Crisp Air, Cozy Vibes, and Pumpkin Spice Dreams! Home & Decor's October 2023 Blazes with Autumn Magic ✨
Welcome, fellow fall fanatics! Home & Decor's October 2023 issue invites you to unwrap the season's golden charm and transform your home into a haven of cozy colors, crackling fires, and pumpkin spice joy! Get ready for:
Autumnal Palette Explosion: Embrace the season's rich hues with sun-kissed yellows, vibrant oranges, and deep reds that paint your home with warmth and vibrancy.
Sweater Weather Wonderland: Cuddle up in comfort with plush throws, chunky knits, and inviting textures that make staying in the ultimate indulgence.
Harvest Feast Fix: From scrumptious apple pies to hearty pumpkin chilis, discover delectable recipes and harvest-inspired tablescapes that celebrate the season's bounty.
DIY Pumpkin Patch: Get crafty with charming pumpkin decorations, whimsical centerpieces, and family-friendly DIY projects that add a touch of personal magic to your fall décor.
Bonfire Bliss & Starry Nights: Gather around the crackling campfire with cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and spooky stories that evoke the magic of autumn evenings under a star-studded sky.
Home & Decor: October 2023 is your passport to a season of cozy delights and autumnal adventures. Get ready to light the candles, bake the cookies, and embrace the simple pleasures of fall!
1. THE BATHROOM EDITION
S$6.00
OCT 2023
HOMEANDDECOR.COM.SG
ZERO TO
HERO:
HOW THIS
SELF-TRAINED
DESIGNER
BECAME ONE
OF SG’S TOP IDS
PROPERTY
Are the
new HDB
entitlements
for singles
good enough?
WHY THESE 10 BATHROOM
TRENDS ARE IN DEMAND
WATER HEATERS: HOW TO CHOOSE
AND HOW MUCH THEY COST
HOW TO ADD SENSUALITY TO YOUR
SPACE WITH THE RIGHT FIXTURES
YOUR PERSONAL
RETREAT
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in the magazine? Drop us a message on
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4.
5. 2
SHOPPING
26
GREAT BUYS
Our monthly round-
up of the hottest new
design products
for the home.
NEW STORE
32
SAPPHIRE
WINDOWS
HEADQUARTERS
AND SHOWROOM
The factory ware-
house is transformed
into an elevated,
grand and stunning
showroom space,
along with the Experi-
ential Centre situated
on Level four.
HOT SPOT
36
GLOW BY
SUPERNATURE
A refreshing
and immersive
retail and dining
experience for
daily health and
wellbeing needs.
26
O C T O B E R
CONTENTS
FEATURES
S P E C I AL C OV E R A G E F O R
T H I S D E S I G N E D I T I O N
10
STEAMY HOT
SHOWER
A water heater is
an essential fixture
in every home that
supplies hot water to
the showerhead and
beyond. Take a look
at the must-have
water heater options
for your home.
16
ON-TREND OPTIONS
TO CONSIDER
Small as it may be
when compared
to the rest of the
home, the bathroom
deserves pride of
place because it is
one place you can
truly be on your own.
So why not make it
look spectacular with
these touches.
24
UNWIND IN
SOPHISTICATION
In the unending chaos
of our fast-paced
world, the bathroom
assumes its rightful
place as a sanctuary
for serenity. Here are
some things you can
do to transform your
sanctuary of peace.
6. 3
DESIGN
I D E A S AN D I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M
T H O S E I N T H E K N OW
48
VOICES
Designer Karyn
Lim recounts her
experience of
creating the So
Plast!c collection
for the Designers &
Crafters Edition 01
showcase co-curated
by Industry+ and Sol
Luminaire.
50
PROPERTY
What are the updates
to HDB’s entitlements
for single homeowners
following the National
Day Rally message,
and how is it going
to affect the singles
looking to purchase
BTOs or resale flats?
39
A DESIGNER’S
INTUITION
Self-taught interior
designer and founder
of Wolf Woof,
Carmen Tang tackles
unconventional design
briefs with imagination,
exploration and
perceptiveness to
bring out clients’
personalities in her
projects.
PEOPLE
44
BUILDING SPACES,
RELATIONSHIPS,
AND TRUST
Adrian Heng of
Space One ID talks
design evolution, his
experiences in the
industry, and the home
that sparked his love
for interior design.
07
EDITOR’S NOTE
08
H&D.COM.SG
31
LIVING
116
FINISHING NOTE
39
Doing It MyWay
Carmen Tang’s fresh
approach to interior
design is gaining her a
cult following.
48
16
7. 4
54
LANDED
ASPIRATIONS
With the appropriate
architectural design
and construction
approach, it is possible
to build a landed
home on a modest
budget.
64
HOME IN HARMONY
The architecture of
this home seamlessly
marries modern
Asian tropical design
with feng shui
requirements.
74
ROOMS FOR
GROWTH
Smart lighting,
minimalist material
palette and clever
spatial tweaks
come together to
create a cosy home
with thoughtful
considerations for the
future.
84
CITY LOFT
This bachelor pad
feels like a Manhattan
loft with its high
ceiling, dark colour
palette and a slight
industrial edge.
92
FINDING BALANCE
Stephanie Er of cross-
disciplinary design
firm Cream Pie mixes
industrial and warm
touches in this walk-
up apartment.
100
COOL VIBE IN
MANHATTAN
Rising interior
designer Matt McKay
shares with Karine
Monie how he drew
inspiration from the
1960s and French
design to create
this apartment in
Manhattan’s West
Village.
108
CITY VIBES
Working with a
compact footprint
and a dark colour
palette are no mean
feat, but interior
designer, Svetlana
Herzen, managed
to create an interior
from which the owner
can witness the
unfolding of bustling
city life. Lynn Tan
finds out how she
pulled it off.
HOMES
B E A U T I F U L I N T E R I O R S
O C T O B E R
CONTENTS
on the
cover
16
A bold colour choice and
clever lighting
adds drama to this
powder room.
PHOTO
THE COLLECTIVE DESIGNS
84
8. WC8056S
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9. OPERATIONS
MANAGER
Lim Kim Yim
(limky@sph.com.sg)
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OFFICER
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HEAD, CORPORATE
MARKETING &
COMMUNICATIONS
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HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES
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EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
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6
10. EDITOR’S NOTE
LET’S GET PERSONAL
The bathroom, to me, is a
sacred space. It is where I go
to if I need to clean my body
and also to clear my mind.
Growing up in a family with
three boys, I noticed how
my mother would retreat
to the bathroom everytime
she was stressed out by the
children. The amount of time
she spent in there would be
proportionate to her level
of distress. Once, when all
three of us failed our subjects
in school, she locked herself
in the master bathroom
for the entire evening.
No one really believes
that bathrooms are nothing
more than a place to get our
business done or for grabbing
a quick shower anymore. The
bathroom has taken a pride
of place for many, especially
since it’s a small space where
ūäÚÁĢÁƅĩŅàőĩʼnłěŖŅúäÁ
little bit more just to make it
look and feel better. Likewise,
bathroom designs have evolved
őĩŅäƉäÚőőĂäàĆƅäŅäĢőŅĩěäʼnĆő
plays in our modern lifestyle.
I like to treat my daily
bathroom visits like quick
stops to my own in-house
spa. There’s a waterproof
speaker in there, connected
to my Spotify playlist, as
well as my favourite scent
àĆƅŖʼnäŅ͡ĢäŰőőĩġűʼnőÁʼnĂĩù
soap, to help calm me down.
I keep a stack of rolled up
handtowels by my sink too, to
add to that pampering feel.
Living in a time that is
moving at lightning speed, and
we are constantly rushing to
go somewhere or get things
done, spending quality time
with ourselves in the bathroom
is perhaps the one form of
ěŖŰŖŅűőĂÁőūäÚÁĢőŅŖěű
provide ourselves. So go take
a long bath, or buy that pricey
shower gel you love so much,
because at the end of the day,
you know you are worth it.
YOUNG LIM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF photography
ANGELA
GUO
art
direction
NONIE
CHEN
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13. FEATURE
GETTING HOT IN HERE
ūÁőäŅĂäÁőäŅĆʼnÁĢäʼnʼnäĢőĆÁěƈŰőŖŅäĆĢäŪäŅűĂĩġä͡ūĂĆÚĂ
ʼnŖłłěĆäʼnĂĩőūÁőäŅőĩőĂäʼnĂĩūäŅĂäÁàÁĢàÙäűĩĢà͠ÁėäÁěĩĩė
ÁőőĂäġŖʼnőͿĂÁŪäūÁőäŅĂäÁőäŅĩłőĆĩĢʼnùĩŅűĩŖŅĂĩġä͠
10
19. FEATURE
16
ga΅ƒ'a#
g€Hga‡g
ga‡H#'ƒ
Small as it may be when compared
to the rest of the home, the
bathroom deserves pride of place
because it is one place you can truly
be on your own. So why not make it
look spectacular with these touches.
20. TWO-TONED WALLS
Having two contrasting colours
on the walls help to make the
bathroom feel more expansive.
They also add a sense of
propotion to the space.
DESIGN
THREE-D
CONCEPTWERKE
MOVING THE SINK OUT
While the use of wood cabinetry
may not be recommended in the
bathroom because of the high
humidity, they are great if you
have a sink area located outside.
DESIGN
OVON
DESIGN
DESIGN
PIU
TRY USING
WALLCOVERINGS
Thanks to advancements in
wallpaper development, some
are made to withstand the
moisture in a bath area.
This bathroom’s
timber-effect
tiles are
perfect with
the exuberant
Green Monstera
wallpaper from
Hello Circus.
17
21. DESIGN
IJIMMY
TAY
STUDIO
A SCREED CONCRETE
COUNTER
Instead of tiles or stone, consider
giving your bathroom an industrial
feel by using screed concrete.
The greyish colour provides the
perfect backdrop for showcasing a
beautiful porcelain sink or stylish
ÚĂŅĩġäƈŰőŖŅäʼn͠
This master
bathroom looks
spacious and
inviting, thanks
to the space-
saving design
and quirky
ornaments.
18
22. CHOOSE UNIQUE
FLOORING
If you are the prudent
sort and want to keep the
walls simply done up, try
ĆĢĔäÚőĆĢúʼnĩġäƉÁĆŅĩĢőĩ
őĂäƉĩĩŅĩùőĂäÙÁőĂŅĩĩġ
instead. There are many
àĆƅäŅäĢőőűłäʼnĩùőĆěä
designs available now, so
the essential thing is to
decide what sort of look
you want. Peranakan-
inspired motif tiles are
ideal in our local context,
and becomes an homage to
the culture too.
DESIGN
THE
COTTAGE
CRAFTS
MORE HOMEOWNERS ARE NOW SPENDING
MORE WHEN RENOVATING THE BATHROOM,
BECAUSE THEY SEE IT AS A SPACE FOR
RELAXATION AND SERENITY.
The original
bathroom was
too small, the
homeowners
enlarged it to
include room
for his-and-
hers sinks
and a wide
dressing area.
SUBTLE STORAGE
Don’t want your daily essentials
strewn all over the bathroom
counter? Remember to create
some bult-in storage shelves
on the sides for your bottles
of cream or toothpaste and
mouthwash. Having these
open shelving units at eye level
ĂäěłʼnőĩĩƅäŅäÁʼnűÁÚÚäʼnʼnőĩ
everything you need, while
also ensuring you don’t end
up leaving them unused in the
back of the drawer. The higher
levels also make for a great
display area for a nice picture
or beautifully framed postcard.
DESIGN
LAANK
19
23. CHOOSE A FOCAL
POINT
ZäőΎʼnÙäĂĩĢäʼnő͡ĆőĆʼnàĆƆÚŖěő
to create a focal point in the
bathroom because of its size and,
well, the fact that most of the
items in the area tend to be more
utilitarian instead of fancy. That’s
why we suggest paying just a bit
more attention to the design of
the bathroom sink. A unique sink
can anchor the entire look of the
space, so choose wisely.
DO AWAY WITH
DOORS
Don’t want to close your
bathroom up? Simply
replace the traditional swing
door with a sliding version
in clear or frosted glass.
Sliding doors are great for
master bathrooms, as they
tend to open directly into
the bedroom or walk-in
wardrobe area.
DESIGN
SK66
CARPENTRY
An ornate
basin in the
powder room
adjacent to
the kitchen
serves as a
focal point.
20
24. OPEN BATHROOMS ARE IN
This may not be advisable for the common
ÙÁőĂŅĩĩġ͡ÙŖőőĂäŅäĆʼnàäƈĢĆőäěűÁőŅäĢà
of homeowners opting to use clear glass
panels to open up an en-suite bathroom. The
úŅäÁőäʼnőÙäĢäƈőùĩŅőĂĆʼnūĩŖěàÙäőĩÁěěĩū
ġĩŅäěĆúĂőĆĢőĩőĂäÚěĩʼnäàͿĩƅʼnłÁÚä͡ġÁėĆĢú
it look less like a cubicle. Those who still
prefer a certain level of privacy can consider
frosted glass instead.
This ensuite
bathroom
has a clear
glass wall,
making the
whole room
feel larger and
inviting.
DESIGN
THE
COLLECTIVE
DESIGNS
DESIGN
PETER
OW
21
25. DESIGN
STUDIO
ZYNC
The bright
and airy
bathroom is the
homeowner’s
favourite space,
who shopped
for the antique-
style toilets
and brass
shower fittings
at a bathroom
warehouse.
FANCY TILE PATTERNS
ĆěäàäʼnĆúĢʼnÁŅäőÁėĆĢúĩĢàĆƅäŅäĢő
shapes these days, and it’s easy
őĩƈĢàĩĢőĂÁőÚŅäÁőäʼnÁŖĢĆńŖä
pattern on the walls. If you are bold
äĢĩŖúĂ͡úäőÁàĆƅäŅäĢőĩĢäőĩěÁű
ĩŪäŅőĂäƉĩĩŅőĩĩ͠
22
26. COMPLETE WHITEOUT
There’s nothing wrong in
preferring to stay with a
conventional white-themed
bathroom. What you can do
őĩġÁėäĆőěĩĩėàĆƅäŅäĢőĆʼnÙű
replacing small white tiles, with
large-slab marble or marble-look
panels. The fewer grout lines
the better. This can dramatically
change the feel of the space. Also
think about the type of lighting
to use. Instead of a ceiling
mounted light, create an intimate
atmosphere with a low-hanging
pendant or concealed lighting.
DESIGN
SPACE
SENSE
The bedroom
features a
cantilevered
bed and
nightstands.
The centrepiece
of the room
is the curving
acrylic
bathroom door.
SENSUAL CURVES
As a follow-on to the use of glass panels mentioned
earlier, you can also consider using acrylic to
create a dramatic curved wall with a curved sliding
àĩĩŅőĩÚěĩʼnäĩƅőĂäÚĩŅĢäŅĩùőĂäŅĩĩġūĂäŅä
the bathroom is situated. Doing this allows you
to create a secondary space where the sink can
be moved to, giving you more space in the actual
bathroom. It is a tad more complicated and we’d
advise getting the help of an ID if you are interested
őĂĩŖúĂ͡ÙŖőőĂĆʼnūĩŖěàÙäÁőäŅŅĆƈÚěĩĩėùĩŅÁĂĩġä
with lots of industrial-elements in its interior
design.
DESIGN
DESMOND
LEONG
With several
bath tub
brands
offering HDB-
sized tubs in
free standing
options,
they are
fast gaining
popularity
among
apartment
owners here.
text YOUNG LIM concept NONIE CHEN
23
27. FEATURE
UNWIND IN
SOPHISTICATION
In the unending chaos of our fast-paced
world, the bathroom assumes its rightful
place as a sanctuary for serenity.
Imagine an escape from the disruptive, demanding toils of our world. A quiet,
őŅÁĢńŖĆěĩÁʼnĆʼn͡ūĂäŅäĩĢäÚÁĢʼnäőőěäĆĢÁőőĂääĢàĩùőĂäàÁűÁĢàƈĢàŅäłŅĆäŪä
from all the noise seeking your attention. A place to simply be.
More and more in our modern world, that place is the bathroom.
€ÁűĆĢúĂĩġÁúäőĩőĂäʼnĆúĢĆƈÚÁĢÚäĩùőĂäÙÁőĂŅĩĩġĆĢĩŖŅĂĩġäʼnÁĢà
lives today, designers are returning to organic shapes and forms. Ergonomic
designs that can withstand the test of time are the currency of today, lending
themselves to spaces that are comfortable, peaceful, and simple. These
designs endure - but even moreso, provide much-needed relaxation to the
everyday homeowner in want of a moment to themselves. Understanding
this, premium sanitaryware brand Rigel is on a mission to provide
ĂĩġäĩūĢäŅʼnūĆőĂÙÁőĂŅĩĩġƈőőĆĢúʼnőĂÁőÁŅäÁʼnʼnőűěĆʼnĂÁʼnőĂäűÁŅäùŖĢÚőĆĩĢÁě͠
Simplicity That Soothes
Maximalism may pop in a photo, but the human
eye much prefers the simplicity of organic shapes
and textures. Of late, calming designs and colours
have proven popular among homeowners, who
ĂÁŪäőĆġäÁĢàÁúÁĆĢĩłőäàùĩŅƈŰőŖŅäʼnőĂÁőÙěäĢà
seamlessly with their bathroom’s overall look. The
goal is to keep things clutter-free and easy to use,
thus promoting a sense of harmony. As Queer
Eye Interior Design guru Bobby Berk once said,
“Coming home to a tidy, pulled-together space will
help everything in your life feel the same way.”
Providing style and sophistication to any
bathroom in need of Zen, Rigel’s Stellar 3.0 Shower
Set combines high-quality materials with modern
design. Available in gunmetal and chrome shades
ūĆőĂÁőäġłäŅäàúěÁʼnʼnƈĢĆʼnĂ͡őĂĆʼnʼnĆġłěĆʼnőĆÚ͡ÁĢà
yet quietly luxurious set comes with a concealed
rain shower system that will set the scene for all
your relaxation needs.
Rigel’s Stellar
3.0 Shower Set
is captivating
yet subdued
and stylish at
the same time.
24
29. THE DISPENSARY
1. 2. TVÅLSJÖN
3-piece bathroom
set, DRAGAN Soap
dispenser, both at
$12.90, Ikea, www.ikea.
com
3. 6. ReNew soap
dispenser, $ 36.05;
Alfredo soap dispenser,
350ml, stainless steel,
$80.55, from www.
finnishdesignshop.com
4. 5. Simplehuman
Sensor 9oz soap pump
rechargeable, $140;
Penguin soap pump,
$19.90, both from www.
hipvan.com
5
The Aura Modular Sofa starts from $2,890.
Visit kingliving.com.sg for more information,
or experience it live at King Living’s Alexandra,
Kallang, or King Outlet Showrooms.
Captivating in its organic curves and
contemporary approach to living spaces,
the Aura sofa is a stunning new piece in
King Living’s collection of modular pieces. A
modern reinterpretation of classic modular
sofas, it invites relaxation from every angle,
assuredly delightful for fashion and art
enthusiasts both. By its very design, the
piece perfectly adapts to individual lifestyles,
growing as people, families, and homes do -
with endless possibilities for evolving spaces.
FIT FOR A KING
Less is more when it comes to styling
the bathroom counter, so do away
with the mess and just have one or
two essential items, such as these
smart dispensers, to help give your
bathroom that sharp, edgy look.
TRENDING
1
2
4
3
6
26
30. An exhibition by Sol Luminaire x
Industry+, Designers Crafters Edition
01 is a celebration of Singapore’s many
innovative designers and crafters who
push the boundaries across various
disciplines. Held recently at Galerie
5, the unique collection set the stage
for the unveiling of new design and
furniture collectibles, such as these
low tables from Mike Lim, principal
designer of DP Design. Mike’s design
philosophy on considerations of the
human experience of space led to the
creation of the tables, which are made
of off-cut industrial stone materials
and point towards the need to take
sustainability seriously.
THE MAGICAL
WORLD OF
SWAROVSKI
Celebrating 100 years
of Disney, Swarovski has
unveiled new offerings for
their Disney100 x Swarovski
collection. Strikingly
captured in Aurora Borealis
crystal, Disney’s beloved trio
of Mickey Mouse, Donald
Duck, and Minnie Mouse
feature prominently imbued
glitter and glitz, ready to
light up your home. And, to
mark the coming holiday
season: An advent calendar
and a dazzling Limited
Edition piece featuring
Mickey, Minnie, Donald,
Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto,
crafted with 41,200 handset
crystals in a stunning display
of seasonal wonder.
The Disney100 x Swarovski
figurines retail at $680 each ($1,800
for the full set) and are available from
Swarovski.com and selected stores.
EDITOR’S
CHOICE
DESIGN ACROSS
DISCIPLINES
The Designers Crafters Edition 01 exhibition has ended
but you can still contact Galerie 5 at 6610-7221 for pricing and
availability of Mike’s tables.
27
31. DELIGHTFUL
DEBUT
Danish design house Skagerak by Fritz
Hansen is now available at W. Atelier’s
Fritz Hansen lounge. Having debuted in
August of this year, the brand’s curated
collections of outdoor and indoor
pieces beautifully capture the creative
visions and philosophies of both Fritz
Hansen and Skagerak - functionality
married with aesthetics and authentic
Scandinavian heritage. Elevate your
home with furnishings from armchairs
to storage options, all bearing the
mark of luxury-touched minimalism,
versatility, and excellent, timeless
craftsmanship.
For more information, visit watelier.com.
You can also experience the collection in-
store at W.Atelier’s Fritz Hansen Lounge on
315 Outram Road.
28
32. DIRT, DUST, DEEBOT X2 OMNI
Leading home service robotics manufacturer
ECOVACS has launched their brand new flagship
robotic vacuum cleaner. The DEEBOT X2 OMNI
may be a square, but it’s sure to liven up your home
cleaning experience. With up to 99.77 per cent edge
coverage, this little powerhouse excels in covering
hard-to-reach areas with its powerful suction, 15mm
auto-lift clearance, and an OZMOTM Turbo 2.0
Mopping System for thorough cleaning. Intelligence
incarnate, it is equipped with AI, advanced sensors,
and machine learning to adapt to changing home
environments - making it the spring cleaning
companion of your dreams.
The DEEBOT X2 OMNI retails at $1,699 and can be found at COURTS
and on ECOVACS’ official online stores.
The Phonos Engine
series is available
at Royal Selangor
stores, authorised
dealers, and online at
royalselangor.com.
SLEEK AND STYLISH SOUND
New in Royal Selangor’s Phonos
’ÐÂÂœ’é°ÐÉЦâÐîɘ†ÈÛ°ĝœÞâʣ霑ކɘ
new Engine series boasts sound, with
style! With an inbuilt ABS sound engine,
pewter structure, and acrylic ribs, the
Âœ†Þa°Âéɧ°ÉœÈÛ°ĝœÞÛÞÐù°˜œâ
ÛÐúœÞ¦î†ÈÛ°ĝ’†é°ÐÉÐùœÞ†ú°˜œÞ†É§œ
of frequencies without involving fussy
cables or batteries. Its design draws
inspiration from Modernist architecture,
here imagined with clear acrylic slabs
that are carefully spaced to reveal a
‘œâÛпœ†ÈÛ°ĝ’†é°ÐÉ’†È‘œÞé†é
ÛÞÐù°˜œâÐÛé°ÈîÈâÐîɘ†ÈÛ°ĝ’†é°ÐÉʨ
The Dyson Big+Quiet
Formaldehyde (Bright
Nickel/Prussian Blue)
retails at $1,299 ($1399
for Prussian Blue/Gold
variation), and can be
purchased from Dyson’s
online store or from
Dyson Demo Stores.
BIG, BUT QUIET
the Big+Quiet
boasts upgraded
ĝÂéÞ†é°ÐɆɘ
˜Ðî‘œ霆°ÞĞÐúʣ
combining the
brand’s expertise to
provide a powerful
performance. An
enhanced three-
Û†âœĝÂéÞ†é°ÐÉ
system captures
99.95 per cent of
îÂéÞ†ĝɜۆÞé°’Âœâʣ
removes three
times more NO2,
and permanently
Masters of indoor
air quality Dyson
have done it again!
The brand’s latest
launch, the Dyson
SîÞ°ĝœÞ °§˥Uî°œé
Formaldehyde
delivers HEPA
ÛîÞ°ĝœ˜†°Þ°É
large spaces up
to 100 square
metres - and does
it quietly to boot. As
Dyson’s quietest,
and yet most
ÛÐúœÞ¦îÂÛîÞ°ĝœÞʣ
eliminates
formaldehyde,
keeping your home
and loved ones safe
and snug.
29
33. The Dyad Pro Combo retails at $799.90
(normal price) from Roborock’s official
Shopee and Lazada stores.
Recently unveiled at the IFA, the Roborock
Dyad Pro Combo has made its way to
local shores, and is now available for pre-
order! This incredible new offering features
a versatile wet-dry vacuum that easily
converts into a handheld vacuum with
various attachments. With 17,000 Pa suction
power, precise edge cleaning, and automatic
adjustments for cleaning power, water flow,
and cleaning solution dispensing, the Dyad
Pro Combo is all you need for sleek, shiny,
and clean floors all year round.
ROBOROCK OF THE AGES
SHARP’s sensational new SS60
range of refrigerators are designed
to elevate your kitchen experience!
Leveraging cutting-edge J-Tech
Inverter Technology, the side-by-side
fridges (SJ-SS60G-BK and SJSS60E-
DS) boast a generous 599L capacity,
delivering energy efficient and
whisper-quiet temperature control to
guarantee optimum freshness with
every meal. Imbued with revolutionary
Plasmacluster Ion technology, a Multi-
Airflow System, and Express freezing,
these smart fridges provide everything
you need for the ultimate culinary
experience at home.
The Side by Side Fridges SJ-SS60G-BK
SJ-SS60E-DS retail at $2,070 and $1,960
respectively. They’re available from SHARP’s
Cocoro Life store, official Shopee and Lazada
stores, and selected authorised retailers.
FUNKY FRESH
30
34. LIVING
1. 3.
RÅGRUND towel
rack, $85.00;
ALSTERN bath
mat, light grey-
green, $7.90,
both from www.
ikea.com
2. 5. Roll Meo
toilet paper
holder, $19.90;
Lexon Mano
automatic gel
dispenser with
light, dark
green, $119;
both from
https://www.
hipvan.com
1
CHIC TOILETRIES
Elevate your personal cleansing routine
with these stylish additions.
6
3
5
4
2
7
4. 8. Kolo
bucket and ladle,
white by Brita
Flander, $116; Ballo
toilet brush, light
grey, $108, from
https://finnishde-
signshop.com
6. Tomcare toilet
paper holder,
$68.30, from
https://www.
gosupps.com
7. Bathroom Gold
towel rack, $108,
from https://
biglobang.com
8
31
35. NEW STORE
W
ith its bold
philosophy: “Do it
Right, Do it Proud”,
Sapphire Windows is among
the few Singaporean-founded
manufacturing companies
specialising in windows and
doors. What makes it even
rarer, is that the company has
been around since 1989. As part
of its ongoing legacy, Sapphire
Windows recently launched its
new headquarters, which spans
over four levels and a total of
65,000 sq ft.
Located at the top of the
building on level four, Sapphire
SAPPHIRE WINDOWS
HEADQUARTERS AND
SHOWROOM
The former factory warehouse is
transformed into an elevated, grand and
stunning showroom space, along with the
Experiential Centre situated on Level Four.
Windows showroom has an
impressive 10,000 sq ft of space
with double-volume ceiling
height. The company decided
to enlist the help of Singapore’s
celebrity ID, Nikki Hunt, and
her studio Design Intervention
to transform the massive space
into something unforgettable.
In order to achieve a
spectacular effect, Nikki,
the principal of Design
Intervention, and her team
conceptualised a dark and
mysterious tunnel with cove
lighting along the walls and
ceiling to create the Welcome
32
36. ABOVE
Doors and
windows are
designed in an
iconic crystalline
shape that
derives from
the look of the
brand’s logo.
ABOVE RIGHT
The dark and
mysterious
tunnel known
as the Welcome
Vestibule.
good to
know
Sapphire Windows
Headquarters
building has over
four levels spanning
a 65,000 sq ft.
Vestibule, which takes visitors
through the passageway into
the main area. Within the
showroom, you will be able to
fully experience the brilliance
of the spatial design, coupled
with the futuristic yet intimate
theme, centered around
geometrical and angular forms,
derived from the Sapphire
Windows crystalline-shaped
logo and complemented with
the use of iconic sapphire blue
brand colour.
Right at the heart of
the Sapphire Windows
showroom is a huge and
inviting collaborative space
that serves as an area for
events and discussion. Next
to it is the Experience Centre,
which was conceptualised to
highlight the various unique
properties of the brand’s
window products, such as heat
and sound insulation, together
RIGHT
An eye-catching
grand piano
in a refreshing
shade of blue
placed infront
of the Sapphire
Windows logo.
OPPOSITE
An overview of
the impressive
Sapphire
Windows
showroom.
33
37. “OUR CHALLENGE WAS TO
TRANSPORT THE VISITOR
AWAY FROM THE INDUSTRIAL
PARK LOCATION TO A WORLD
OF WONDER AND GLAMOUR”
- NIKKI HUNT
34
38. TOP RIGHT
A conference
room to hold
official business
meetings.
Visit www.sapphire.com.sg for
more information.
with air and water tightness,
through a series of simulated
scenarios and by allowing you
to experience the tangible
differences in person. One
of the rooms is also specially
designed for visitors to test the
strength of the glass window,
by attempting to break it with a
hammer.
“Sapphire Windows offers
a wide range of customisable
window products that have
exceptional insulating
properties against the
elements,” says Sean Liew,
GM of Sapphire Windows.
“With the new showroom we
hope to inspire our visitors
with the diverse array of
sizes and designs achievable
with the use of our windows.
More importantly, I hope
all our guests can feel for
themselves the quality of
our products, including the
premium materials and level of
craftsmanship.”
TOP LEFT
Entertainment
room with a
home theatre
and karaoke.
BELOW
A spacious
lounge furnished
with plush sofa
in a blue hue to
foster an inviting
atmosphere.
TOP
A welcoming
outdoor terrace
space linked to
the bar zone.
BELOW RIGHT
Unique window
design with
repeated use
of the Sapphire
Windows logo.
text JYN TEO photos SAPPHIRE WINDOWS
35
39. HOT SPOT
A refreshing and immersive retail
and dining experience for daily health
and wellbeing needs.
R
ooted in its commitment
to goodness and holistic
living since 2001, organic
and natural product retailer
SuperNature recently opened its
new and refreshed store, Glow at
COMO Dempsey, to provide an
immersive retail and healthful
dining experience. With a bigger
and more vibrant space, Glow
by SuperNature offers a
dedicated retail line stocked
with an extensive range of
all-natural fresh produce and
everyday products, as well as an
exclusive indoor and outdoor
dining areas with an array of
wholesome food options.
In line with the other
concepts within COMO
Dempsey, the brand roped in
A-List female designer Paola
Navone once again for the look
of its interiors.
The 6,500 sq ft space is
brightly-lit and accented with
streams of natural daylight,
which helps to soften the look
of the neutral two-tone walls
and raw concrete flooring.
Punchy accents showcasing
SuperNature’s iconic orange
hue are liberally dosed
around the spaces. As a colour
associated with positivity and
energy, the splashes of orange
creates a cheerful and fresh
atmosphere.
The feature wall on the
back of the Glow counter is
adorned with orange squiggle
wallpaper, coupled with hanging
GLOW BY
SUPERNATURE
36
40. allows you to unwind fully in the
1,000 sq ft lush outdoor garden
decked in patio umbrellas and
solar-powered lamps for the
extra cosy factor in the evenings.
A visit would not be complete
without a stroll around the
retail aisles to explore the
shelves loaded with all sorts
of goodness, from household
essentials and personal care
products, to nutrition needs and
pantry staples.
Visit www.supernature.com.sg
for more information.
TOP
Colourful rattan
chairs in vibrant
orange, blue,
and green
colours.
TOP, LEFT
SuperNature’s
spread of salad,
sandwhiches,
and pastries.
ABOVE
Splashes of
orange on the
feature wall and
hanging lamp in
Glow cafe.
OPPOSITE
An inviting
storefront with
a spread of
wholesome food
behind the glass
display.
woven pendant lamps in orange
accented edges and orange-
coloured illuminated signages.
SuperNature’s spread of
salads, sandwiches, and pastries
is laid out in an appealing
fashion behind the glass display
on the Glow counter, made up
of iridescent mosaic tiles and a
terrazzo countertop.
Walking over to the indoor
dining space, the 32-seater
space is furnished with similar
terrazzo-top tables and bright-
coloured woven chairs. There is
also an al fresco dining area that
text JYN TEO photos SUPERNATURE
good to
know
The Glow counter
sits in the middle
of the 6,500 sq ft
space, creating a
seamless transition
between the retail
and cafe space.
37
41. HERE
FOR YOU
24/7
Find Us Anytime At
www.womensweekly.com.sg
Trends, updates, quick
tips, solutions, #lifehacks,
recipes… we’ve got them
all at your fingertips!
Discover
our newly
redesigned
website that
combines
simplicity and
style for great
reads!
@thesingaporewomensweekly
42. I D E A S AN D I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M T H O S E I N T H E K N O W
A DESIGNER’S
INTUITION
Self-taught interior designer and
founder of Wolf Woof, Carmen Tang
tackles unconventional design briefs
with imagination, exploration and
perceptiveness to bring out clients’
personalities in her projects. When
it comes to beginning her next
interior design project, one thing you
will not see design director of Wolf
Woof Carmen Tang do is to look for
inspiration from other designers.
“I don’t follow designers as I don’t
ú†ÉééБœ°ÉĞîœÉ’œ˜‘ĀâÐÈœé°É§
in particular,” explains Carmen of
her unorthodox approach to creative
ideation. “It’s important to be open
to all kinds of culture and types of
˜œâ°§Éʋ†ÂÂéœâœ°˜œ†âú°ÂÂĝɘ霰Þ
way back into my thought process
when I design.”
photo PHYLLICIA WANG
43. SPOTLIGHT
1
2
F
or the director and
founder of Wolf Woof,
this design approach
that does not rely on finding
inspiration through Pinterest
boards and social media posts,
and the way she interacts with
her clients, is as important
as the final design outcome.
Perceptive of people’s tastes
and personalities, Carmen has
an uncanny ability to take even
the vaguest of client briefs and
distil initial ideas into concepts
and into forms. She recalls
multiple instances where, while
initially puzzled by a strange
or unique design brief, through
continuous conversations with
the clients and the exploration
of how briefs could manifest
themselves into interesting,
personality-driven interiors,
she delivered spaces that were
reflections of their owners’
desires. “I attribute my
intuition and the way I can tell
little things and nuances in my
clients to helping me to design
projects that are uniquely for
them,” Carmen says. “I try
to dig deep in terms of what
clients might or might not like;
sometimes it’s as subtle as
listening to the way they talk
or interpreting the reference
examples that they show me
that helps me to discover who
they are and what they want.”
Unconventional Beginnings
With an unconventional entry
into the world of interior design
(Carmen had initially started
her career as a copywriter-
slash-marketing executive), the
Wolf Woof director describes
her early works as being very
graphic-driven, very bold
and fun. In a similar fashion
2
40
44. to how she took on advertising
campaigns in her previous
career, Carmen adapted the
strategy to interior design
projects that came her way. “I
aim to not do predictable work,”
she elaborates. “So I approached
every project as having one
central visual element that would
then pull the concept together.”
Carmen feels that coming
from a different background
other than interior design has,
in some ways, given her less
constraints in terms of what
she perceived to be possible and
impossible in design. “I wanted
to be the breath of fresh air in
the industry,” recalls Teng. “I
would think of an idea first and
scramble looking for ways to
make it happen.”
1. Carmen is
no stranger to
using interesting
textures in her
project, such
as the artificial
grass pads on the
wall creating the
image of a rabbit
and bear.
2. The designer
worked to create
a unique display
shelf for this
owner’s valuable
collection.
3. Carmen Tang.
4. Giant visuals
are also used
when necessary
to add a pop of
inspiration to the
space.
5. A fountain in
an apartment?
Carmen will tell
you it is definitely
possible.
4
“I’D LOVE TO USE A
LOT OF AUTHENTIC,
VINTAGE STUFF. IT’S
IMPORTANT BECAUSE
WHEN YOU USE OLD
ITEMS, THE FLAVOUR
AND THE CHARM
WILL COME OUT
VERY DIFFERENT.”
5
41
45. With years came an
eventual evolution of her style,
which she jokingly refers to
as being ‘really everywhere’.
“People want you to transform
a home that they can enjoy
for a long time. My aim is to
interpret different styles and
satisfy the client,” says the
designer. Indeed, the biggest
progression in Carmen’s
approach to design is the
greater variety of influences
and an even greater ability
to interpret unconventional
briefs into memorable
interiors. She attests that
though her works are still
bold now, they have slowly
progressed to ooze more
sophistication and are a lot
more varied in style.
Sky is the Limit
With project names like the
Campervan Adventure Theme
Home, Bear Rabbit Home
and Bruce Wayne’s Dark Lair
under her belt, it’s not hard
to see why Carmen does not
play by the rules. She does not
shy away from unique project
briefs, saying that she often
seeks out projects that can put
her in a discomfort zone so
she can challenge herself as a
designer.
True to her character, the
design director’s upcoming
projects give a similar glimpse
of the playfulness and whimsy
that’s become the signature
approach in her projects.
She is currently working
on two projects in the same
development, with both
units having the same exact
brief and a challenge of not
overlapping the same ideas
to give each homeowner what
they deserve.
Her dream project brief? “I
want to go full retro,” Carmen
says. “’I’d love to use a lot of
authentic, vintage stuff. It’s
important because when you
use old items, the flavour
and the charm will come out
very different.”
The Bear and Rabbit Home
Communication plays an
important part in all of Carmen
Teng’s projects. Working closely
with the owners of a four-room
HDB BTO flat, Carmen drew
out aspects of the owners’
personalities that inspired the
unique and whimsical décor of
the unit. “The owner seemed
mild and quiet at first, but
through conservations, I found
him to be a very warm guy, like
a bear; while the wife’s Chinese
zodiac sign was a Rabbit, I
6. The artistic
and engaging
displays hint at
Carmen’s former
life in advertising.
7. This bold living
room design
goes against all
conventional
rules, including
having dark walls
and a contrasting
yellow ceiling. Yet
in spite of this,
Carmen made it
come together
harmoniously.
8. Not tied to
any specific
style, Carmen’s
projects range
from Scandi-chic
to full-on fancy.
6
7
8
42
46. text OLHA ROMANIUK photos WOLF WOOF
incorporated both animals
into the feature wall design,”
recalls Carmen.
She used unorthodox
materials and abstracted
shapes for the feature wall,
infilling the shapes of the bear
and the rabbit with artificial
grass – a material that found
its way to be one of the key
accent elements throughout the
house. “Grass and nature take
on different forms throughout
the home and reveal more of
the homeowners’ lifestyle,
like the grass surface to hold
the husband’s bicycle, which
became a prominent display
together with the quotes on
wall in the background,” she
explains.
KEY WORKS
1. ASTRO BOY HOME
Carmen lovingly refers
to the project as the
one ‘that started it all.”
Her first interior design
commission where
she could explore an
unconventional design
brief that led to a unique
concept inspired by the
Japanese animation
character Astroboy
and Belgian comic strip
character Tintin. The
graphically-driven look
against the almost-all-
white backdrop canvas
and the splashes of
yellow encapsulated
the playfulness and
out-of-the-box thinking
that Carmen brought
with her to this project.
Although her very
first commission,
the apartment is a
testament to Carmen’s
bold and daring style
that propelled her to not
to shy away from even
the strangest of design
briefs over the years.
2. THE COLLECTOR’S
DREAM HOME
“Our client loves
robots and has a cool
collection. To give her
the feature wall that a
unique person like her
deserves, we created
a bespoke design that
incorporated both 2D
vinyl sticker and 3D
objects that include
pressure gauges, game
joysticks, digital clock
and battery-operated
wall lights,” describes
Carmen of her whimsical
approach for a home
that defies any definition
of a prescribed style.
She worked closely
with her client and
had literally put the TV
feature wall by piecing
LEGO pieces together
to form the shape of
a game console in the
living room. “I remain
extremely proud of this
one-of-its-kind feature
as it is never before
done (or at least it’s
an original idea from
my end) and it remains
refreshingly unique till
this day,” says Carmen.
3. CAMPERVAN
ADVENTURE THEME
HOME
A clever play on the
client’s name as well
as the overall design
approach to a home
for couple who likes
to travel, this project
incorporated an
adventure theme to tie
all the spaces together.
Thus, for the central
feature element for the
living room, Carmen
designed a graphic
campervan feature
surrounded by topical
props that reflected the
owners’ love for travel.
“You can see the strong
graphic influence in
this project with all
my bespoke artworks
and concept,” says
Carmen, referencing
her background
in advertising and
branding.
4. BRUCE WAYNE’S
DARK LAIR
One of the most fun
briefs that Carmen
recalls working on was
a project inspired by
Bruce Wayne’s house.
The brief called for
a dark and moody
enclave influenced
by the setting of the
Batman films, minus
the bat mobile. The
challenge for her was
to create a feeling
of grandeur and
exclusivity in a space
of a limited size, which
she achieved with dark
materials, reflective
accents, moody
lighting and plenty of
bespoke elements, like
the mesmerising table
integrated with a head
of a horse. Batman
himself would be proud!
1
2
4
43
47. PEOPLE
BUILDING SPACES,
RELATIONSHIPS,
AND TRUST
Adrian Heng of Space One ID talks design
evolution, his experiences in the industry, and the
home that sparked his love for interior design.
1
A
drian Heng is a man with
an impressive creative
history.
As a boy, Adrian’s parents
enrolled him in art classes,
sparking a lifelong interest in
design whilst simultaneously
expanding the horizons of
his boundless imagination.
Art would remain a constant
companion throughout the
formative years of his childhood,
later imbuing his teenage years
with a zest for design. “As I
progressed through secondary
school, I enrolled in a technical
class focusing on wood-
working, with metal and plastic
workshops. We also had to do
simple technical drawings.”
Adrian recalls. “I guess those
classes became the foundation
for my design work.”
This foundation would
certainly come in handy through
Adrian’s journey in design. After
completing his O-Levels, he took
an aptitude test at the Nanyang
Academy of Fine Arts, and soon
found himself enrolled in an
Interior Design diploma course.
“Through the years, I’ve found
delivering timeless, beautiful,
and stylish homes to my clients
to be extremely rewarding.”
Inspired Awakenings
Around the age of 10, Adrian
had a serendipitous visit to a
ĢäĆúĂÙĩŖŅΎʼnƉÁő͠ƒäÚÁěěĆĢúőĂä
beautifully-designed space,
Adrian shares, “I was quite
wowed by the design of their
ƉÁő͡ÁĢàʼnäÚŅäőěűūĆʼnĂäàőĂÁő
I could live in their beautiful
home!” The space in question
had been carefully curated by
őĂäƉÁőĩūĢäŅ͡ūĂĩĂÁàĂĆġʼnäěù
1
44
48. 1. Adrian Heng.
2. Using plush
fabrics and
natural surfaces
is part of Adrian’s
style.
3. In this home,
the open-concept
living and dining
areas are visually
zoned to create
a seamless flow
without the use
of walls.
been an interior designer.
Adrian holds the memory with
particular fondness, often
thinking back to it, and the
space that sparked his lifelong
passion. “Little did I know that
I would become an interior
designer myself.”
Speaking on the beginnings
of Space One ID, Adrian
provides a snapshot into the
gutting realities of many
novice designers. “I worked in
őūĩàĆƅäŅäĢőÚĩġłÁĢĆäʼnÙäùĩŅä
I ventured out on my own,” He
reminisces. “One of my bosses
took credit for my design
works, which were published
in the media.” Despite lacking
seniority in the industry,
Adrian nonetheless mustered
the courage to stand up in the
face of an unfair situation,
soon after striking out on his
own. He jests, “At the time, I
had the mindset that I could
just go back to working for
another company if it didn’t
work out.”
As it turns out, Adrian’s
leap of faith was not in vain.
ūäĢőűƈŪäűäÁŅʼněÁőäŅ͡‡łÁÚä
One ID has more than earned
its rightful place among
Singapore’s established ID
practices. Adrian handles
őĂäÙĩŖőĆńŖäƈŅġūĆőĂĂĆʼn
measured, contemporary
approach to interior aesthetics,
from the initial design work
őĩőĂäƈĢÁěʼnőűěĆĢúÁĢàÚěĆäĢő
unveiling, with plenty of
experience in styling and
staging developer show units
for potential buyers.
Adrian brings this
experience to his day-to-day
design work, drawing strength
from the belief that personal
and food alike. As it stands,
Adrian takes yearly visits to the
world’s largest furniture fair -
the Salone Del Mobile in Milan,
giving him plenty to share - as
well as plenty to learn.
“Walking through the fair
ÁĢàőÁěėĆĢúőĩàĆƅäŅäĢőùŖŅĢĆőŖŅä
houses and top designers gives
me an injection of creativity.”
Adrian believes that exposure
to international design themes
is essential in helping him to
craft his personal design style
- all of which he uses to inspire
touches are key to personalised
spaces. “Having a complete
hands-on approach gives me
the advantage of knowing my
clients well. I can also rectify any
hiccups along the renovation
journey with lightning speed,
instead of having to go to a
site manager and an in-house
design team which may be more
time consuming,” he shares.
Building Spaces, Building
Relationships
Adrian’s rule of building and
maintaining relationships with
his clients extends beyond
the realm of business. The
designer shares that many of his
clients have become his good
friends, even drawing on his
wealth of travel experiences for
recommendations in fashion
ADRIAN’S OWN DESIGN
STYLES HAVE SEEN
THEIR FAIR SHARE OF
EVOLUTION THROUGHOUT
THE YEARS.
2
3
45
49. his projects, and to formulate
content for his YouTube
channel. “Life is a constant
learning curve. New products
and technology are constantly
released in the industry, and
we have to stay abreast of it all
to be relevant, and to progress.
A good designer never stops
learning!”
Indeed, just as life is a
journey of unending lessons
and growth, so too are the
spaces of Adrian’s design. “My
design services don’t end when
the project is complete,” He
shares. “It’s the beginning of
a beautiful friendship.” And
beautiful it is. The interior
designer has had repeat
clients of the same families, all
thoroughly impressed with his
work, personable nature, and
personal touch. “I’ve done a few
clients’ houses and commercial
spaces where their children,
upon growing up, came back to
ġäőĩàäʼnĆúĢőĂäĆŅƈŅʼnőĂĩŖʼnäʼn͠Ό
Creating Homes With
Personality
As a designer, Adrian describes
his style as modern, with a
contemporary and luxurious
feel. He brings these design
sensibilities to his work for
Space One, eschewing passing
microtrends for timeless
elegance, sophistication, clean
ěĆĢäʼn͡ÁĢàěŖŰŖŅĆĩŖʼnƈĢĆʼnĂäʼn͠
“When I design for my clients,
I create styles that they can
continue to love and appreciate
for years to come. They may
even grow the design with
àĆƅäŅäĢőĂĩġäÁÚÚäʼnʼnĩŅĆäʼnÁĢà
ornaments, creating a unique
ÚĂÁŅÁÚőäŅőĂÁőŅäƉäÚőʼnőĂäĆŅ
personalities,” he tells us. “We
don’t follow trends, but instead
focus on creating elegant and
sophisticated homes that can
äƅĩŅőěäʼnʼněűőŅÁĢʼnÚäĢààäʼnĆúĢ
styles that come and go.”
This, Adrian does by
customising furniture and
ʼnĩùőùŖŅĢĆʼnĂĆĢúʼnőĩƈőÁĢű
4. Adrian created
a marble wall to
add impact to
this apartment
space.
5. Modernity
meets classic
lines in this
sophisticated
bedroom.
6. Adrian’s wide
repertoire of
projects range
from the truly
luxurious, to
the modern and
sophisticated.
4
5
46
50. text EMMELYN MAH photos SPACE ONE ID
While his earliest days in design
saw conformity to design trends
and the hottest drops on-scene,
Adrian’s work today tells a
àĆƅäŅäĢőőÁěä͠`űàäʼnĆúĢʼnőűěä
progressed to contemporary
aesthetics, then slowly morphed
into a fusion of modern and
contemporary luxe. In my
opinion, that’s a more timeless
design style.”
His personal evolutions are
in line with his opinion: That
the world of interior design is
a constantly-evolving space.
“Now that I’ve been in the
industry for more than twenty
nine years, I’ve seen my fair
share of design trends come
and go,” He tells us. “Back in
the day, designs were more
embellished, and played on
colours and geometric shapes.
Today, however, interior
design focuses on blending
lifestyle into functionality.”
He chalks this up to the need
to streamline spaces for
comfortable living.
“We’re looking at
intensifying storage
capacity, hiding doors and
spaces, creating continuous
ƉĩūĩùʼnłÁőĆÁěʼnłÁÚäʼn͡
and emphasising human
ergonomics.”
This year’s visit at Salone
Del Mobile 2023 further
cemented his observations.
“Most of the Italian designs
from this year are all about
ÚŖŅŪäʼnÁĢàƉŖĆàĆőű͡ΌDäʼnĂÁŅäʼn͠
“It’s very interesting to see a
change from the linear styles
we’ve been seeing for the past
twenty years.” Adrian also
believes that we’re progressing
into a time of conscious,
sustainable living - in line
with green initiatives that top
design houses and appliance
companies are already
implementing. “As we progress
to more sustainable living,
this keyword is going to be the
main focus in the design arena,
where we source sustainable
building materials and lower
carbon emissions.”
aœSœÉéÐîâœa†éœĝœ˜
Pandemic
Having completed numerous
projects throughout his years
in interior design, Adrian’s
most memorable project was
ÁłäĢőĂĩŖʼnäÁőƒĆŪäŅ¨Áěěäű͠
HőūÁʼnàŖŅĆĢúőĂäg¨H#Ϳ̧̟
pandemic, and so the work
took a lot longer than usual,”
He shares, reminiscing on
the experience. “It was tough
coordinating work during that
time, as many people were
paranoid about infection.”
The experience was made
all the more harrowing,
considering a non-negotiable
timeline in which Adrian’s
client needed to vacate his
current unit and move into his
new, completed home. “The
uncertainty of those times
sent me into a frenzy,” Adrian
chuckles, “I was elated that I
managed to hand over the home
within the stipulated time
frame!” The interior designer
also recalls another memorable
hand over.
“I once had an owner
who cried and hugged me,”
Adrian tells us. “They were
overwhelmed by the unveiling
of their new house. No one
really sees what goes on behind
all the renovation work, nor do
they see the staging at the end
of the project.”
And what a staging
process it is. The interior
designer personally sees to
the lighting, the accessories,
and even the fragrances that
pervade a cosy home.
“The amount of satisfaction
and happiness on the owners’
awed faces when I unveil each
room is priceless. It’s one of the
driving factors that make me
love my job even more,”
he shares. “It’s about them
trusting me, having faith,
and giving me a platform to
perform and showcase my
creativity. I’m very thankful
for that.”
given space. The interior
designer provides this bespoke
service exclusively for his
clients, happily lending his
creative touch and expansive
knowledge of international
design to the cause. “I do get
many calls and emails from
homeowners wanting to
purchase custom pieces when
my works are published in
the media,” He tells us. “It’s
specially done for my clients,
as part of a complete package.”
Ever Evolving Aesthetics
Adrian’s own design styles
have seen their fair share of
evolution throughout the years.
6
47
51. VOICES
S
o Plast!c is a series of
products made from
recycled or upcycled
plastic waste. It is inspired
by the ubiquitous and highly
versatile material, celebrated
as “the material of a thousand
ŖʼnäʼnΌūĂäĢĆőūÁʼnƈŅʼnő
invented in the early 1900s,
associated with styles that
ūäŅäÚĂäÁł͡ƈěġʼnűĩŅùÁėäĆĢ
the 60s, and today, viewed as
a major pollutant and threat
to our environment. So Plast!c
harnesses the potential of
plastic waste to exist as
permanent pieces of design
art for homes and commercial
spaces instead of being
àĆʼnÚÁŅàäàĆĢőĩěÁĢàƈěěʼn͠
So Plast!c small tables are
made from recycled plastic
waste. Recyclable plastics from
ùĩĩàÁĢààŅĆĢėłÁÚėÁúĆĢúÁŅä
collected, sorted, cleaned, and
processed into useable raw
material for the production of
eco-polymer sheets that can be
ŖʼnäàőĩġÁėäĢäūłŅĩàŖÚőʼn͠
Each table is made from
ÁłłŅĩŰĆġÁőäěṳ̋ėúĩùūÁʼnőä͡
which is 2,000 bottle caps!
The small tables are
designed with circularity and
eco-consciousness in mind. The
beauty of plastic is that it can
be re-recycled as long as it has
not been polluted with other
materials, Each table has the
potential to be recycled again at
the end of its lifespan as a table.
Although I highly discourage
it – the process of recycling
consumes energy as well. These
tables are also designed with the
ÁÙĆěĆőűőĩÙäƉÁőͿłÁÚėäàʼnĩőĂäű
occupy minimum space during
transportation.
So Plast!c small tables pay
homage to neoplastic principles
of geometry, asymmetry, and
the use of positive and negative
elements. The compositions
feature horizontal and vertical
lines positioned in layers or
planes that do not intersect;
a characteristic typical to the
movement.
So Plast!c tables are made
using HDPE (high-density
polyethylene) from bottle caps
and PP (polypropylene) from
ùĩĩàÁĢààŅĆĢėłÁÚėÁúĆĢú͠
So Plast!c vessels are
hand-woven from used plastic
grocery bags. They are created
using a craft-driven approach.
Used plastic bags are collected,
cleaned, and converted into
balls of ‘plarn’, or plastic yarn,
which are then crocheted in
geometrical patterns to form
the vessels. The outcome is a
sheer, almost fragile frame that
is frozen in its state.
Each vessel is unique. They
ġĆúĂőÚÁŅŅűġÁŅėʼnĩùÚĩěĩŖŅ
from commercial branding
that was printed on them, and
are often composed from bags
from more than one store.
Raw, organic movements of
plarn contrasts against the
ŅäúŖěÁŅ͡úŅĆàͿěĆėäłÁőőäŅĢʼnĆĢÁ
tension between transience and
permanence.
According to journalist
Ćġ#ĩĢĢäěěű͡ĆĢĂĆʼnÙĩĩė
The Outline, “The average use
lifespan of a plastic bag is all of
about 12 minutes. Then that bag
essentially exists forever: it
ÚÁĢőÁėạ̞̞̈őĩ̟̞̞̞͡űäÁŅʼnőĩ
ÙŅäÁėàĩūĢ͠Ό
This series ponders on
perception and behaviour.
FROM TRASH TO
TREASURE
Designer Karyn Lim
recounts her experience
of creating the So Plast!c
collection for the Designers
Crafters Edition 01
showcase co-curated
by Industry+ and Sol
Luminaire.
1.Recyclable
plastic materials
are painstakingly
sorted, cleaned
and processed
into raw material
for the creation
of Karyn’s tables.
2. Can you tell
from the look of
this table that it
was made with
6kg of waste?
3. The recycled
materials create
interesting
colours and
textures,
thanks to their
former uses.
48
54. D
uring the National
Day Rally held on
August 20, 2023,
Prime Minister Lee Hsien
Loong unveiled fresh
housing initiatives. These
encompassed the replacement
of the mature/non-mature
äʼnőÁőäÚěÁʼnʼnĆƈÚÁőĆĩĢūĆőĂÁ
ŅäŪÁġłäàƉÁőÚÁőäúĩŅĆʼnÁőĆĩĢ
ʼnűʼnőäġ͡äƅĩŅőʼnÁĆġäàÁő
improving the elderly-
friendly aspects of
D#ƉÁőʼnÁĢàĢäĆúĂÙĩŅĂĩĩàʼn͡
and, central to our
àĆʼnÚŖʼnʼnĆĩĢ͡őĂäÙŅĩÁàäĢäà
range of housing options
ÁŪÁĆěÁÙěäőĩʼnĆĢúěäÙŖűäŅʼn͠
S I N G LE S I N S I N GA P O R E
ĂäĢäūùŅÁġäūĩŅė
Standard, Plus, and Prime
ūĆěěÁƅäÚőäŪäŅűĩĢäÙŖűĆĢú
ÁĢäūD#ƉÁő͡ÙŖőőĂäŅäĆʼn
ĩĢäʼnłäÚĆÁěúŅĩŖłHūÁĢőőĩ
address: the singles. More
and more Singaporeans are
ÚĂĩĩʼnĆĢúőĩÙäʼnĆĢúěä͠‡ĆĢúěäʼn
őĩĩĂĩłäőĩĩūĢőĂäĆŅĂĩġäʼn
and have more housing
choices. We hear your
ÚĩĢÚäŅĢʼn͠Ύ€`ZääŅäġÁŅėäà
in his National Day Rally
Speech.
Indeed, the 2021 Marriage
and Parenthood (MP)
‡ŖŅŪäű͡ÚĩĢàŖÚőäàÙäőūääĢ
;äÙŅŖÁŅűÁĢàUŖĢä̠̞̠̟͡
gathered insights from 2,848
single (never-married) and
3,017 married residents of
‡ĆĢúÁłĩŅäÁúäàÙäőūääĢ̠̟
and 45 years old. The survey
ĂĆúĂěĆúĂőäàÁĢĩőäūĩŅőĂű
ƈĢàĆĢú͢ÁʼnŖÙʼnőÁĢőĆÁěłĩŅőĆĩĢ
of single respondents has
never experienced dating
and demonstrates limited
proactive engagement in the
dating scene.
Among the single
łÁŅőĆÚĆłÁĢőʼnūĂĩūäŅäłÁŅő
of the survey, half, or 50%,
ūäŅäĢĩőłŅäʼnäĢőěűĆĢŪĩěŪäàĆĢ
any romantic relationships.
Of this group, 38% had never
engaged in dating activities
ÙäùĩŅä͠
ĂäėäűŅäÁʼnĩĢʼnÚĆőäà
for this trend include a
restricted social circle (58%),
limited opportunities to
encounter potential partners
(57%), and a preference for
a serendipitous approach
to dating (48%). Given these
factors, Prime Minister Lee
DʼnĆäĢZĩĩĢúΎʼnĩÙʼnäŅŪÁőĆĩĢ
during the NDR did not come
as much of a surprise.
CU R R E NT H O U S I N G
O P TI O N S FO R S I N G LE S
őłŅäʼnäĢő͡ĆĢàĆŪĆàŖÁěʼnūĂĩ
ÁŅäƈŅʼnőͿőĆġäÙŖűäŅʼnÁĢà
aged 35 years or older have
őĂäĩłőĆĩĢőĩÁłłěűùĩŅĢäū
̠ͿŅĩĩġ;ěäŰĆƉÁőʼnäŰÚěŖʼnĆŪäěű
in non-mature estates or
łŖŅÚĂÁʼnäŅäʼnÁěäƉÁőʼnĆĢÁĢű
estate, except for those falling
under the PLH model.
Although the regulations
ūäŅäĆġłěäġäĢőäàūĆőĂőĂä
intention of giving priority
to Singapore’s limited
ĂĩŖʼnĆĢúʼnŖłłěű͡ŅäúŅäőőÁÙěű͡
they have constrained the
ĩłőĆĩĢʼnÁŪÁĆěÁÙěäőĩʼnĆĢúěä
individuals.
WH AT DO TH E R E C E NT
C H A N G E S E NTAI L?
ĂäłŅäŅäńŖĆʼnĆőäĩùÙäĆĢúÁ
ƈŅʼnőͿőĆġäĂĩġäÙŖűäŅÁúäà
at least 35 years remains
unchanged for singles
interested in purchasing a
gƉÁőĆĢ‡ĆĢúÁłĩŅä͠”ĢàäŅ
őĂäŅäŪĆʼnäàÚěÁʼnʼnĆƈÚÁőĆĩĢ͡
ńŖÁěĆùűĆĢúƈŅʼnőͿőĆġäʼnĆĢúěä
ÁłłěĆÚÁĢőʼnĢĩūĂÁŪäőĂä
ùĩěěĩūĆĢúĩłőĆĩĢʼn͢
•ĂäűÚÁĢʼnŖÙġĆőÁłłěĆÚÁőĆĩĢʼn
ùĩŅ̠ͿŅĩĩġ;ěäŰĆgƉÁőʼnĆĢ
all areas across Standard, Plus,
and Prime housing projects.
•ĂäűÁŅäÁěěĩūäàőĩ
purchase a Standard or Plus
ƉÁőĩùÁĢűʼnĆŹäͳäŰÚěŖàĆĢú̡äĢ
ƉÁőʼnʹĆĢőĂäŅäʼnÁěäġÁŅėäő͠
•They have the opportunity
to acquire a 2-room Flexi
€ŅĆġäƉÁőĆĢőĂäŅäʼnÁěä
ġÁŅėäő͠
Nonetheless, it’s crucial
to note that although HDB
ƉÁőʼnÁŅäĢĩěĩĢúäŅÚÁőäúĩŅĆʼnäà
as mature or non-mature
äʼnőÁőäʼn͡őĂäűūĆěěĢĩūùÁěěĆĢőĩ
ʼnŖÙÚÁőäúĩŅĆäʼnĩù‡őÁĢàÁŅà͡
€ěŖʼn͡ĩŅ€ŅĆġä͠ĂäùĩěěĩūĆĢú
łŅĩŪĆàäʼnÁÙŅĆäùʼnŖġġÁŅűĩù
these categories:
STANDARD PLUS PRIME
Categories of HDB Flats
ALL LOCATION
Applies to majority
of flats in Singapore
STANDARD
SUBSIDIES APPLIES
STANDARD
RESTRICTIONS
Including 5-year
MOP, whole flat
rental allowed
(subject to
approval), no
income ceiling for
resale buyers.
CHOICE
LOCATIONS WITH
REGION
Near town centres
and transport nodes
e.g. MRTs.
MORE SUBSIDIES
APPLIES
TIGHT
RESTRICTIONS
Including 10-year
MOP (Minimum
Occupancy Period),
subsidy recovery
upon resale (less
than Prime), no
whole flat rental,
some BTO eligiblity
conditions upon
resale applies, e.g.
income ceiling.
CHOICEST AND
MOST CENTRAL
LOCATIONS
E.g. city centre and
surrounding towns,
Great Southern
Waterfront.
MOST SUBSIDIES
APPLIES
TIGHT
RESTRICTIONS
Including 10-year
MOP, subsidy
recovery upon
resale, no whole
flat rental, full BTO
eigiblity conditions
upon resale, income
ceiling of $14K for
families, $7K for
singles.
51
55. Standard Flats denote the
őŅÁàĆőĆĩĢÁěgƉÁőʼnőĂÁő
ĂÁŪäÙääĢÁŪÁĆěÁÙěäŖłőĩĢĩū͠
€ěŖʼn;ěÁőʼnÁŅäʼnÚĂäàŖěäàőĩÙä
introduced in the latter part
ĩù̢̠̞̠͡ūĂĆěä€ŅĆġä;ěÁőʼn
ūäŅäłŅäŪĆĩŖʼněűĆĢőŅĩàŖÚäà
ĆĢ̠̞̠̠͠ĂäŅäÚěÁʼnʼnĆƈÚÁőĆĩĢ
ĆʼnĢĩőŅäőŅĩÁÚőĆŪäÁĢàūĆěě
ĂÁŪäĢĩÙäÁŅĆĢúĩĢĩĢúĩĆĢú
projects, existing residences,
or homes that have already
ÙääĢŅäʼnäŅŪäà͠
C H A N G E S OV E R TH E
Y E A R S
ÙŅĆäùěĩĩėÁőőĂäĂĆʼnőĩŅĆÚÁě
developments aimed at
ÙŅĩÁàäĢĆĢúłŖÙěĆÚĂĩŖʼnĆĢú
ÚĂĩĆÚäʼnùĩŅʼnĆĢúěäʼnÙäúÁĢĆĢ
1991. At that time, singles
Áúäạ̡̀ÁĢàÁÙĩŪäūäŅäÁÙěä
őĩłŖŅÚĂÁʼnäD#ƉÁőʼnĩĢőĂä
ŅäʼnÁěäġÁŅėäő͡ūĆőĂőĂäĆŅ
options restricted to three-
ŅĩĩġĩŅʼnġÁěěäŅƉÁőʼnĆĢ
ʼnłäÚĆƈÚÁŅäÁʼnĆĢĆőĆÁěěű͠ĂĆʼn
ŅäʼnőŅĆÚőĆĩĢūÁʼnʼnŖÙʼnäńŖäĢőěű
expanded to include resale
ƉÁőʼnĩùÁĢűʼnĆŹäĆĢÁĢű
location.
ĂäÚĆŅÚŖġʼnőÁĢÚäūĂäŅä
ʼnĆĢúěäʼnūäŅäĆĢäěĆúĆÙěäőĩ
łŖŅÚĂÁʼnäĢäūD#ƉÁőʼn
remained unaltered until
̡̠̞̟͡ūĂäĢʼnĆĢúěäʼnūäŅä
granted the opportunity to
ÁłłěűùĩŅĢäūőūĩͿŅĩĩġƉÁőʼn
ùŅĩġD#ʼnłäÚĆƈÚÁěěűĆĢĢĩĢͿ
mature estates.
ĂäŅäÚäĢőŅäŪĆʼnĆĩĢ͡ūĂĆÚĂ
eliminates the restriction to
non-mature estates, is certain
to address the concerns
äŰłŅäʼnʼnäàÙűʼnĆĢúěäʼnūĂĩ
have expressed a preference
ùĩŅƉÁőʼnĆĢġÁőŖŅääʼnőÁőäʼnàŖä
to their proximity to their
elderly parents. Although this
ÁàĔŖʼnőġäĢőġÁűĢĩőÁƅäÚőőĂä
ʼnĆŹäĩùőĂäŅäʼnĆàäĢÚäőĂäűÚÁĢ
łŖŅÚĂÁʼnä͡ĆőūĆěěŖĢàäĢĆÁÙěű
expand the array of options
ÁŪÁĆěÁÙěäőĩʼnĆĢúěäʼnÁʼnłĆŅĆĢúőĩ
ÁÚńŖĆŅäőĂäĆŅĩūĢƉÁőʼn͠
When it comes to resale
ƉÁőʼn͡őĂäűĂÁŪäőĂäĩłőĆĩĢőĩ
purchase Standard and Plus
ƉÁőʼn͡ÁʼnūäěěÁʼnőūĩͿŅĩĩġ
€ŅĆġäƉÁőʼn͠
A R E TH E R E A N Y
D R AWBAC K S O R
DOWN S I D E S ?
Despite the recognition of
őĂäŅĆʼnĆĢúĢŖġÙäŅĩùʼnĆĢúěä
individuals in Singapore, it is
ŅäúŅäőőÁÙěäőĂÁőőĂäġĆĢĆġŖġ
age criterion for singles to
ńŖÁěĆùűùĩŅłŖÙěĆÚĂĩŖʼnĆĢú
remains unchanged at 35.
ěőĂĩŖúĂőĂäŅäĂÁʼnÙääĢ
ÁĢĩőÁÙěääŰłÁĢʼnĆĩĢĆĢőĂä
ÁŪÁĆěÁÙĆěĆőűĩùƉÁőʼnÙäÚÁŖʼnä
ĩùőĂäĆĢÚŅäÁʼnäàĢŖġÙäŅĩù
äěĆúĆÙěäěĩÚÁőĆĩĢʼn͡őĂäŅäĂÁŪä
ÙääĢĢĩÁěőäŅÁőĆĩĢʼnőĩőĂä
ʼnĆŹäĩùgƉÁőʼnÁŪÁĆěÁÙěäùĩŅ
łŖŅÚĂÁʼnä͡ūĂĆÚĂÚĩĢőĆĢŖäʼnőĩ
ÙäěĆġĆőäàőĩ̠ͿŅĩĩġƉÁőʼn͠
Younger unmarried
Singaporeans might express
ùŅŖʼnőŅÁőĆĩĢĩŪäŅőĂäĆŅĆĢÁÙĆěĆőű
őĩÙŖűĂĩŖʼnĆĢúàŖäőĩőĂäÁúä
restriction, and some may
also lament the restricted
ʼnĆŹäĩùgƉÁőʼnőĂäűÚÁĢ
łŖŅÚĂÁʼnä͡ūĂĆÚĂÚĩŖěà
ʼnĆúĢĆƈÚÁĢőěűÚĩĢʼnőŅÁĆĢőĂäĆŅ
personal living space.
Nonetheless, as evidenced
ÙűőĂäÁùĩŅäġäĢőĆĩĢäà
ĂĆʼnőĩŅĆÚÁěÚĂÁĢúäʼn͡ūä
ÁĢőĆÚĆłÁőäőĂäłĩʼnʼnĆÙĆěĆőű
of further positive
advancements concerning
housing options for singles in
Singapore.
S I N G LE A P P LI CA NT S
A P P LY I N G FO R A BTO
F L AT
The process of purchasing
ÁĢD#ƉÁőÚÁĢÙä
ĩŪäŅūĂäěġĆĢú͡äʼnłäÚĆÁěěűùĩŅ
ƈŅʼnőͿőĆġäÁłłěĆÚÁĢőʼn͡ÁĢà
even more so for those going
through it independently.
To help simplify the process
ÁĢàłŅĩŪĆàäŪÁěŖÁÙěä
guidance, please refer to the
úŖĆàäÙäěĩū͡ūĂĆÚĂĩŖőěĆĢäʼn
the essential steps and
ÚĩĢʼnĆàäŅÁőĆĩĢʼnūĂäĢűĩŖΎŅäĆĢ
pursuit of your dream home:
•It is imperative to
gain a comprehensive
understanding of the
eligibility criteria, available
ІééĀÛœâʣ†É˜SÐîâ°É§
grants you may apply for
ūĂäőĂäŅűĩŖÁŅäʼnĆĢúěä͡
ūĆàĩūäà͡ĩŅàĆŪĩŅÚäà͡Áúäạ̡̀
ÁĢàÁÙĩŪäÁĢàÁŅääġÙÁŅėĆĢú
ĩĢÁʼnĩěĩƉÁőłŖŅÚĂÁʼnäĩŅūĆőĂ
other singles
•Explore the HDB Flat
Portal for comprehensive
àäőÁĆěʼnĩĢőĂäłŖÙěĆÚʼnÁěäʼn
exercises, including BTO
launches, Sale of Balance
Flats (SBF) exercises, or
ĩłäĢÙĩĩėĆĢúĩùƉÁőʼn͠Ăä
portal provides essential
ĆĢùĩŅġÁőĆĩĢ͡ĆĢÚěŖàĆĢúƉÁő
őűłäʼnÁĢàłŅĆÚĆĢú͡ūĂĆÚĂÚÁĢ
ʼnĆúĢĆƈÚÁĢőěűùÁÚĆěĆőÁőäűĩŖŅ
àäÚĆʼnĆĩĢͿġÁėĆĢúłŅĩÚäʼnʼn͠
•Obtain an HDB Flat
Eligibility (HFE) letter
through the HDB Flat Portal
to gain a comprehensive
grasp of your housing and
ƈĢÁĢÚĆĢúłĩʼnʼnĆÙĆěĆőĆäʼnłŅĆĩŅ
to commencing your home
ÙŖűĆĢúĔĩŖŅĢäű͠ĂĆʼněäőőäŅ
ūĆěěłŅĩŪĆàäűĩŖūĆőĂÁàŪÁĢÚä
ĆĢùĩŅġÁőĆĩĢÁÙĩŖőűĩŖŅ
äěĆúĆÙĆěĆőűőĩÁÚńŖĆŅäÁĢäū
ĩŅŅäʼnÁěäƉÁő͡ÁěĩĢúūĆőĂőĂä
extent of CPF housing grants
and HDB housing loans for
ūĂĆÚĂűĩŖńŖÁěĆùű͠
• Stay vigilant for the
announcement of a sales
exercise͡ÁőūĂĆÚĂłĩĆĢőűĩŖ
ÚÁĢłŅĩÚääàőĩʼnŖÙġĆőűĩŖŅ
ƉÁőÁłłěĆÚÁőĆĩĢőĂŅĩŖúĂ
őĂäD#;ěÁő€ĩŅőÁěūĆőĂĆĢ
the designated application
őĆġäùŅÁġä͠€ěäÁʼnäÙä
ÁūÁŅäőĂÁőőĂäŅäĆʼnÁĢĩĢͿ
ŅäùŖĢàÁÙěäÁłłěĆÚÁőĆĩĢùää
ĩùα̟̞ÁʼnʼnĩÚĆÁőäàūĆőĂőĂä
application process.
•gŖőÚĩġäĢĩőĆƈÚÁőĆĩĢʼnūĆěě
ÙäĆʼnʼnŖäàūĆőĂĆĢÁłäŅĆĩàĩù
őūĩġĩĢőĂʼnùĩěěĩūĆĢúűĩŖŅ
ÁłłěĆÚÁőĆĩĢʼnŖÙġĆʼnʼnĆĩĢ͠Hù
your application is successful,
űĩŖūĆěěŅäÚäĆŪäÁĢinvitation
éÐÛ°’¿ĀÐîÞÛÞœ¦œÞÞœ˜Ğ†é.
Please note that an option fee
ūĆěěÙäĢäÚäʼnʼnÁŅűĆùűĩŖàäÚĆàä
őĩłŅĩÚääàūĆőĂÙĩĩėĆĢúÁƉÁő͠
52
56. text WENDY KER photos 123RF
•D#ūĆěěäŰőäĢàÁĢ
invitation for you to execute
the Agreement for Lease, and
ÁőőĂĆʼnĔŖĢÚőŖŅä͡űĩŖūĆěěÙä
äŰłäÚőäàőĩġÁėäőĂäàĩūĢ
payment.
•gĢÚäőĂäƉÁőĆʼnready for
handover͡D#ūĆěěłŅĩŪĆàä
űĩŖūĆőĂĢĩőĆƈÚÁőĆĩĢőĩ
complete the full payment,
ÁùőäŅūĂĆÚĂűĩŖÚÁĢłŅĩÚääàőĩ
ÚĩěěäÚőőĂäėäűʼn͠
For additional details
ŅäúÁŅàĆĢúűĩŖŅäěĆúĆÙĆěĆőűÁʼn
an individual applying for a
ƉÁőĆĢ‡ĆĢúÁłĩŅä͡ÁěĩĢúūĆőĂ
information on housing loan
options, please access the HDB
ūäÙʼnĆőä͠
S U M M A RY
ĂäŖĢŪäĆěĆĢúĩùʼnĆúĢĆƈÚÁĢő
enhancements in housing
options for singles in
Singapore via the National
Day Rally held in August
2023 included the removal
of location restrictions for
ʼnĆĢúěäʼn͡ūĂĆÚĂÁěěĩūʼnőĂäġ
őĩÁłłěűùĩŅőūĩͿŅĩĩġg
;ěäŰĆƉÁőʼnÁÚŅĩʼnʼnÁěěĂĩŖʼnĆĢú
łŅĩĔäÚőőűłäʼnÁʼnūäěěÁʼnőĂä
ŅäÚěÁʼnʼnĆƈÚÁőĆĩĢĩùƉÁőʼnĆĢőĩ
Standard, Plus, and Prime
ÚÁőäúĩŅĆäʼnĩƅäŅĆĢúÁÙŅĩÁàäŅ
range of choices for singles in
őĂäŅäʼnÁěäġÁŅėäő͠
ĂäʼnäŖłàÁőäʼnŅäƉäÚő
ÁłĩʼnĆőĆŪäʼnőäłőĩūÁŅàʼn
addressing the housing needs
ĩù‡ĆĢúÁłĩŅäΎʼnúŅĩūĆĢúʼnĆĢúěä
population.
Though the age
requirement remains
unaltered, the expanded
ÁŪÁĆěÁÙĆěĆőűĩùƉÁőʼnĆʼnłĩĆʼnäà
őĩÙäÁūäěÚĩġäàäŪäěĩłġäĢő
ùĩŅĢŖġäŅĩŖʼnʼnĆĢúěäʼn͡ūĂĩÚÁĢ
ĢĩūłĩőäĢőĆÁěěűäġÙÁŅėĩĢ
their quest to discover their
ĆàäÁěĂĩġäÁĢàÚĩĢőŅĆÙŖőäőĂäĆŅ
ĩūĢÚĂÁłőäŅőĩ‡ĆĢúÁłĩŅäΎʼn
housing narrative.
HDB FLATS ARE NO LONGER CATEGORISED
AS MATURE OR NON-MATURE ESTATES,
THEY WILL NOW FALL INTO SUBCATEGORIES
OF STANDARD, PLUS, OR PRIME.
53
57. LANDED
ASPIRATIONS
With the appropriate architectural design
and construction approach, it is possible to
build a landed home on a modest budget.
LYNN TANƈĢàʼnĩŖőĂĩū͠
54
59. A
ÚńŖĆŅĆĢúőĂÁőƈŅʼnőěÁĢàäà
łŅĩłäŅőűĆʼnÁʼnĆúĢĆƈÚÁĢő
milestone for many
people, including this couple
ūĂĩŖłúŅÁàäàùŅĩġőĂäĆŅD#
ƉÁőĆĢ`ÁŅĆĢä€ÁŅÁàäőĩÁĢ
inter-terraced home in Upper
Thomson. As the existing house
ūÁʼnʼnĆĢúěäͿʼnőĩŅäű͡ĆőġÁàäʼnäĢʼnä
to demolish it and rebuild a
ĢäūőūĩͿʼnőĩŅäűĂĩġäūĆőĂÁĢ
ÁőőĆÚőĂÁőūĩŖěàÙäőőäŅġääő
őĂäĆŅĢääàʼnÁĢàőĂÁőĩùőĂäĆŅőūĩ
ÚĂĆěàŅäĢ͡ÁúäàƈŪäÁĢàőĂŅää͠
Ăä#äʼnĆúĢÙĩàäūÁʼnőĂä
ĆĢőäŅĆĩŅàäʼnĆúĢäŅùĩŅőĂäĆŅƉÁő
and they decided to engage
őĂäĂĩġäúŅĩūĢłŅÁÚőĆÚäÁʼn
the design consultant for
the reconstruction project.
ZĆÚäĢʼnäàÁŅÚĂĆőäÚőŖŅÁěʼnäŅŪĆÚäʼn
W H O L I V E S H E R E
A couple with two young kids
HOME An inter-terraced home
in Upper Thomson
SIZE 1,500 sq ft (land area);
2,140 sq ft (Gross Floor Area, GFA)
ID The Design Abode Pte Ltd/ Wkl Architects
https://www.thedesignabode.com/
The couple
enjoys relaxing
to music and
a vintage
hi-fi makes
for a fitting
showpiece
in their living
room alongside
a custom-built
plywood
shelving unit.
BELOW
An Eames
Lounge Chair
and Ottoman
is a nod to
the home’s
architectural
inspiration.
56
60. such as authority compliance
ūäŅäŖĢàäŅőÁėäĢÙűőĂäĆŅĆĢͿ
house architectural arm, WKL
Architects.
With the cost of the
łŅĩłäŅőűÁěŅäÁàűőÁėĆĢúŖłÁ
ʼnĆŹäÁÙěäÚĂŖĢėĩùőĂäÚěĆäĢőʼnΎ
ÙŖàúäő͡Ăä#äʼnĆúĢÙĩàä
àĆŅäÚőĩŅ͡ĩĂ`ĆĢúDŖĆ͡ÁĢà
architect, Shaunice Ten, had
őĩÙäłŅŖàäĢőūĂäĢĆőÚÁġäőĩ
őĂäàäʼnĆúĢÁĢàÙŖĆěàĆĢúūĩŅėʼn͠
HőĂäěłäàőĂÁőőĂäÚĩŖłěäΎʼn
ʼnłÁőĆÁěŅäńŖĆŅäġäĢőʼnūäŅäĢĩő
äŰőŅÁŪÁúÁĢő͠ĂäűĢääàäàĔŖʼnő
äĢĩŖúĂŅĩĩġʼnùĩŅőĂäőūĩĩù
őĂäġ͡őĂäĆŅőūĩėĆàʼn͡ÁĢàÁĢ
additional guest cum study
Ņĩĩġ͡ΌʼnÁűʼn`ĆĢúDŖĆ͠
With this in mind, the duo
ÚÁġäŖłūĆőĂÚĩʼnőͿäƅäÚőĆŪä
ʼnőŅÁőäúĆäʼnőĂÁőūĩŖěàÁěěĩūőĂäġ
őĩÁààŅäʼnʼnőĂäÚěĆäĢőʼnΎÙŅĆäùÁĢà
ĩőĂäŅùŖĢÚőĆĩĢÁěÁʼnłäÚőʼnūĆőĂĩŖő
compromising on their design
ĆĢőäĢő͡ūĂĆěäÁàĂäŅĆĢúőĩőĂä
$980,000 budget.
ZéÞî’éîކœĔ’°œÉ’Ā
űÁŅŅÁĢúĆĢúÁĢàʼnőÁÚėĆĢúőĂä
rooms and bathrooms on one
ĂÁěùĩùőĂäěĩĢúÁĢàĢÁŅŅĩū
plot along the length of one
łÁŅőűūÁěě͡őĂäÁŅÚĂĆőäÚőʼnūäŅä
ÁÙěäőĩÁÚĂĆäŪäÁʼnőŅŖÚőŖŅÁě
äƆÚĆäĢÚűÙűėääłĆĢúőĂäūÁěěʼn
ÁĢàʼnőŅŖÚőŖŅÁěūĩŅėʼnÚĩĢőÁĆĢäà
ūĆőĂĆĢÁʼnġÁěěäŅùĩĩőłŅĆĢő͠
The other half consists of
open-plan spaces straddled
by tiered “gardens”, a concept
A lightweight,
prefabricated
staircase
minimises in-
situ works to
achieve greater
cost-savings.
57
62. LEFT
The design
of the open-
concept kitchen
is derived from
its utilitarian
nature without
being mundane.
As with the rest
of the home, it
enjoys plenty
of daylight and
cross-ventilation
from the
OPPOSITE
Light from the
atrium fills the
home and makes
the spaces
bright, airy and
welcoming.
atrium and rear
windows, along
with views of
greenery from
the rear garden
and indoor
courtyard.
TOP
The void
establishes
spatial and visual
connections
between levels.
ABOVE
The bare
marine ply,
natural terrazzo
counters and
stainless steel
backsplash all
pay homage
to mid-century
living.
59
