Tatler Homes Singapore April 2022

“Survival is insufficient”—these words are emblazoned on the horse-drawn carriages of a travelling troupe in Station Eleven, an HBO series that depicts life after a deadly flu wipes out most of the population. Adapted from Emily St. John Mandel’s post-apocalyptic novel, the slow-burn drama features a nomadic troupe that continues to stage Shakespearean plays and classical music performances, in hopes of uplifting the survivors’ morale with the beauty and poetry of the arts. There are certainly parallels between the drama and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic but most importantly, I find that indomitable spirit in the fictional series both inspiring and crucial, especially in the most challenging times. How do we build our homes and shared spaces more sustainably, while making thoughtful daily decisions in the way we live, work and…

KISSA CASTAÑEDA Kissa is an experienced editor and lifestyle journalist currently dividing her time between Ireland and Singapore. She has worked on key content projects with luxury brands and is also regularly invited to speak at and moderate panel discussions on media, creativity, and the future of the travel and lifestyle industry. For this issue, she interviewed French architect Franklin Azzi (page 58), who discusses the ways he melds cultural influences with environmentally conscious features. LUO JINGMEI Jingmei is a freelance writer and editor who loves exploring inspiring spaces. After earning her Master of Architecture degree at the National University of Singapore, she was mentored at Ipli Architects, before a love of the written word inspired her foray into the publishing world. Among the beautiful homes she visited recently is…

SWEET SLUMBER Elevate the style and comfort quotient of your bedroom with Frette’s new Spring/Summer 2022 range of luxurious bedlinen. The star of the collection is the brand’s unique linen line; crafted from the finest linen yarns, the durable natural fibre is soft to the touch and boasts a lightweight, airy feel. Besides the crisp fabric, the collection also features the brand’s signature range of silky threads in refreshing new hues. Available at Frette Singapore; frette.com CREATIVE ASSEMBLY With its unusual form, the Il Colonnato table designed by Mario Bellini in 1977 certainly catches the eye. Taking inspiration from the colonnades of classical architecture, the design is meant to change one’s perception of the table when it is viewed from different angles. Previously crafted in marble, Kettal’s reproduction now features…

For local industrial designer Olivia Lee, the word “inventor” was part of her vocabulary even from a young age. “My mum had bought me an inventor’s handbook for children; as an inventor, I learnt that I was supposed to look for problems and build solutions. Looking back, I see how the essence of that exists in the practice of industrial design. In many ways, I am living out my childhood dream of becoming an inventor.” Whether it’s designing products or crafting a multisensory interior, inventing is clearly something Lee excels in. “My design style is more about an approach driven by concepts and stories. I love creating beautiful things, and love hiding layers of meaning, cleverness and symbolism beneath the surface for people to discover.” Here, she tells us more…

Your choice of lighting can dramatically impact the look and mood of a space. So it is no surprise that Italian brand Artemide’s philosophy of creating “light as a companion to people” has given rise to several classic styles over the years. The brand was founded by the late Ernesto Gismondi in 1960, and many of its creations have been showcased in museums of modern art and design collections worldwide ever since. To this day, Artemide continues to illuminate the way forward in lighting design, with innovations such as the incorporation of sustainable LED lights to ensure it remains relevant to modern users. Homeowners can discover Artemide’s groundbreaking lighting solutions exclusively at Stylecraft, which has showrooms in Singapore and Australia. Some of Artemide’s most recognisable products, such as its Tolomeo,…

For homeowners who enjoy hosting friends for drinks in their abode, their liquor collection is a source of pride and joy—and a chic bar area in your home is a wonderful way to complete the experience. “The key practical elements for a home bar are: good storage for your bottles and barware, a counter to prepare drinks and finally, stylish furnishings for you to host your guests,” says Juliana Boh, founder of furniture retailer Snow Globe. She recommends taking a cue from gentlemen’s clubs, which typically feature a dark colour palette and an exquisite mix of materials. “The look of gentlemen’s clubs is all about luxury, refinement and craftsmanship. You can achieve this masculine look with furnishings in dark polished wood, as well as leather and brass.” Here, she picks…