Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2018 i Tatler Homes Singapore

LIVELY TEXTURES Clad your interior in an array of laminates from Arova: these decorative surfaces can be applied on shelves, cabinetry, countertops, walls and partitions in your home. The homegrown brand’s newly renovated showroom features full-sized laminates in pull-out displays, which you can browse within the 1,000sqft space; walls and counters at the showroom also demonstrate the myriad ways to style the products in your home. Arova, 7 Mandai Link, #04-03/4/5 Mandai Connection HEART AND SOUL Previously known as Departures & Arrivals, the online homeware boutique Living DNA now has a new home—the 1,500sqft space features soft shades and snug textures designed to recreate a holiday mood. Its best-selling rug collection takes centre stage, whilst the shelves are lined with a mix of African tableware, Moroccan trays, batik fabrics and…

“IN ITALY, THERE IS A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DESIGNERS AND CRAFTSMEN … EVERY PART OF ITALY HAS AN ARTISAN TRADITION” Francesco Meda’s career isn’t just borne out of passion for design, but is also a continuation of his father’s legacy. The son of engineer and architect Alberto Meda, Francesco, who graduated from the prestigious Istituto Europeo di Design, first honed his skills working for Sebastian Bergne and Ross Lovegrove in London. Upon his return to Italy in 2008, Meda worked with his father while concurrently pursuing art and design projects, which allowed him to exhibit his work at venerated venues such as Nilufar Gallery and Rossana Orlandi in Milan. While his earlier pieces are conceptual in nature, his recent work showcases more of his industrial design discipline with pieces that…

MAGISTER SOFA First designed by Paolo Nava and Antonio Citterio in 1982, its newest edition features a distinctive quilted detailing on its leather backrests. Featuring cylindrical armrest cushions, cushy seats, brushed metal legs and a retractable metal back, this sofa can be converted into a daybed for added comfort. SPELLO TABLE The work of architects Gabriele and Oscar Buratti, this table from the 2018 collection, features two sculptural bases inspired by Brutalist architecture. Paired with a solid wood top in wood veneers such as Canaletto walnut, ash and ebony, the rectangular table is also available in an array of marble tops. ISABEL CHAIR Designed by Carlo Colombo in 2014, this chair is entirely covered in luxurious cowhide, from its enveloping back to even the legs. Available with or without armrests,…

When it comes to real estate, location is everything—and 8 St Thomas has that, and more. Situated in the River Valley neighbourhood, the freehold property by Bukit Sembawang Estates enjoys proximity to the glitzy Orchard Road while boasting breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline; impressive features that the property developer sought to optimise in collaboration with local architecture and interior design firms. Designed by multidisciplinary practice DP Architects, the property comprises two towers that rise above a collection of lush landscaped gardens and amenities on the ground floor; sky terraces between the blocks create additional entertainment areas for residents. To envision what living at 8 St Thomas would be like, Bukit Sembawang Estates enlisted three Singapore-based studios 2nd Edition, Janet McGlennon Interiors and Design Basis to design a collection of…

The razzle dazzle of Art Deco and exuberant foliage that characterises tropical style may make an incongruous pair, but under Bill Bensley’s studied eye, it somehow clicks and makes for a happy marriage. Completed last year, the Shinta Mani Angkor Bensley Collection in Siem Reap, Cambodia, are the very embodiment of the designer’s penchant for escapist glamour. Conceived as a hotel within a hotel, the collection of 10 two-storey villas are a luxurious extension of Shinta Mani Angkor, a boutique property that also boasts the Bangkok-based designer’s inimitable aesthetic. Think graphic tiles and a striking black-and-white palette, set against abundant foliage and handcrafted details that hark to its locale. Its main restaurant Kroya, for instance, shows the original plans of the Angkor temple complex, recreated on its ceiling. The villas…

“I loved designing the living room the most—I wanted to create a sense of arrival, because of the suspense that the adjoining corridor creates” Designed by the late Baghdad-born, London-based architect Zaha Hadid, the D’Leedon residential complex is indeed a sight to behold. Its seven statuesque towers feature undulating curves that narrow towards its base, making the property a striking landmark in the District 10 neighbourhood. “It’s truly a vivid expression of famed architect Zaha Hadid’s futuristic aesthetic,” says Angela Lim, director of interior design firm Sumisura, as she recalls her first impression of the property. “The tone-on-tone finishes look clean and stark, next to the building’s yacht-like shape and curved walls.” The local practice was tasked to design the interiors of one of the villas within the complex, to…

“I discovered a true gem in the neighbourhood. It is a stunningly unique home, which had been built to emulate the feeling of being on a superyacht” From the glamorous collection of waterfront villas and yachts, the sun-soaked beaches to the amazing coastal views, the resort town of Antibes epitomises the romance of the French Riviera. One of the favourite summer destinations for celebrities and the well-heeled who seek a slice of paradise, the locale of extravagance has—even as far back as the early 20th century—inspired the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of The Great Gatsby. Little wonder then, that this particular house would take its nautical influence to heart, with architecture inspired by the grandeur and ambience of a superyacht. The well-travelled Canadian owner fell in love…

“A well-designed kitchen is a personal space that fulfills various culinary needs,” say Yap Khoon Wah and Victor Loh, the co-founders of Design Rebirth. From the storage, equipment to the presentation of food and wine on the table, the kitchen has to serve multiple purposes, according to the preferences and lifestyle of its occupants, without forgetting about the aesthetic dimension. This encapsulates how Design Rebirth approaches its creative projects. Established in 2005, the interior architecture and design studio firmly believes in the philosophy of form and function, where one cannot exist without the other. What sets the local practice apart, however, is its passion for pushing boundaries and exploring the possibilities within a space. MODERN MARVEL Tasked to create a modern family-friendly kitchen concept for Aurastone, Yap and Loh used…

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE is a 4,000sqft apartment unlike any other. As structurally unique as its owner’s inimitable style, it marries understated luxury with a bold and edgy appeal in the form of bespoke, statement furniture. It’s a space that invites innovation and the pushing of boundaries—something that Elliot James Barratt, the founder of Elliot James, accomplished with masterful ease. “The client was extremely open with his brief, but specified that comfort and socialising was paramount,” Barratt shares. Against a simple backdrop of monochrome hues, the sizable living and dining areas set the stage for large gatherings as well as intimate family nights. Light marble floors elevate the luxury quotient of the space, and ample soft furnishings add a soothing cosiness. Ahead of the Curve Everything about…

TO INTERIOR DESIGNERS KELVIN BING AND Jasmine Chew of Renaissance Planners & Designers, this home seemed like any other two-bedroom studio apartment. It was only while removing the false ceiling boards from the common room that they uncovered a stunning double-volume void. This opened up possibilities for the firm to explore both functional and aesthetic additions to the home. Through the Roof One of the owners’ favourite pastimes is to entertain—hosting their friends and family frequently at home. But the 900sqft apartment with a throng of guests over made the space cramped and even claustrophobic. The homeowners, who are avid cooks, also wanted a sleek kitchen with customised compartments for everything from spices, utensils to cooking appliances that could be hidden away at a moment’s notice. To accommodate up to…

CREATIVE CENTRE The work of London-based design practice Michaelis Boyd, the Ryse hotel is awash in pastel hues, with every corner a chic tableau of decorative pieces. Situated within the Hongdae district in Seoul, Korea, the property is part of the Autograph collection by the Marriott Group— it features rooms inspired by creative nomads, ranging from the iridescent details of the Artist suite to the serene blues of the Creator room. rysehotel.com GRAND HEIGHTS Overlooking the city’s lively shopping district, the soon-to-open Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is the brand’s first foray in Southeast Asia. Housed in a sculptural skyscraper, the property designed by Hong Kong-based architect André Fu of AFSO features elegant interiors that pair cosmopolitan style with subtle references to Thai craftsmanship. On its top three floors, dining concepts designed…

When we met Isabelle Miaja at the new headquarters of Miaja Design Group, the interior designer and her team were still in the midst of moving in, while busy being in the thick of projects. Founded in 1995 by the Paris-born, Singapore-based designer, her eponymous firm has worked on a range of projects for hospitality groups and residences worldwide over two decades; the Miaja Gallery was established in 2015 to reflect the increasing influence of art in the firm’s extensive portfolio. The designer also seeks to grow Maison Miaja, which focuses on limited-edition decorative objects, with her first collection of tableware launching this year. “I think that there’s no such thing as a dream project—I like the idea that you can do that with every project,” quips the founder and…

The journey matters more than the final destination, so the adage goes. For this private-island resort, it’s happily a bit of both. While travelling to this remote resort is a feat in itself—the route involves a ferry ride, land transfers as well as a seaplane flight—the aerial views of the archipelago during the flight prove to be as stunning as the sights that greet guests daily on the island. Up-close, the emerald sea offers glimpses of marine life and coral reefs beneath, with the surrounding lagoons keeping the clear waters tranquil. Foliage is abundant at this eco-conscious retreat, with most of the existing forestry and rocky cliffs kept as it was. The resort management also set up the non-profit group Bawah Foundation, which focuses on keeping the sea clean and…

PERFECT BASE “While balconies in Singapore can be small in size, there are ways to jazz up the space without compromising on visual aesthetics,” says Lim. According to the designer, flooring plays a big part in creating the feel you’re looking for. “Dark wood flooring gives off a clean and modern vibe, while synthetic grass creates an atmosphere inspired by the touch of nature,” says Lim. PERSONAL CHARACTER As with the rest of your home, design a balcony you love by personalising it—keep your habits and preferences in mind when thinking of the ways you might wish to use the space. Homeowners who love to entertain could consider turning the balcony into an entertainment area by adding a sleek bar table and high stools, if the space permits. “This creates…

SHINTA MANI WILD Situated at a valley between the Bokor and Kirirom national parks in Cambodia, Shinta Mani Wild is a nature conservation project as well as a luxury camp experience designed with minimal interference to its surroundings. Opening later this year, the property features 16 custom-built tents perched above the estuaries, with the site a short distance from the glorious waterfalls; private expedition boats will take guests along the river to explore the diverse wildlife and beauty of the rainforest. shintamani.com/wild.php ROSEWOOD LUANG PRABANG Imagined as the grand hilltop home of a gracious French host, the property appears to float above a canopy of trees and is adjacent to a waterfall. Comprising 23 villas, suites, tented accommodation and guest rooms, the design of each accommodation is unique with French-Indochine…

For busy city dwellers, convenience matters—and it’s the combination of intuitive design and smart features that turn household appliances into wonderful multi-taskers that help make daily tasks less of a chore. Swiss brand V-ZUG understands the changing needs of the modern household, and is constantly innovating to bring convenience to the daily lives of urbanites. Founded in 1913, the appliance purveyor harnesses the benefits of steam technology, integrating its engineering know-how with smart features into its household appliances. Celebrating its 105th anniversary this year, the Swiss brand is bringing its luxury appliances to Asia with a series of flagship launches; its Singapore showroom will open at Scotts Square in the fourth quarter of the year. Here, two urbanites share more about how V-ZUG appliances have helped their daily housekeeping while…

The first bathtub produced by Kohler was originally a simple horse trough—by coating it with enamel, its enterprising founder John Michael Kohler turned the farming implement into a new addition for the home. Founded in 1873, the Wisconsin-based company is now a global kitchen and bathroom group, and has grown its portfolio to include luxury resorts and spas; it has also acquired a dozen firms across specialities including showering systems, cabinetry and decorative fixtures. In Singapore, the Kohler Experience Centre (KEC) offers an interactive experience with bathroom fittings that combine elegant design with smart features and the latest technological advances. Here’s a look at some of the key products from its eponymous brand Kohler: SENSE OF STYLE The embodiment of streamlined design and innovation, the Sensis intelligent toilet features a…

Having started as a young apprentice in stone masonry, Ben Yong could not have imagined that he would eventually run his very own surface brand. In the span of nearly three decades, Yong steadily worked up the ranks to become the supervisor of a factory; he also co-founded a stone fabrication factory in 1998. His passion for stone masonry led him to strike out on his own with the launch of Aurastone in 2016—the Singapore-based brand is a supplier and fabricator of quartz and granite surfaces. “We are a Singapore brand and we’re very proud of it—we believe we have a strong team and good materials that are as good, if not better than some other imported international brands,” shares Yong. “Our materials undergo rigid tests and quality checks before…

AS EVERY HOMEOWNER KNOWS, TURNING A house into a home isn’t as simple as filling rooms with designer furniture. It takes a disciplined design eye to create living spaces that are not only comfortable and appealing, but also exude a strong sense of character, making the home feel distinctly yours. Seeking that unique quality, many local homeowners turn to the talents of award-winning studio Design Intervention. “We are very proud of the fact that we do not have a house style,” says Nikki Hunt, founder and principal of Design Intervention. “Instead, we treat each project as unique.” Each Design Intervention project begins by gathering insight into their clients, from their daily routines to their passions and tastes. As Hunt explains: “We ask quite personal questions: ‘Do you read in bed?…

WITH ITS SCENIC VIEWS AND GENEROUS SIZE, this three-storey penthouse at Leedon Residence was already an opulent abode but its owner wanted more—something original that would make it stand out from other apartments in the neighbourhood. The property developer, GuocoLand, appointed interior architect Edmund Ng and his team, who were given the freedom to conceptualise whatever they thought would bring about the grandeur of the home as a show apartment. The realised concept celebrates contemporary Italian style, as represented by Milanese architecture—a pleasing blend of the modern and avant-garde. As the existing architecture is spacious and well-planned, the team faced few obstacles in the design process. “The apartment's generous size gave us the freedom to explore edgier design details which we thought could bring our client’s vision to life,” says…

THIS APARTMENT AT FERNVALE CLOSE ENJOYS unfettered views of the reservoir, which is canopied by thick trees against a backdrop of lush foliage. Evidently, the love of nature is why the couple chose to settle here. The four-bedroom condominium exudes a quiet elegance—its warm, understated interior scheme is a nod to the lush landscape that surrounds it. And putting it together is Elsie Chin, the principal interior designer and co-founder of HYID, who took a short five months to design and renovate the apartment. “The apartment exudes a quiet elegance—its warm, understated interior scheme is a nod to the lush landscape that surrounds it” Green Inspiration As the couple wanted an apartment that celebrates the tranquil beauty of nature, HYID paired dark wood walls and finishes with muted tones to…

“The canny use of reflective surfaces and built-in cabinetry improves the sense of space in the apartment while creating more storage areas for the well-travelled homeowner” AS ANY HOMEOWNER WILL ATTEST TO, SIZE matters. And the owner of this compact apartment was only too aware that his residence was coming up short when it came to spatial configuration. At just over 1,000sqft, the two-bedroom home lacks storage space; and as a regular traveller with a significant collection, the owner was finding this increasingly problematic. Towards the end of last year, he tasked Prestige Global Designs with transforming his modest pied-a-terre into a comfortable home, requesting that they create additional storage without affecting the apartment’s aesthetic appeal. Perfectly Formed The design firm’s first challenge was to identify areas for the storage…

The humble candle has long served as a source of illumination and warmth in human history, while being a symbol of hope and optimism. With the advent of modern lighting, it now conveys a more decorative function that can add to the ambience of a room. This early invention has inspired the shape and form of the Balance collection from German lighting brand Windfall, which captures the romantic allure of the incandescent candle in crystalline form. Known for its inventive takes on the classic chandelier, the crystal creations of Windfall have decorated opulent homes, hotels and luxury boutiques all over the world. The Balance collection brings the lighting purveyor’s growing selection of designs to dazzling new heights, pairing the exquisite beauty of crystal with a sense of poetic whimsy. MODERN…

With hundreds of showrooms around the globe, Italian furniture brand Flexform has become synonymous with its sleek designs; its furniture pieces are a common fixture in stunning hotels and private homes worldwide. Throughout the years, Flexform has maintained its Italian DNA and its collaborative philosophy, working closely with leading designers and architects to produce its collections; the brand is also best known for its sofa systems which are celebrated for their versatility and comfort. “Flexform’s identity and success are based on a strong value system: made-in-Italy quality, elegance beyond time and unrivalled comfort,” says Giuliano Galimberti, Flexform’s general export sales director. As part of the third generation of Galimbertis in the company, the director is also a board member of the firm. According to Galimberti, the Flexform collections are made…

THE INTERIORS PAIR JAPANESE MINIMALISM WITH ITALIAN SOPHISTICATION, WHILE BEING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE Bali is known for many things—its culturally-rich religious sites, rice paddies, forested volcanic mountains, beaches and spectacular coral reefs, and endless stream of resorts and retreats vying for a share of the tourist population. This new property in the tropical paradise, however, isn’t squeezing in with other luxury players in resort towns Seminyak or Sanur. Instead, hospitality brand Como Hotels and Resorts sits on Canggu—an up-and-coming destination that is already a favourite among expatriates and surfers. With already two properties in Bali—Como Shambhala Estate, the luxury hotel group’s flagship wellness retreat; and Como Uma Ubud, a rustic resort nestled in the tropical jungle—Como adopts a distinctly different approach with Como Uma Canggu, catering to the village’s…

Villa Vedas Bali, Indonesia “Between the jaw-dropping design, the beachfront location, and the sheer decadence of its marble and teak fittings, this place has the X-factor. The work of Australian architect Stuart Bevan, every item in the villa has been purposefully designed—the interiors are custom-made and hand-carved, and it has a gorgeous suspended staircase that connects the main area to the rest of the rooms. Every inch of the stunning views are unobstructed, thanks to the glass doors that open completely. Climb the staircase up to the second floor and you’ll discover that in addition to the two enormous ground-floor pools, there is also a sky pool inside the villa—perfect for late-night swims.” Stephanie Chai, Founder, Luxe Nomad; luxenomad.com Villa Epure Provence, France “This stylish modern townhouse is within walking…

As one of the world’s great maritime cities, the sea has permeated every aspect of life in Hong Kong for generations. It’s no surprise that it also served as the first point of inspiration for Amrita Khanna, interior designer at Zip Code 888, who was tasked with renovating a Repulse Bay home for a couple that overlooked the oceanside neighbourhood. “The apartment has a serenity about it with beautiful views of the sea and light filtering in through the day,” says Khanna on her modus operandi. “We wanted to enhance that by keeping the apartment calm and uncluttered.” GEOMETRIC FEAT The resulting colour palette tends heavily towards taupes, deep blues and sea greens. In a conscious effort to avoid a rustic aesthetic, Khanna depended on sophisticated geometric patterns such as…

To Elsie Chin, HYID’s principal designer, good design isn’t just about creating functional spaces, it’s about creating experiences. And in the kitchen, these experiences are all the more significant. “The kitchen is the heart and soul of every home. It’s a special place that evokes deep memories and family bonds,” she explains. “The kitchen of today is no longer tucked within four walls and hidden away. It has become a spontaneous, integrated and centred part of our everyday lives.” By bringing this humble space to the forefront of the home, Chin designs a kitchen concept for Aurastone that reinvents the ways in which the culinary space can be used. BOLD STATEMENT Chin’s indoor-outdoor kitchen design is a play on transparency and light, manipulating these elements to merge the interior and…

“Subtle yet purposeful design touches elevate an interior scheme, turning it from simple to stunning. The final design is a minimalist Zen-like sanctuary, replete with a luxurious master suite fit for the modern man” WHEN IT COMES TO THE DESIGN OF THEIR DREAM homes, some homeowners know exactly what they want and communicate a very specific vision to their interior designer. For this new condominium apartment in Bedok, however, there was much more freedom in the brief. “The client came to us one year before getting the keys, seeking ideas to explore what can be done to the apartment in terms of interior design,” says Victor Loh, co-founder and design director of Design Rebirth. “He simply left it to us to pitch ideas.” Essential Features The client’s only requirements were…

Established by Kelvin Bing in 1994, Renaissance Planners & Designers is a 11-member firm that has worked its way up as an interior design practice to an award-winning multidisciplinary studio that runs architectural and corporate branding projects, on top of commercial and residential interior design projects. Bing the founder is a master at marrying architectural design elements with elegant interior schemes. A modernist at heart, he approaches projects with a vision of timeless design and classic style, while maintaining a sensitivity to the unique features of each site as well as the personal taste and preferences of its users.…

“Typically, parquet wood is used on the floor but we chose to put it on the ceiling to make a statement ... Oak parquet was the best choice—it's light and has a natural-looking character” HAVING FREE PLAY WITH THE DESIGN BRIEF IS one of the dream situations for any designer. While this may create a multitude of creative possibilities, it’s still of utmost importance to pair aesthetic design with functional purpose—a deft combination that Astley Ng, regional creative director of SC + DC, has mastered. With over two decades of experience under his belt, Ng has an astute eye for crafting interior schemes that stand the test of time, while creating details that inspire. Modern Blend For this project, the homeowners entrusted the designer with an open brief, to turn…