Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2017 i Home & Decor

The open-plan living space is an interesting concept. While the thought of doing away with walls separating various parts of the house might seem like an ideal solution to optimising the floor plan, in reality, the approach may not be suitable for everyone. I have my reservations about living in a home where the kitchen is in the living room and the bedroom is concealed behind a curtain. Raised in a traditional home setting, I’ve come to value the importance of respecting personal spaces. Being a creature of habit, I’ve also come to identify my favourite corners in the home, places where I retreat to when I need solitude and privacy. Yet with the trend of developers building apartments with open-plan layouts, it’s time I look at the issue from…

It’s not every day you wake up to a view of Victoria Falls – unless you’re a guest of The Royal Livingstone, that is. It’s the only hotel that overlooks this majestic and iconic Natural Wonder of the world, and is a mere 10-minute walk from it. Located in Zambia, Southern Africa, The Royal Livingstone’s elegant colonial building stands proudly near the riverbank, where zebras, impalas and giraffes graze freely – you don’t even have to be lucky to spot them. This close proximity to nature gives guests an intimate experience of Africa’s wild beauty and rich tribal culture, imbued with the charm of the Victorian era. Designer Paul Duesing, who conceptualised the space with Johannesburg-based firm Carolyn Davies, designed French doors, hand-carved colonial-style dining room chairs and an explorer-inspired…

If it wasn’t for the tulle dresses and toy houses at the shopfront, you wouldn’t have guessed that this wood-and-white boutique belonged to Le Petit Society, a local childrenswear and accessories label by Robyn Liang and Dylan Ong. The mum-and-dad duo design comfy clothing that steer away from conventionally kiddy looks, while still being fun, versatile and age-appropriate. Their first boutique looks the part, too, with a minimalist, industrial-Scandi store design that features natural and textures surfaces like concrete screed, copper accents and raw plywood. “We wanted a delightful environment that was attractive to both kids and adults. The twilight sky-inspired ceiling adds a playful touch, while the party table is perfect for parents to get together,” says Yanling Tay, founder of Ta.le Architects, which designed the shop. To create…

Between The Dog And The Wolf Sept 7 to Oct 21 Howard Greenberg Gallery, 41 East 57th Street, New York. Admission is free The exhibition title, Between The Dog And The Wolf, is a translation of a common French expression “entre chien et loup”, which refers to oncoming twilight. Award-winning photographer Joel Meyerowitz presents an array of images from the 1970s and 1980s that will be on display for the first time. The collection of photographs, although simple at first glance, captures moments of mystery and intrigue at dusk. Visit www.howardgreenberg.com for more details. Boutique Fairs Nov 10 to 12 F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd, Singapore. Admission is free Are you in need of retail therapy? Back by popular demand, Boutique Fairs Singapore – The Gifting Edition 2017 is…

Quartz An engineered composite comprising up to 94 per cent crushed quartz, and bonded using polymer resin, this material is another popular choice for kitchen surfaces. Unlike natural stones — including marble, which is porous — the resin in quartz fills the gaps on the surface to create a material that is non-porous, antimicrobial, and resistant to water, stains, heat, scratches and impacts. These properties ensure that the surface remains hygienic as bacteria and microorganisms cannot breed in cracks. Australian label Smartstone, recently launched at Hafary stores in Singapore, carries 26 beautiful quartz surfaces designs across four collections — Santorini offers white and luminous veined stones; Toledo has warm, earthy and neutral-toned quartz; Paris features a palette of greys and browns; and Milan offers refined black and grey options. TIP…

Modern Industrial The industrial look continues to be a hot favourite, but it has also evolved. Bricks and concrete now interplay with refined shapes and surfaces. With materials such as aluminium, light or dark wood and porcelain, the Urban kitchen by Siematic honours the unconventional and modest attitude of industrial-design lovers. Central to this collection is the kitchen buffet table. This updated spin on a furniture piece popular in a different era can be fitted with light and power outlets, as well as a sink, hood and hob. This look can withstand clutter; so open shelves are welcome here. Available at W. Atelier. Masculine Mode Many homeowners steer towards a bright and light-hued kitchen. But don’t let that stop you from exploring a dark palette. A masculine look with grey,…

If you feel stressed when you enter your own home, it could be that you have too much clutter, causing you to feel frustrated and uneasy at the state of mess. Being selective about what to keep and what to toss can help you keep your living space neat and tidy, which does wonders for both your physical and emotional health. According to personal organisation guru and author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo advises keeping only things that “spark joy in your heart”. Here’s why you should declutter: Less dust, better health The more possessions you own, the more dust you accumulate. Streamlining means having a neater, cleaner (and healthier) space, so free up your home and get rid of those toxins and dust particles! Lower…

“The idea was to have a nautical theme, but one that isn’t so literal,” says interior designer Si Jian Xin. WHO A couple in their 30s HOME Five-room HDB BTO flat in Sengkang SIZE 1,185sqf The use of sea and sky shades, as well as a play on geometry, give this home a nautical-inspired look with a stylish modern twist. Colour dramatically enhances a space, and in the home of Si Jian Wen and Sharon Teo, the calming cool shades of blues and greens define the interiors. As Sharon’s favourite colour is mint, it was a starting point for the flat’s colour palette, the couple say. But apart from uplifting colours, designer Si Jian Xin also incorporated geometrical accents, in the form of furnishings and materials, to enhance the home’s…

W. Atelier recently bid adieu to its modest premises along Bukit Timah Road and has moved into a massive new home on Henderson Road. With full-height windows and high ceilings, the 20,000sqf showroom is a bright and airy backdrop for the iconic brands and furnishings that occupy its two floors and mezzanine level. Designed as an experiential showroom, W. Atelier feels more like a hip gallery than a furniture store – if a gallery had fully working Siematic and Next125 kitchens. These hardworking kitchens even doled out food for the 300 guests who attended the showroom’s opening day. On the first floor, a tall tower of chairs (we spotted the Daiku and Tabby chairs by Lema) anchors the showroom, and is surrounded by luxurious sofas from Lema and Zanotta, artful…

When it comes to choosing the hobs for your kitchen, two common options are gas and induction. Some prefer the traditional gas stove for its ability to achieve “wok hei” — a flavour resulting from stir-frying over high heat over an open flame, while others prefer induction hobs for their fuss-free, sleek and compact features. To each his own, we say; but if you prefer the latter, Brandt’s new model, the BPI6449X, is set to impress. The induction cooking zones on this induction hob come with the brand’s horiZone technology, which allows the largest zone to accommodate all shapes and sizes of cookware. Whether it’s a rectangular pan or oval dish, they will be detected so you’ll never have to worry about irregular heat distribution. Cleverly designed with a recall…

Stylish living is not just about choosing the right furniture, it’s about enjoying life to the fullest and paying attention to the small details that make everyday living pleasurable. For many discerning coffee fans, watching a cup of piping hot brew being prepared is the perfect way to start the morning. With the latest coffeemaker from NESCAFE Dolce Gusto, every house-proud homeowner can enjoy the perks of stylish living from the comfort of their own kitchen. Taking innovative design to the next level, the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto LUMIO looks nothing like your average coffee machine. It is ergonomically designed with a compact base, and its sensual curves are complemented by a captivating water tank that resembles a water bubble or globe, resulting in a minimalist and stylish look with space-saving…

Smart-home automations are changing the way we live, providing added convenience to the comfort of our homes. You may have heard of sound- or motion-activated devices, which switch your lights and air conditioners on, or even draw your blinds and curtains, but have you seen a smart refrigerator that is not just Wi-Fi-enabled, but also allows you to see the contents of your fridge without opening the door? South Korean electronics company LG recently launched the 601-litre Instaview door-in-door refrigerator. It looks just like a regular fridge with a screen, but knock on the sleek mirrored glass panel and you will be in for a surprise! When the feature is activated, you’ll see inside the easy access compartments thanks to the illuminated screen. More than just convenient, this is also…

Striking colours and a touch of Scandinavian charm take centre stage in this 980sqf apartment in Kuala Lumpur, elegantly designed for a young couple who wanted a vibrant home that reflects their personality and lifestyle. To achieve this, designers Pauline Ng and Priscilla Ng from Paul+Pris went for a bright and colourful interior brimming with eye-catching details. While they were given creative licence to work with bold colours, they remained careful with their choices. “For this home, we created a predominantly Scandinavian look enhanced by a harmonious palette of bold and pastel hues to balance the homeowners’ contrasting colour preferences – one of them likes stronger tones, while the other likes more soothing hues,” say the designers. Against a clean and clutter-free backdrop, the home features a few key pieces…

WHO A couple in their 30s HOME Three-bedroom condominium apartment in Sunset Way SIZE 1,500sqf When the homeowners of this apartment – a social-media entrepreneur and a fashion designer – approached Terence Neo of Eightytwo to design their home, they had two requests: A look that will stand the test of time, and space to showcase their ever-growing collection of collectibles. The result was a wood-and-white Scandinavian-style home accented with unique textures. “The young, trendy couple also cook and entertain often. We transformed the dark and stuffy home – which did not look and feel like 1,500sqf – into an airy, personal den that suits their lifestyle,” says Terence, who totalled the renovation cost to $130,000. Here’s what the couple and interior design team did to achieve this modern and…

Zojirushi A Made-in-Japan model, this Zojirushi rice cooker is ahead of its game not only with its induction heating and multi-pressure system, but also its state-of-the-art platinum coating pan. The platinum micro-particles of the pan is said to alkalize water upon contact, which alters the structure of the rice protein to release the natural sweetness of rice, producing better tasting rice. Fact or fiction, you ask? You’ll have to try it to decide. The 1L Zojirushi NP-HRQ10/18 retails for $888 and the 1.5L retails at $988 at Tangs. Visit www.zojirushi.sg  for more details. Cuckoo The current most popular brand of rice cookers in Korea, Cuckoo’s induction pressure multi-cooker is a heavyweight in its category. The 1.8L made-in-Korea cooker comes with 14 preset modes for easy cooking of anything…

This tasteful home in Hougang belongs to a family of four that favours a modern look. Tasked with the rejuvenation of this 1,453sqf five-room HDB flat, the team at Renaissance Planners & Designers focused on how the home can exude an open yet warm ambience, and still be a practical living space. The renovation cost $100,000, and includes the reconfiguration of the flat’s layout. To create a bright and airy atmosphere, the store room between the dining and living rooms – this part of the home gets lots of natural sunlight – was hacked away to make space for a bar counter. For a timeless look, an earthy palette was used for the apartment, from the spray-painted white joinery and Canadian walnut-clad open shelves to the fabric feature wall in…

Bargain hunters no longer need to wait for the Great Singapore Sale to score fantastic deals. Slashed prices – for small appliances like toasters and food steamers to white goods such as washers and refrigerators – are aplenty at the Harvey Norman Factory Outlet. Don’t just expect display or defected products, either. The two-storey 38,500sqf space situated just a 10-minute walk away from Bedok Mall also houses brand-new discontinued models, overstock sets due to global bulk purchases, as well as products ordered exclusively for the factory outlets. There’s so much to see, yet the space is easy to navigate. If you’re looking for kitchen appliances and electrical goods, expect brands like Cornell, Tefal, Sony, Electrolux and LG. There is also an extensive range of Italy- and Germany-designed furniture, such as…

The kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s where we spend a significant amount of time preparing meals for our loved ones, so make sure you deck it out with the right tools and tableware. Japanese lifestyle store Muji is well-loved for its expansive range of minimalist yet stylish furniture, furnishings, clothing, travel accessories, as well as kitchenware. Developed with a user-centric philosophy in mind, you’ll never have to worry about complicated features or functions. The fuss-free designs are not only beautiful to behold, but they also feel great in the hand and are easy to use. Take for example, the stainless steel kettle, which comes in 1.1- and 2-litre options. Shaped with a broad base and stout body, these features maximise heat efficiency and bring water to…

Barbecues are a joy to organise, but a chore to clean up after the food has been prepared. Furthermore, there’s always the risk of all your hard work going to waste because of the weather. Don’t let rain dampen your spirit, because there’s a solution to this. With Philips’ latest Avance smoke-less indoor grill, you can enjoy tasty, evenly grilled food without worrying about smoke emissions. The two-part appliance — comprising the grid and grease tray designed for fuss-free setup — comes with advanced infrared heat technology that results in up to 80-percent less smoke emission. You don’t have to worry about oil splatters either, as the design ensures that there is minimal side splattering. This also means that the area around the grill will remain clean, so you can…

WHO A couple in their 40s HOME A three-bedroom condominium in East Coast SIZE 2,239sqf New Zealander Richard Lee and his Singaporean wife, Priscilla Chong, bought this four-bedroom condominium in its original condition back in 2015. “It was over 30 years old and showing its age. The interior layout was very compartmentalised and closed-in, and it did not take advantage of the sea view or the spacious balcony,” says Richard. The couple’s initial reaction was that they needed to open up the spaces to maximise views, allow more natural light into the apartment and to enhance cross-ventilation. They started with a conceptual drawing of what they wanted and passed it on to Victor Ting, design director of The Carpenter’s Workshop. “Richard and Priscilla were very clear that they wanted the…

W H O A family of six HOME Three-bedroom condominium apartment near Redhill SIZE 1,765sqf A well-designed home is one with a space that’s been used efficiently, no matter its size. This 1,765sqf apartment, home to a couple with two young boys and grandparents, is one example. What was previously spacious but lacked character was transformed into a modern resort-inspired home that not only facilitates family bonding, but is a conducive space for working at home as well. “We toyed with the idea of a light-hued, Scandi-inspired home, but this slowly evolved into a darker palette with more personalisation. Many features were also rooted in the homeowners’ need for storage.” “We toyed with the idea of a light-hued, Scandi-inspired home, but this slowly evolved into a darker palette with more…

Once stereotyped to be the home of retirees and less well-off families, two-room flats have been gaining popularity in recent years among singles. This growing trend rode on the back of the government’s relaxed rules since July 2013 to allow singles to purchase new two-room Flexi Build-To-Order (BTO) flats from the Housing Board. Previously, they could only buy flats from the more expensive resale market, though they were not restricted to the flat type. In 2016, new two-room flats were so well received among singles aged between 35 and 54, that 6.6 singles vied for every flat available for booking. In comparison, the total application rate for families, the elderly and singles, was only 2.7 per flat. This resulted in many single applicants having “to try several times before they…