Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2023 i Tatler Homes Singapore

“We decided to tap into this niche market, where laminates can complement acoustic panels to create aesthetically pleasing designs” Sometimes, the most creative ideas arise from a mix of necessity and, of course, entrepreneurial gumption. This was the case for Eric Lim, director of local laminates brand Arova. Lim saw the next business opportunity present itself when he observed that there weren’t many decorative options for acoustic panels in the local market. With hundreds of patterns and hues available in its product library, Lim felt that Arova laminates were the perfect way to extend the aesthetic appeal of these sound-dampening screens. Thus, he launched Akustra, a sister acoustic-panel brand to Arova laminates, tapping on the synergies between the two labels. “Currently in the market, most of the acoustic panel designs…

The poetic beauty of light has to be seen to be believed. More than just a functional element within a home, lighting can instantly transform a space when used thoughtfully in an interior. Not only can it direct illumination to where it is needed, well-placed lighting can foster the right ambience for a cosy evening at home, serve as the perfect accent piece, or highlight your favourite artworks on the walls. Euroluce, the biennial lighting segment within Italy’s Salone del Mobile fair, strives to celebrate these qualities and more, while showcasing the latest collections from leading manufacturers around the world. The 31st edition of Euroluce showcased booths based on the theme of “The City of Lights”, and was designed by Milan-based architecture firm Lombardini22 to create an inspiring environment to…

When American patron of the arts Nancy Magoon found her dream “blank canvas” apartment in the Upper East Side of New York, she knew exactly what she wanted out of the space. Magoon had purchased the pied-à-terre so she could spend more time with family during her visits to the city, while supporting the arts at the same time. She also envisioned the apartment as a space she could fill with even more art. She enlisted interior design firm Pembrooke & Ives to realise the spectacular makeover of this 4,881 sq ft home, which had never been lived in before. “Nancy’s goal was to have an apartment that allows her to showcase different forms of art, including furniture, lighting, sculptures and wall art,” says Francis Nicdao, principal of Pembrooke &…

For a profession built on expressing other people’s tastes, it can be slightly confounding when the tables turn and the client is yourself. That was the situation that Richard Angel, CEO and co-founder of design firm Angel O’Donnell, found himself in when he embarked on a major renovation of his family home. Located in the leafy suburb of Streatham in south London, the handsome house was a real find when Angel discovered it 10 years ago. “My wife and I were looking for a home we could grow into and raise a family in. We were already living south of the river in a place called Balham, but property is pricey so we cast our net a little wider. That’s when we found Copley Park, a large and rather grand…

Located in the Huangpu district in Shanghai, the graceful Yuyuan Garden is one of the city’s most notable fixtures. Constructed during the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century, the sprawling two-hectare garden is known for its exquisite layout and tranquil scenery, which have enthralled many across the centuries. These are the elements Architology Interiors sought to adapt for an elegant office in Singapore’s Millenia Tower, designed for software development company New Future. Based in Singapore and China, the tech firm has over 100 team members in the Lion City. The garden inspiration was arrived at in response to the unique brief, which included specific requirements from both the local team and the CEO from China. The Singapore CEO wanted a collaborative workspace organised based on job functions, such that he…

A strong working relationship between the client and the designer is the bedrock of a fruitful collaboration. It was no different in the case of the owners of this three-storey Singapore house and KNQ Associates; this project marked the third time they had appointed the interior practice to design a residence for them, so they gave the homegrown firm free rein in crafting an interior suited to their three-generation family of eight. “The client trusted us enough to understand their tastes and requirements, and left all the decision making to us,” says Stanley Tham, co-founder of KNQ Associates. This unspoken brief led to the most alluringly sumptuous outcome, with the interior design firm drawing inspiration from the 8,279 sq ft house’s Victorian-style exterior to craft complementary living areas replete with…

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”—that famous line from William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet would apply as aptly to this home in Singapore’s exclusive District 9, given its many floral flourishes that celebrate the owners’ love of nature. The couple told Michael Ong and Jeremy Tay of Prestige Global Designs that the interior of their 2,700 sq ft apartment should feel light and bright, while expressing a deep admiration for flowers that should also be conveyed in their home. The family of five fully trusted the local firm to deliver a result that would impress them and their guests, with minimal intervention from the clients as they were living abroad during the three-month renovation process. It’s easy to go all out with the floral motifs, especially…

What are the dream qualities you desire in a home? For millennial urban dwellers, adaptability and a focus on wellness are certainly among their key priorities. Homegrown design practice SuMisura kept these ideals top of mind when its team crafted a dream interior for the new show gallery of Sceneca Residence. Jointly developed by MCC Land, Ekovest Development and The Place Holdings, the mixed-use development is located in District 16, a neighbourhood in Singapore’s Upper East Coast area that enjoys close proximity to the sea and Jewel Changi Airport. “The interior was crafted by SuMisura to mainly appeal to young millennials, the adventurous and the digitally savvy; the social creatures of today who live and believe in a sharing economy. They want to live and breathe in spaces that spark…

The bathrooms of today are more than just a functional space—these can serve as havens of calm when designed well. And one of the biggest international fairs to check out for bathroom inspiration is ISH Frankfurt in Germany, which ran from 13 to 17 March this year. Focusing on an eco-conscious management of water and energy, the theme this year seeks out solutions for a sustainable future through new products and technologies that can help architects, designers and homeowners create cleaner, more durable, efficient and environmentally-friendly bathroom designs. Here are four top trends spotted at the fair; save these ideas for your next renovation. 1. ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS A variety of products made with environmentally conscious materials were presented; this included Finnish brand Woodio’s Block toilet, the world’s first toilet seat…

The exclusive Sentosa Cove housing enclave in Singapore typifies the high life, with its waterfront-playground vibe, unspoilt sea views and well-appointed, spacious abodes proving a siren song to people seeking a trophy home and its accompanying perquisites. One particular property stands out among its peers, however, with covetable units that set bold new standards for luxury living. Enter Seascape, a residential gem jointly developed by Ho Bee Land and IOI Properties Singapore. “Everybody will want to have a waterfront property in Singapore; there are no real comparisons on the main island that can offer all the attributes in Seascape and other Sentosa Cove developments,” states Loh Lee Hong, general manager of sales and marketing at Ho Bee Land. “Nowhere else in Singapore can offer you the kind of lifestyle that…

Audiophiles know very well the importance of having the right environment to attain the best sound. But to find acoustic products that can marry both form and function may not be so easy. This dilemma inspired Eric Lim, director of local laminates brand Arova, to start a new acoustics brand, Akusträ. “The brand launch was planned more than a year ago when we met an acoustic panel manufacturer to discuss working together on a new collaboration,” says Lim. “Currently in the market, most of the acoustic panel designs are pretty straightforward and dull. We decided to tap into this niche market where laminates can complement an acoustic panel to create an aesthetically pleasing design.” SOUND ADVICE The Akusträ product is an acoustic panel that can be customised with laminates from…

Elegant, discreet and minimalistic—these are some of the defining traits of renowned French design maestro Christian Liaigre’s stellar work. The late designer and his eponymous brand Liaigre continue to be recognised worldwide for a signature look that is both polished as well as tastefully understated. A Singaporean couple who are ardent admirers of Liaigre’s work sought to incorporate some of the French brand’s most notable designs into their semi-detached house. They felt that their 4,600 sq ft property in Singapore’s Bukit Timah needed a major overhaul to meet their needs, and for the Liaigre furnishings and other designer pieces to fit beautifully within the interior. The couple live with two daughters and the wife’s parents; the owners wanted ample storage for their family of six to keep their home neat.…

Building a luxurious kitchen requires a careful calibration of aesthetics with functionality. According to some interior design experts, this is sometimes easier said than done. Well, not anymore, thanks to New Zealand home appliances brand Fisher & Paykel. To achieve a perfect kitchen effortlessly, Fisher & Paykel has just launched a new integrated column refrigerator and freezer model that promises to blend into just about any kitchen design imaginable. Conceptualised to be hidden behind your cabinetry of choice for a seamless appearance, these models fit flush with just a narrow 4mm gap around them, and no visible hinges or grilles. Or if your preference is for a professional-looking kitchen, the unit can also be purchased with a sleek stainless-steel door panel. The appliance’s slim profile makes it an ideal fit…

To many Singaporean designers, the chance to work on a shophouse project is certainly an opportunity to be relished or even a dream come true. Known for their distinctive facade, airy internal courtyard and light-filled spaces, these historical buildings offer many creative possibilities to the adventurous designer, even as they come with all the technical and regulatory complexities innate to any conservation project. When Cube Associate Design was tasked by a family office to redesign the interior of one such beautiful pre-war building in Singapore’s Ann Siang Road, the firm’s founder, Sarah Tham, embraced the challenge with gusto. The client was clear that the 4,500 sq ft workspace should not be “boring or typical”, while being open to creative ideas and suggestions from the designers. “The brief was simple: ‘don’t…

The renovation of a 2,000 sq ft semi-detached house in eastern Singapore marked a wonderful reunion between an interior designer and her clients. Having crafted a penthouse for the family over a decade ago, Shermaine Ong was thrilled to have her clients return for a new assignment. Ong is well familiar with the owners’ preferred aesthetic: they like an understated, monochromatic scheme, and gravitate towards clean-lined details. “The clients wanted a grey, black and natural colour palette; the choice of colour is vital for them,” reveals Ong, who is the founder of Mosh Interior. The owners had purchased an old property that they saw much potential in, but it needed a major overhaul to suit their needs. The renovation also had to be completed quickly within the year. The goal…

For this multigenerational family, home must be a place of comfort, privacy and tranquillity. Such was the brief given to Sujonohun, the homegrown firm tasked to give a detached house a complete interior makeover for a couple, who live there with their children and the husband’s parents. Among the key challenges of this project was the need to reconfigure the floor plan of the 12,000 sq ft house to provide more privacy for the family. One of the notable changes is seen in the entryway, where an elongated foyer puts sufficient distance between the interior and the main road. A row of trees provides shade and adds a verdant layer to this area. This long passage also helps to create a sense of arrival, as the owners start to relax…

Swiss luxury brand V-Zug has consistently been at the forefront of delivering premium living and kitchen innovations of the highest standards. Over a century since its founding in 1913, the luxury appliances manufacturer has continued to expand its global footprint with the opening of showrooms across key cities in Asia, while producing appliances for modern homeowners that are in equal parts stylish, innovative and eco-conscious. Marking a new chapter as well as its 110th anniversary this year, V-Zug invited architects, designers, developers and homeowners to the grand opening of its Ion Orchard showroom in Singapore. The two-night occasion was organised in collaboration with official media partner Tatler Homes Singapore, and celebrated the Swiss company’s newest milestone while inviting guests to discover its high-end suite of appliances up close and in…

SIX SENSES BHUTAN Bhutan Soulful escapes are par for the course in Bhutan, a country with a careful approach to tourism that has resulted in authentic experiences that are becoming rarer by the day. One of the few luxury hotels to set up here is Six Senses Bhutan, a collection of five lodges in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang that opened between 2018 and 2020. Designed in collaboration with Thai studio Habita Architects, the hotel’s ethos is grounded in simplicity and harmony, expressed through the use of local materials such as hemlock wood and ashlar stone. The hotels are meant to be experienced together as a circuit, and at each stop travellers are welcomed into spacious, light-filled rooms—even the smallest is a generous 645 sq ft. Floor-to-ceiling windows and…

Large, spacious homes fulfil the desire for more room, but can often look and feel cold. Much like how it takes specific skills for artists to paint large canvases, designing penthouses and bungalows requires an experienced and expert eye to create a warm and luxurious ambience. Designworx Interior Consultant has built a sizeable portfolio of Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) and penthouses over the years, putting its signature stamp on these properties by turning them into personable living spaces. Led by design director Terri Tan, the interior design company is known for crafting interiors with an understated yet luxurious feel. “When working on bungalows and other large homes, we take extra care to ensure that they do not appear like cold ‘trophy’ spaces,” says Tan. The design team pays close attention…

It takes passion to fuel the craft to create beautiful homes that not only meet, but also exceed, a client’s brief. This is what homegrown firm Prestige Global Designs has achieved with finesse in the past 15 years since its inception in 2008. Helmed by co-founders Michael Ong and Jeremy Tay, the proudly Singaporean interior design firm has scooped up numerous accolades across the years, and most recently also bagged two notable achievements on the global stage. A whimsical and vibrant apartment that the firm designed won both the World’s Best International Residential Interior Apartment and the World’s Best International Kitchen Design accolades at the 2022-2023 International Property Awards; this notable achievement was announced at a dinner event held at The Savoy Hotel in London last December. HEART AND SOUL…

Classic furniture designs outlast trends, and are turned to time and time again even after transient fads fade away. The award-winning Jasper Sofa by Australian brand King Living has been a firm favourite among fans of luxurious, functional furnishings for over two decades: no mean feat for a contemporary couch in this age of fast furniture and mass-produced items. Backed by the brand campaign, “Something Worth Keeping”, the best-selling King Living modular sofa represents the very best of Australian design, underpinned by values such as durability and timeless good looks. First launched in 2003, the Jasper soon won over discerning homeowners with its clean lines, sturdy build, and ability to transform to suit any style and space. Its positioning as the “fundamental backdrop to family moments all around the world”…

Designed by Ming Architects, Ore House has an interesting backstory. The owners are a married couple who run a successful business manufacturing metal parts for machines used in the construction industry. Hence, this material features prominently in their three-storey abode. The home is located in a quiet setting on a hill, with frontal views of a grassy hill with a military camp perched on top. The rear of the house is blessed with a panoramic view of the vicinity. The front elevation has a tactual, industrial character due to jet-black steel plates that wrap around the beams and white aluminium screens with a grid pattern that act as a shield from the western sun. Grey bush-hammered and flamed granite walls with small openings lend a sense of gravitas to the…

Any interior crafted by local firm KGID is recognisable by its layered application of rich materials and textures, resulting in an instantly memorable home that boasts a sophisticated sheen. Helmed by husband-and-wife founders Kelvin and Karen Gan, the interior design practice is known for turning high-end apartments and landed properties into enviable showpieces, as was the case with this Good Class Bungalow (GCB) in central Singapore. The owners of the 16,500 sq ft house appointed KGID to conceptualise interior spaces with a luxurious, timeless look that matched the classic exterior of the property. As they entertain often, they also wanted a formal dining area that could accommodate up to 20 people, on top of the creation of other common spaces and individual zones for the four-generation family. With these specific…

Enter the Gucci universe through an immersive new exhibition in Shanghai, running from now until 25 June at the West Bund Art Center before it kickstarts its world tour. Produced in collaboration with British artist Es Devlin and curated by fashion critic Maria Luisa Frisa, the Gucci Cosmos showcase was created with the idea of celestial orbits as its main visual metaphor, inviting visitors to explore visions of the fashion house’s past, present and future in eight imaginative rooms. Make your way through spaces crafted to evoke wonder and awe, while chronicling the Italian luxury brand’s 102 years of history. As a tribute to its storied heritage, the exhibition honours its early Florentine beginnings in the 1920s and the La Dolce Vita mid-century years, while also highlighting the various iconic…