Wallis for Adelman’s studio, is created with bevelled marble shards; it is available in satin nickel with black marble or brushed brass and exquisitely grained white marble. BUILDING BLOCK A block of orange-veined green onyx glows when light from a neon hoop…

When we meet Patrick Frey in Singapore, we find him in his element—surrounded by foliage at restaurant-bar Don Ho and merrily discussing the newest Pierre Frey collections. The chairman and creative director of the French upholstery purveyor picked the location for its tropical decor—most notably, the striking Papagayo wallpaper from the brand’s Jungle collection, which is paired with cushions in matching botanical prints. Established in 1935 by Patrick’s father Pierre, the company continues to be run by the family. At the helm today is Patrick, who is assisted by his three sons. Under his charge, Pierre Frey has also acquired the heritage houses of Braquenié, Fadini Borghi and Boussac, significantly expanding its fabric archives. As we speak to the creative director about fabric trends and the company archives, we discover…

We enter a brightly lit shipbuilding facility in northern Italy, our eyes instantly drawn to the yacht at its centre—the MCY 105, the flagship model of Monte Carlo Yachts. Placed on a platform as its construction continues, the elevated position offers a unique insight into the yacht’s naval-inspired design. Its prominent bow rises majestically above us, with an elegant line of porthole windows dotting the sides of its hull. Headquartered in Monfalcone since its inception in 2008, Monte Carlo Yachts is a brand on the rise, backed by the shipbuilding expertise of French manufacturer Bénéteau Group and brokered in Singapore by Simpson Marine. It has since bagged a string of awards for its streamlined design as well as for its modular shipbuilding process, which sees the different parts of the…

 When it comes to shopping, Iroshini Chua has a golden rule—time is of the essence. Which is why she loves the comprehensive selection at Edit Lifestyle, which covers everything from the sartorial to gifting needs. “I know that I can be in and out in 20 minutes,” she explains, while admiring an Anna by RabLabs butter knife. “And in that time, I will have picked up some scented candles for the home, maybe a gift for a friend, and a new outfit for an upcoming holiday. It’s just a more efficient way of shopping.” THE INTERIOR VIBE IS DESIGNED TO TR ANSPORT YOU TO A GEN TLER PACE, AS IF YOU ARE AT A BEACH RESORT VACATION MODE Located at Tudor Court since 2014, the store describes itself as “a…

Named after no other than the founder of Singapore himself, Sir Stamford Raffles, the Raffles Hotel is part and parcel of the Lion City’s history. What began as a 10-room, bungalow-style building by the sea in 1887 has become an icon of Singapore, and serves as the flagship property of the Raffles hospitality brand, which has since expanded globally. To enter this colonial masterpiece is to step back in time into an elegant era—one that harks back to the golden age of travel. Every part of this National Monument has a story to tell: from the making of the Singapore Sling at the Long Bar to the last tiger that sought solace at the Bar & Billiard Room; the hotel even has an in-house historian to regale guests with such…

TACTILE BEAUTY Accentuate details of an artwork with a rug inspired by its design; or frame your bespoke rug like a work of art. The Rug Maker offers customised rugs that can be crafted in almost any design or size. “Rugs are more durable and three-dimensional, as opposed to a painting that you would not touch,” Melvyn Khong, sales manager of The Rug Maker. He adds: “You can frame the rug up, or even display it on your wall with a specialised rod with nails that holds it up, as we would recommend, to see it in its full tactile glory.” MIX IT UP Antique furniture can add characterful textures to any home. “Embrace different styles and colours so you don’t end up with a cookie-cutter home, but one that…

KOH BOON WEI Boon Wei credits his father as a key influence for his interest in photography—his portfolio boasts shoots from genres as diverse as interiors, fashion, portraits, as well as commercial and editorial photography. For this issue, he shot an elegant, light-filled abode inspired by the lady of the house (page 114), as well as a penthouse apartment that’s been creatively styled to reflect the owner’s culinary passion (page 142). LYNN TAN Lynn derives pleasure from writing about and admiring well-crafted objects—particularly furniture pieces that pair tradition and technology with artisanal finesse. In a time where mass production proliferates, she feels that craftsmanship should become all the more cherished and honoured. For this issue, she writes about a multigenerational home in Bangalore that is at one with nature, while…

Furniture pieces may define the use and style of interior spaces, but it takes a beautiful blend of decorative elements to bring out the soul of a home. It’s a belief that Altfield celebrates, with its myriad collections of upholstery fabrics, wall coverings and decorative accessories. Founded 35 years ago, Altfield is recognised as a leading distributor of interior furnishing brands, with showrooms in Hong Kong, London, Macau, Beijing, Shanghai, and most recently, Singapore. Within its showroom, Altfield offers an immersive experience through its well-curated spaces, serving as a comprehensive and inspiring resource for designers and other industry professionals, as well as homeowners. It represents an international collection of esteemed brands, including American interior furnishing purveyor Weitzner, whose fabric and wall coverings grace a long list of celebrity homes and…

Renowned for its fluid forms and attention to detail, Windfall has become the go-to brand for the discerning customer looking for a bespoke lighting solution that marries a contemporary aesthetic with the timeless appeal of crystal. Established in Munich in 2004, the company is behind an unparalleled collection of delicate yet impactful chandelier structures the world over, with evidence of its craftsmanship found in cities spanning New York to Paris, Singapore to Jeddah, Istanbul to Las Vegas and beyond. CLEAR APPEAL Be they in private residences or luxury boutiques, it would seem that there is no end to the charms of a Windfall creation. Working exclusively with the finest materials, its artisans apply traditional techniques with modern know-how to realise their clients’ vision, with each creation as unique as its…

The continued rise of Scandinavian design has shone the spotlight not only on iconic mid-century furniture, but also on up-and-coming studios that form the contemporary apotheosis of the Nordic trend. If you love the elegant minimalism of Scandinavian style, Norm Architects is one impressive studio to follow—its inviting, elegant and harmoniously tactile environments are conveyed through a canny use of tones and textures. Founded in 2008 by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Kasper Ronn, the practice has worked across fields as varied as product design, home interiors, and art direction and photography for furniture brands such as Menu. Norm’s thoughtful approach to design marries form and function beautifully— for instance, consider its sound-absorbing cabinets for Swedish brand Zilenzio, which were designed to improve the acoustics of any space while remaining a pleasing…

1 MISS CHAIR Designed in 1986, this chair still blends charmingly into any contemporary dining setting. The original version’s armrest joint has been redesigned for a comfier, more linear seating, with seats in either leather, ecru or grey paper cord. 2 PAUL SOFA This set of elegantly proportioned sofas are part of a collection by Vincent Van Duysen that emphasises his expressive rationality. It includes linear sofas, angular compositions, chaises longues and islands, all with a single seat cushion. 3 WISH BED Minimal refined lines characterise this solid wood bed with fabric or soft leather pillows for the head. It comes in grey or black oak, as well as light or dark elm. The eucalyptus version is made from solid wood and dyed veneer. 4 ASTERIAS TABLE Designed by Patricia…

Iceland is a treasure trove of natural beauty. With its striking fjords, magnificent glaciers, soaring waterfalls and volcanic black sand beaches, this Nordic nation’s otherworldly landscape has long inspired Icelandic designers. Being one of the world’s youngest countries, however, Iceland’s design culture is still in its infancy. Yet this youth is what gives its designers a certain liberty—to be freed from the constraints of existing traditions, to have the privilege of starting with a clean slate and to make history. According to the Iceland Design Centre, “the lack of tradition has proven to be a great advantage, ensuring freedom and even creative anarchy”. In recent years, the country’s design scene has grown tremendously—with roots in art and craft, it has blossomed into an essential industry. Design is at last being…

 Paulina Böhm may be German in origin, but her spirit is very much Singaporean. Having lived here for almost 20 years, the former architect has wholeheartedly embraced the local culture. Her fondness for Asian design has definitely extended into her home. “I love Asian furniture”, she confesses, her eyes lighting up as she describes a Peranakan chest that she recently purchased. It’s not surprising that she was visibly excited upon seeing the heritage-rich pieces at Shang Antique. Owned by Freddy Chua who has been collecting antiques for over 30 years, the antiquarian and restorer specialises in all manner of Asian artifacts, from the second right up until the 19th century. SHANG ANTIQUE SPE CIALISES IN ASIAN AR TIFACTS, EACH PERSONALLY SOURCED BY THE O WNER THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAS T ASIA ASIAN…

“We wanted to work around the natural light, which is very warm and beautiful in Bali” Set amidst the picturesque green rice fields of Bali, the stunning holiday home of Danish designer Birgitte Raben and her film scenographer partner, Peter Grand, truly inspires. Sharing a common aesthetic and a love of design, the couple decided to conceive a house together that they could each use as a creative base when abroad—particularly to create, design and manufacture her fashion and interiors collection Rabens Saloner. The home also functions as a studio atelier, where seasonal catalogues and campaigns are shot, with Grand leading the art direction. CREATIVE EYRIE The couple wanted to have a home that wasn’t only tranquil and immersed in nature, but also had the feel of an urban loft…

DARKER, LESS POROUS MATERIALS MINIMISE STAINING—ITS TEXTURAL DESIGN MAKES A BOLD IMPACT TOO More than just a place to prepare food, the modern kitchen is increasingly becoming an important social zone for family and friends. Because of this, homeowners are paying more attention to the type of countertop materials that they use, turning the culinary space into one that also functions as a gathering place. “Contemporary luxury is the trend for kitchen counters right now, with a focus on material composition,” says Bu Shukun, director of local design firm Architology. “There is a preference for bold designs that express clarity of construction with materials that seamlessly contrast.” He shares that some of the most popular features at present include kitchens with a combination of different surface materials, such as wild…

A Acacia Fabrics 10 Ubi Crescent #04-03 Ubi Techpark Tel: 6743 0060 acaciafabrics.com Akar De Nissim 4 Teck Lim Road Tel: 6221 6301 akardenissim.com Altfield Interiors 1 Magazine Road #07-10 Central Mall Office Tower Tel: 6909 2768 altfield.com.hk Atomi 333A Orchard Road #04-26/27 Mandarin Gallery Tel: 6887 4138 atomi-jp.com C Caesarstone 896 Dunearn Road #01-01A Sime Darby Centre Tel: 9011 3559 caesarstone.sg Cosentino 34/35 Duxton Road Tel: 6713 9543 cosentino.com D Danish Design 100e Pasir Panjang Road #06-03 Century Warehouse Tel: 6270 8483 danishdesignco.com.sg Devialet 2 Orchard Turn #03-10 Ion Orchard Tel: 9429 7968 devialet.com Dupont Singapore 21 Biopolis Road #06-21 Nucleos South Tower Tel: 6586 3688 dupont.com.sg E Edit Lifestyle 137-139 Tanglin Rd Tudor Court Tel: 6836 5686 editlifestyle.com EDL 43 Sungei Kadut Street 1 EDL Building Tel: 6664…

It’s hard to imagine Barcelona without the Sagrada Família and other iconic landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, whose oeuvre continues to inspire and fascinate design aficionados and architects alike. With the Casa Vicens now open to the public, visitors will finally get to explore the first house that Gaudí built, over 130 years after its completion. Originally envisioned as a summer home, this UNESCO World Heritage site has undergone numerous changes—the complex has been expanded from a single-family abode to a multigenerational home, and even divided into independent apartments over the years. Led by architects José Antonio Martínez Lapeña, Elías Torres and David García, the restoration project uncovers natural elements that were integrated into the facade and its myriad decorative details—it was Gaudí’s way of bringing nature into the house.…

How would you describe your design philosophy? I see myself as a tailor who designs bespoke interiors. For this reason, I like to explore and use all the tools possible to realise each project. I never limit myself—I like to push the boundaries of design. What are your sources of inspiration? My inspiration for any project comes from the location itself. I spend time experiencing the place to understand the natural flow of the interior space and the play of natural light within it. Then I start to collect the perfect palette of materials. My relationship with a project is not only about what we see, but what we feel as well; I never forget the other senses. In your opinion, what are the essential qualities that define French design?…

What makes good design? It’s a combination of timeless proportions, attention to detail, and a contemporary twist—a delicate balance that the majority of modern designers strive to attain. The collections from Italian furniture brand Meridiani celebrate this creative symbiosis between the past and present by putting a fresh spin on classic shapes. Available in Singapore at Marquis QSquare, Meridiani has united influences from the past with a contemporary vision ever since its inception in 1996. Enchanting Dazzle Shine, the third chapter of the Meridiani Editions series, encompasses versatile staples characterised by geometrical features, bold lines, and punchy pops of colour. The collection comprises tables, consoles and cabinets with metallic accents that highlight the workmanship on each well-crafted piece. Bevelled details and hexagonal structures, as seen on the Sebastian bookcase and…

“If you can hand wash it, Miele can wash it”—that was the key takeaway for friends of Singapore Tatler Homes at the luxury home appliance brand’s tea session at Island Café. Over a delectable selection of canapés and desserts, the ladies learned more about the technology-savvy prowess of Miele’s washing machines and tumble dryers. To kick off the informative session, fashion director Daniel Boey shared useful tips on caring for delicate fashion finds in your wardrobe, with Miele’s head of product marketing, Bong Yee Chien. Hand-washable pieces are in safe hands in the W1 washing machine’s ‘Silks’ or ‘Woollens’ programme; its TwinDos and CapDos features are able to dispense the perfect ratio of liquid detergent and fabric supplements for the care of your delicate garments. In the end, it was…

What makes a home a joyful sanctuary? Often, it’s an ardent mix of personalised spaces, and a collection of your favourite things—the little details that bring a smile to your face. If you’re stumped by the myriad decor possibilities, start with thinking about the colour palette for interiors that you will love coming home to. According to Nikki Hunt, principal and founder of Design Intervention, few things are as personal as colour selection. “As designers we know that colours can affect our mood, indeed, psychologists tell us that colour can influence our well being, the way we feel and even our behaviour,” says Hunt. FRESHEN UP A vibrant palette forms a part of the design practice’s most requested decor scheme—one that it dubs as “happy chic”. This look pairs punchy…

A space can immediately be livened up by a beautiful piece of art and bring a sense of joy and inspiration upon entering a room. They are also reflections of a homeowner’s passion and personality, the silent chapters that give guests a glimpse into the lives and loves of a family. When it comes to choosing art pieces, the best starting point is your heart. “A collection of artworks should be carefully thought out and reflect the style of their owners,” says Jazz Chong, owner and director of Ode to Art. She recommends visiting galleries to gain a deeper understanding of the artists behind different types of works and how the pieces would fit inside your home. “Instead of seeking the hottest artist in the market, get to know yourself…

It’s easy to get caught up in the fast pace of city life, which is why it seems ever more essential for our homes to provide a cosy respite from the hustle and bustle. Your bedroom is the first place to start—bring home the Swedish concept of lagom and master the art of mindful living. Lagom is a Goldilocks-esque concept that roughly translates as “not too little, not too much—just right”. Essentially, it is all about living in a sustainable, balanced and comfortable way. “Often, we over-buy, over-decorate and pack too much into our homes without thinking if our purchases are necessary,” says Andrew Tan, owner of furniture and lifestyle store Atomi. “Lagom is about living within your means on a daily basis.” According to Tan, the concept favours simplicity…