Tatler Homes Singapore December 2022

“Everyone needs a fantasy,” declared American pop artist Andy Warhol. It’s a sentiment that Warhol-influenced superstars like Lady Gaga heartily agree with; she once told British newspaper Guardian, “I’m half living my life between reality and fantasy at all times. It’s best not to ask questions and just enjoy.” We all need that occasional dive into the rabbit hole, and it’s no surprise that so many otherworldly films and TV series are now a big part of our popular imagination. This idea of fantasy is what we have drawn upon for this issue. Fantasies are so compelling precisely because they provide a sense of escape, and tell wondrous tales of alternative worlds. The metaverse is the perfect embodiment of this yearning—beyond mere recreations of reality, here’s how architects and designers…

CHRISTOPHER DEWOLF Christopher DeWolf writes about cities, architecture, culture and beer; he loves nothing more than spending a day wandering around a city. The author of Borrowed Spaces: Life Between the Cracks of Modern Hong Kong, DeWolf offers his insights on urbanism, architecture, design and culture. In this issue, he discusses the gravity-defying worlds in the metaverse that architects and designers have envisioned; read more about these imaginative spaces from page 60. LUO JINGMEI Luo Jingmei is a freelance writer and editor who loves exploring inspiring spaces. After completing 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. She profiles an elegant, contemporary home in Indonesia designed by…

CUDDLE FACTOR Invite conversation with the Nest chair from Nicoline Italia. Its round and cuddly form is paired with slim legs in an antique bronze finish; sit back and have a chat with your partner or guest while ensconced in its plush depths. The stylish seat also features a solid wooden structure and eco-friendly open-cell polyurethane foam for the seat. Dress this chair in a wide array of upholstery options, which includes leather or fabric in various colours and textures. Available at Nicoline Italia Singapore; nicoline.it FOLLOW THE GRAIN Produced by Italian manufacturer Arflex, the Tokio coffee table collection by Swedish design firm Claesson Koivisto Rune is the perfect accompaniment to the sofa design of the same name. Mix and match with an array of small tables, shelves and low…

Cutting out unwanted sounds, even to a seemingly minuscule degree, has significant ramifications for our well-being and our quality of life. Technological advances and new manufacturing techniques have resulted in acoustic products that blend seamlessly with any interior scheme. With its selection of acoustic products from Italian manufacturer Caimi, T1 Elements is a firm on a mission to reduce excessive noise, create comfort and foster well-being in Singapore homes. Founded in 2018 as T1 Glass, which dealt with acoustic glazed partitions, the company evolved to offer both practical and decorative modular acoustic products that have kept pace with today’s sophisticated interior design schemes. We sound out general manager Eugene Ng on the benefits acoustic products can bring to modern abodes. Why should homeowners consider sound-absorbing products? In this new era,…

“Less is more”—this maxim by German-American architect Mies van der Rohe has become the calling card for admirers of minimalist design around the world. Originating as an art movement from the late 1960s, minimalism became co-opted into the realm of design. Advocates of this understated approach celebrate the beauty of simplicity while conveying a sense of effortless elegance. Singapore-based interior designers such as Millihaus are among the homegrown champions of this creative approach, while ensuring that the resulting spaces are cosy, personalised and beautifully functional. The architecturally trained founders, Billy Voon and Desy Kismantono, believe that the modern minimalist scheme need not necessarily appear austere or clinical. “As designers, our approach to minimalism [is all about] making it warm and welcoming. Within these simple spaces, interesting materials and statement pieces…

Nothing beats timeless elegance, and at Barovier & Toso, the beauty of its Murano glass-blown chandeliers are simply breathtaking sights. With a storied history that dates back to 1295, the Venice-based brand is known for combining modern designs with time-tested techniques, creating beautiful lamps that transcend the passage of time. As part of its next chapter, it recently celebrated the opening of its first international showroom in Singapore’s exclusive Nassim Road neighbourhood. Entitled Venice at Night With Vivaldi, the Barovier & Toso soirees were organised in collaboration with Tatler Homes Singapore, and hosted industry giants, tastemakers and decor enthusiasts at the Singapore boutique. Guests learnt more about Barovier & Toso’s artisanal heritage and the myriad customisation options that it offers, through a talk presented by Barovier & Toso CCO Diego…