Tatler Homes Singapore April/May 2024

I have a confession to make: I am wary of the word “sustainability”. To dismiss it as a mere marketing buzzword these days would do it a disservice, of course, as sustainability remains a crucial issue, particularly in how we build, occupy and use our spaces. I blame it on the tidal wave of greenwashing in everything that can be marketed. However, uncovering and examining threads of sustainability in a designer’s work remains one of the key reasons I’ve plied my trade with interior design publications for 13 years. They always bring me pleasure (and relief, for these threads are a mark of thoughtful, responsible design). So, it is with great delight that I present our sustainability-focused April edition, which also features the unveiling of the much-anticipated Tatler Homes Design…

HONG XINYING Our former regional managing editor, Hong Xinying, enjoys seeking design and decor inspiration from every conceivable source, be it nature in all its splendour or well-designed architecture, art and everyday objects. Currently based in Kyoto, she continues to be captivated by compelling narratives, no matter the form or medium. She’s also always on the lookout for beautiful new dining venues for her next meal. In this issue, she writes about a dreamy holiday home on the idyllic Greek island of Antiparos by Le Berre Vevaud that merges with its stunning surroundings (page 140). SANDHYA MAHADEVAN An artist and fashion designer by training, Sandhya Mahadevan has built her career in a variety of roles with a common point of attraction, which is the opportunity to tell stories, and it…

VIBRANT TRADITIONS Renewing its collaboration with artist Long Di, Shanghai Tang has unveiled its newest Twin Bliss series, comprising bowls, glasses, cups, plates, pillowcases, candles, prints and silk pyjamas. The whimsical designs are inspired by Chinese symbolism, experimenting with evocative, playful depictions of cultural elements for a collection that ultimately exudes joy and vibrancy. shanghaitang.com MIGHTY SOUND In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, Devialet’s flagship Phantom I speaker has been transformed with a limited-edition design by Yang Bao & Wa Liu, artists based in New York and Beijing respectively. This stellar edition is adorned with 22.5-karat gold leaf and polished red varnish, encapsulating the powerful and enigmatic character of the mythical dragon. devialet.com FOR THE SENSES An amalgamation of gentle notes and a smoky, leathery depth, the Le…

There’s always a reason to return to Venice. Beyond its labyrinthine streets and picturesque canals, it’s a city steeped in timeless elegance and artistic heritage. Home to artisans and designers alike, it’s also where you will find Barovier & Toso, a paragon of luxury lighting with over 700 years of exceptional glass-making history in Murano. The brand’s new flagship boutique is located along the illustrious Calle Larga XXII Marzo, a street that Giorgio Armani, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana also call home. A stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco, it’s an ideal pit stop on one’s tour of Venetian sights. More than just browsing decorative objects such as vases and table lamps, you’ll also be wowed by seasonal show-stopping, one-of-a-kind Venetian mouth-blown crystal installations. SECRET GARDEN You’re in good hands…

There are infinite ways in which designers can articulate a brief. Yet the principles of exemplary design have remained the same throughout the ages. Borrowing from Vitruvius’ principles— firmistas, utilitas, venustas—it must be durable, functional, and pleasing to the eye. It is always as simple, and conversely as complicated, as that. These days, durability also means being responsible for a design’s present and future environmental impact. Functionality has similarly broadened to address the need for flexibility and minimised waste. All these have coloured the lenses through which we see and consider design. The Tatler Homes Design Awards - Singapore returns this year to once again celebrate good design, this time with Green by Design as its 2024 theme. Now, in its eighth edition, the THDA programme has been expanded regionally,…

These days, more than ever, leisure travellers are having higher expectations of luxury accommodation. There is a greater emphasis on privacy, experiences and holistic health, encompassing the body, mind and soul, shares Carl Almeida, managing partner of P49 Deesign. With offices in Bangkok and Shanghai, and over 300 completed hotel and resort projects in more than 35 countries, the studio has gained keen insights into what post-pandemic luxury seekers desire. “Designing to the smallest detail is important in setting the desired mood for guest enjoyment and indulgence,” Almeida says. One prominent example of this is the guest bathroom, which has evolved into a wellness space designed to engage and awaken the senses: a personal spa, if you will. Fun fact: did you know that the word “spa” itself originated from…