This document summarizes a furniture company that prides itself on craftsmanship and attention to detail. Rooted in tradition but also innovative, the company creates modern designs that resonate with customers. It has a new showroom located at 33 Ubi Avenue 3 in Singapore that is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm and Saturdays from 10am to 6pm.

3. With our mastery in craft,
meticulous attention to detail
and flawless finishing, you’ll find
us obsessing over the best way to
fabricate even the smallest piece
and painstakingly shaping every
part to perfection.
Rooted in craft and advanced
by innovation, our creations
reflect a modern sensibility
that resonates with the times.
kitchen & wardrobe
planning . design . installationcustom-made . modular
mudian pte ltd
showroom (new address)
33 ubi avenue 3, vertex building
unit 01-21 to 01-23 singapore 408868
t–(65) 6733 7378 f–(65)6733 7305
monday - friday : 10am – 7pm
saturday : 10am – 6pm
proudly singapore owned and crafted . mudian.com.sg

14. A U G U S T 2 0 1 3
{ T A G T E A M S }
THE NEXT GENERATION OF
ENTREPRENEURS IN THE FURNISHINGS
INDUSTRY ARE TAKING OVER AND
DOING THEIR PARENTS PROUD.
38 YUNG ONG AND KT ONG
OF PROOF LIVING
40 KOH KHEE KHIM, SANDRA
KOH AND MARCUS WONG OF DANOVEL
42 RICHARD LIM, DAPHNE LIM
AND ELEANOR LIM OF EDL
44 ERNIE KOH AND JULIAN KOH
OF COMMUNE
46 TONY LIOK AND NATASHA
LIOK OF MONTICELLO
48 RICHARD KOH AND KOH XUE
TING OF STAR FURNITURE
50 RICHARD CHEW, BOB CHEW
AND GRACE SHEN OF COMFORT DESIGN
52 THE FUTURE IS HERE
We speak
to four people championing local design to
see what it means for the community.
60 FLYING THE FLAG Meet the
furniture designers putting Singapore on
the international map.
68 MEET & GREET Some of the
biggest names in design wish us a Happy Birthday!
72 MEET OUR BIGGEST FAN!
Reader Sally Tsai has collected every issue
since 1992.
People We Love
26 MEET THE TEAM Put faces to the
names you see in the magazine.
30 COVER TO COVER Home & Decor
milestones through the past 25 years.
TAG TEAMS
PG 38
C O N T E N T S
FLYING THE FLAG
PG 61
MEET & GREET
PG 68
12
MEET & GREET
PG 68

16. 122 MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
The mark of a good furniture showroom is
when you feel the urge to move right in!
168 WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
Take an exclusive peek at the homes of the
Home & Decor team.
{ E X T R E M E H O M E S }
THESE INTERIORS GRAB YOU BY THE
EYEBALLS FOR THEIR EXTREME VALUE.
134 VIEW TO KILL FOR Great sea
views are visible from every space in this
sprawling apartment.
142 ALL-IN-ONE Only 377sqf small, this
home shows how to pack it all in.
148 ART ATTACK Almost every available
surface of this interior is decorated with
design – and art pieces!
{ B A T H R O O M S }
THESE BATH SUITES ARE WHERE WE
WOULD LOVE TO WIND DOWN THE DAY.
156 EN-SUITE SPA Taking a gamble
on an uncoventional layout, the designers
evoked the vibe of a luxury spa here.
158 ALL DRESSED UP Sporting the
latest tiles, this bathroom combines hot
pattern trends with clean-lined modernity.
162 SOMETHING BLUE Nostalgic
elements add character to a modern
bathroom, while splashes of cool blue refresh
and brighten the space.
164 RETREAT TO NATURE This open
yet private resort style bathroom creates the
perfect setting for a relaxing urban retreat.
166 MASTERPIECE THEATRE A
flowery canvas executed in glass mosaic is
the highlight of this upscale bath space.
Places We Love
74 10 OBJECTS OF DESIRE
These are some of the birthday presents
we would love to receive. But we are giving
them all to you!
94 10 OF THE BEST NEW LAMPS
We spotlight the luminaires that dazzled at
this year’s Milan Design Week, drawing us
like moths to a flame.
104 25 REASONS TO SHOP
We found 25 chic buys under $25 that will
add a touch of personality to even the
plainest of corners.
114 INSPECTOR GADGET
Short of having our own robot, these handy
kitchen tools will do the trick!
Objects
We Love
INSPECTOR
GADGET PG 114
25 REASONS TO SHOP
PG 104
VIEW TO KILL FOR
PG 134

17. Timeless In Design I Clarity In Functionality I Exquisite In Form
W. Atelier Pte. Ltd.
Level One, 75 Bukit Timah Road I T +65 6270 8828 I F +65 6270 0020
Opening Hours 10am - 6pm Mondays to Saturdays I watelier.com Find us on

18. 180 GAME OF THRONES Archetypal
chairs never go out of style. These three
classics have spawned fresh interpretations
for a new generation of fans.
186 SUGAR RUSH Candy colours and
pin-up girls bring on the good sensations of
summer with a retrolicious vibe.
194 THE BIG BIRTHDAY BASH!
Welcome to our 25th birthday party! We’ve
got style on our plates, plus a custom-made
cake and goodies for our guests.
228 FIVE WAYS TO BATH HEAVEN
These five show-stopping bathroom trends
look set to turn this essential space into a
personal haven.
SUGAR RUSH
PG 186
Inspiration
We Love
GAME OF THRONES
PG 180
16

20. 18
COVER
PHOTOGRAPHY: WONG WEI LIANG
ART DIRECTION: NONIE CHEN
178 WIN OSIM UANGEL
MASSAGE CHAIRS WORTH
OVER $5,300!
234 WIN $25,000 IN OUR 25TH
ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY!
240 SUBSCRIBE TO HOME &
DECOR AND WIN UP TO
$18,000 WORTH OF GIFTS!
247 WIN HOME & DECOR’S 10
OBJECTS OF DESIRE!
P R O M O T I O N S
Celebrate our 25th birthday with exclusive
subscription deals. Enjoy six issues of
Home & Decor at only $25, and stand to
win fantastic gifts worth over $18,000!
Subscribe and win over
$18,000 worth of gifts!
Subscribe to Home & Decor
6-month subscription at $25 (U.P. $36) PLUS! 1 chance of winning
1-year subscription at $50 (U.P $72) PLUS! 2 chances of winning
2-year subscription at $100 (U.P $144) PLUS! 4 chances of winning
Log on to www.homeanddecor.com.sg/promotions to subscribe and win now!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS • This subscription promotion is only valid for the print edition when signing up at www.homeanddecor.com
.sg, for the sale period of the August 2013 edition. • This
promotion is open to all Singapore residents except employees of Singapore Press Holdings and its sponsors. • Your subscription will commence with the October 2013 edition. • Current print
subscribers may also enjoy this subscription promotion (the new subscription period will automatically commence when the current one expires). • The subscription rate and offer are applicable to
Singapore addresses only. • Subscriptions are non-refundable and non-transferable. • Please allow about four to six working days from the magazine release date for postage. • The lucky subscribers
will be informed by post to collect their gifts (where applicable). • Prizes must be taken as provided and are not exchangeable or transferable for cash. • Upon your submission of the subscription
form online, you are deemed to have agreed that the organiser/sponsors can use, archive and distribute data provided by you in a manner they deem fit, without any reference to you. • Subscriber
information may be used in future marketing or promotional activities. • SPH Magazines reserves the right to amend or replace gifts if stocks run out. • SPH Magazines and the sponsors shall not be
liable for any loss or damage suffered by the subscriber or any party in accepting, possessing, using or consuming the gifts. • For subscription enquiries, call 6388-3838 or e-mail circs@sph.com.sg.
MORE THAN
30% SAVINGS!
HOME & DECOR’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY
TERMS AND CONDITIONS • Delivery not included. • This promotion is open to all Singapore residents except employees of Singapore Press Holdings and its sponsors. •
Prizes must be taken as provided and are not exchangeable or transferable for cash. • This promotion is valid till August 31, 2013. • The sponsors reserve the right to change
the terms and conditions without prior notice. • Winners will be notified by post. • Upon your submission of the online promotion form, you are deemed to have agreed that
the organiser/sponsors can use, archive and distribute data provided by you in a manner they deem fit, without any reference to you.
HOW TO WIN
- Log on or sign up at www.
homeanddecor.com.sg/promotions
to enter online.
- Pick three presents you’d like to win,
and Home & Decor may just make
one of your wishes come true!
WIN $25,000 WORTH OF BIRTHDAY PRESENTS!
FULLY REDEEMABLE SHOPPING
VOUCHERS FROM GALANGA
LIVING WORTH $5,000!
#01-02 Henderson Industrial Park,
211 Henderson Road
Open daily from 10am-7pm
Tel: 6475-2633 | www.galangaliving.com
Galanga Living offers quality
furniture and accessories for
modern tropical living, for
indoors and outdoors. The
look is contemporary chic
and the extensive range of
style-defining accessories
provides many possibilities for
personalised home decor.
The inspiring showroom is
constantly stocked with new
offerings so a revisit is always
a new experience. Products
are handpicked from around
the region and Scandinavia,
with a range of unique pieces
made exclusively and sold at
affordable prices.
SCANDINAVIAN
CHIC
WIN
mainphotoGETTYIMAGES
$
ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY
TWO FULLY REDEEMABLE
SHOPPING VOUCHERS WORTH
$2,500 EACH TO BE WON.
IT’S A MILESTONE!
Home & Decor is sharing the joy of our
birthday celebrations and rewarding
our readers with fabulous gifts
including shopping vouchers, kitchen
systems, furniture, home accessories,
and more.
th
TWO OSIM UANGELMASSAGE CHAIRS* WORTH$2,688 EACH TO BE WON!
* Colours based on availability
PROMOTIONPROMOTION
TERMS AND CONDITION
S • Delivery will be included.
• Winners will be informed
in September
2013. • Winners are to furnish their living space (living room, bedroom
or
study room) with the Osim uAngel chair and submit photos to Osim for voting. • This promotion
is open to all Singapore
residents
except employees
of Singapore
Press
Holdings
and its sponsors.
• Prizes must be taken as provided
and are not exchangeab
le or transferable
for cash. • This promotion
is valid till August 31, 2013. • The sponsor
reserves the right to change the terms and conditions
without prior notice. • Upon your submission
of the online promotion
form, you are deemed to have agreed that the
organiser/sp
onsors can use, archive and distribute
data provided
by you in a manner they deem fit, without any reference
to you.
The newly launched Osim uAngel is a stylish
armchair that magically transforms into a
massage chair, complete with retractable
leg massager.
With its fashionable quilted backrest and
compact dimensions of 86cm by 70cm (in
armchair mode), the uAngel’s elegant look
fits all living spaces comfortably. At the touch
of a button, the leg massager and back rest
extend automatically, turning the seat into
a therapeutic massage chair that delivers a
complete neck-to-toe kneading. Its price is
easy on the pocket, too.Available in a suite of alluring colours such
as stellar red, celestial white, mystique grey,
cosmic blue and enchanting green, there is a
uAngel for every home.
OSIM UANGEL MASSAGECHAIRS WORTH OVER $5,300!
MORE PRIZES UPFOR GRABS!
The two winners’ homes, showcasing
the Osim uAngel massage
chair, will
be featured on the Home & Decorwebsite. Readers will be invited to
vote for their favourite space on the
Home & Decor Facebook page. The
space with the most votes wins, and
the homeowner will receive a uKimono
Mini slim belt massager worth $238from Osim. Five lucky voters will also
receive a uBuzz portable
massager
worth $48 each from Osim.
STYLISH MASSEUSE
WIN
www.osim
.com
www.face
book.com
/osimsg
HOW TO WIN
• Sign up at www.homeanddecor.com.sg/promotions to enter online.• Submit a photo of the area (for
example, living room, bedroom or
study room) you’d place the Osim
uAngel massage chair in, and tell
us why you deserve
to win.
Inspirations
We Love
{ H O M E S }
CHOCK-FULL OF PERSONALITY, THESE
HOMES ARE FILLED WITH INSPIRING
DECOR AND CLEVER IDEAS!
204 LIGHT APPEAL Handmade
furniture, vintage pieces and an impressive
art collection fill this sun-kissed home.
210 MARRIAGE OF CULTURES
This couple’s East-meets-West love story
translates into the design and decor of their
new home.
216 WRITING ON THE WALL This
creative couple weren’t afraid to infuse their
home with distinctive, kooky ideas.
222 EASY LIVING Fresh, clean colours
and lovingly curated accessories conjure up
a cosy, comfortable vibe in this home.
WRITING ON THE WALL
PG 216

22. group editor-in-chief CAROLINE NGUI (nguislc@sph.com.sg)
group editor RAYMOND GOH (raygoh@sph.com.sg)
E D I T O R I A L
editor REBECKKA WONG (wongspr@sph.com.sg)
writer MAVIS ANG (mavisang@sph.com.sg)
writer LOUISA CLARE LIM (louisal@sph.com.sg)
executive sub-editor RYAN REUBEN (ryanr@sph.com.sg)
online writer EVANGELINE LEONG (eleong@sph.com.sg)
C R E AT I V E
creative director MAUREEN CHENG (chenglpm@sph.com.sg)
senior art director NONIE CHEN (noniec@sph.com.sg)
graphic designers LEYNA POH (leynapoh@sph.com.sg) KAFFY TAN (kaffytan@sph.com.sg)
chief photographer AIK CHEN (hoonaik@sph.com.sg)
executive photographer FRENCHESCAR LIM (frenchl@sph.com.sg)
photographers WONG WEI LIANG (wongwl@sph.com.sg)
WINSTON CHUANG (wchuang@sph.com.sg) DARREN CHANG (darrenc@sph.com.sg)
senior photo administrator COCO PANG (cocopang@sph.com.sg)
E D I T O R I A L S U P P O R T
senior manager, administration and editorial support unit JULIANA CHONG (julianac@sph.com.sg)
manager ALICE HAN (tayaha@sph.com.sg)
Visit at www.homeanddecor.com.sg
I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N S
HOME & DECOR INDONESIA
editor-in-chief FERRY TANOK
PT KINGPIN MEDIA Jl. Hang Tuah II, No. 2 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12120, Indonesia
tel: (62 21) 2555-4450, fax: (62 21) 2555-4452, e-mail: info@kingpinmedia.co.id
AD SALES ENQUIRIES EDWIN AROFAH e-mail: edwin@kingpinmedia.co.id
HOME & DECOR MALAYSIA
editor ELAINE DONG
WRITEON MEDIA SDN BHD Lot 30, Jalan Kartunis, U1/47, Temasya Industrial Park Phase 2
Seksyen U1, 40150 Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
tel: (603) 5569 6800, fax: (603) 5569-6810, e-mail: sales@writeonmedia.com.my
AD SALES ENQUIRIES MICHELLE YOW e-mail: michelle@writeonmedia.com.my

24. HOME & DECOR is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd,
82 Genting Lane, Media Centre Level 7, Singapore 349567,
Tel: 6319-6319, Fax: 6319-6345, E-mail: maghomedecor@sph.com.sg.
Ad Sales enquiries Tel: 6319-6326.
Distributed by Circulation Department, Singapore Press Holdings Ltd.
Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, Singapore registration no.: 197801823M. SPH Magazines registration no: 196900476M
MCI (P) 172/03/2013
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means
without the written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied in
Home & Decor are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
managing director DENNIS PUA (dennisp@sph.com.sg)
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P U B L I S H I N G S E R V I C E S
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Call 6388-3838 for back issues, e-mail: circs@sph.com.sg. Subscription hotline: 6388-3838 or
subscribe online: www.homeanddecor.com.sg.

26. WE’RE JUST
GETTING STARTED
In human years, a 25-year-old person is perhaps in his or her first job, fresh-faced
and eager to take on the world. However, Home & Decor is hardly a young ‘un in
the publishing world, where a 25th anniversary is seen as a milestone. In fact, the
magazine has, through the years, accompanied countless homeowners on their
renovation and decoration journey.
Despite being the longest-running and best-selling interior design title in the
local market, we aren’t resting on our laurels. For the August edition only, we have
taken apart the magazine as you know it and reconceptualised its entire content.
What we have is an ode to the faces, places, objects and inspiration that we love.
And we bet you’ll love them, too – read about the creators of stylish made-in-
Singapore furniture, the hottest lamps from Euroluce in Milan, the smallest home
we’ve ever featured (377sqf!), and our very own birthday bash. It might also seem
like your birthday, if you win one of the $50,000 worth of designer furnishings we
are giving away in this issue!
Old might be gold, but in spirit, we feel like the enthusiastic youngster
mentioned earlier. There’s always something to be excited about in decor and
interior design (new shops, designers, trends... the list goes on!), and new
challenges to face. We redesigned our website and launched our tablet edition
just about a year ago, and with our Facebook account reaching out to an infinite
number of people, it seems our work in the new digital order has only just begun.
Being 25 years young, we’re not done showing you how stylish living can be
made easy, so stay with us – we’re just getting warmed up!
PHOTODARRENCHANGSTYLINGNICCOLIM
rebeckka wong
editor
PG 95
We serve up
the best of the
new lamps.
NOTE
EDITOR'S
PG 142
A 377sqf home can
be habitable!

32. Cover to coverHome & Decor milestones through the past 25 years.
Aug/Sept 1989 – New masthead!
Dec 1999 – We go monthly!
Oct 2003 – We hold the first
Home & Decor fair!Aug 2003 – We launch the
Designer Showcase booklet!
Oct 2001 – New masthead!

34. Jun 2004 – New masthead!
Oct 2007 –
New masthead, new size!

36. Apr 2011 – We launch our
spin–off, Renovate!

38. DWELL INTERIOR DESIGN P.L.
INTERIOR DESIGN & CONSULTANCY
DESIGN & BUILD
ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
WWW.DWELL.COM.SG
RIVER VALLEY | 11 KIM YAM ROAD | T 6883 1005 | BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

39. people
TAG TEAMS
DESIGN CHAMPIONS
LOCAL DESIGNERS
DESIGNER BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
MOST LOYAL READER

40. PEOPLE
we love
tag teams
OngKok Thai YungOng
FAMILY BUSINESS: LUXURY FURNITURE STORE PROOF LIVING,
AS WELL AS A HOST OF OTHER IMPORTED HOME INTERIOR BRANDS
“You should hear some of the
exchanges Yung and I have,” chuckles
Ong Kok Thai, or KT as he’s better
known. The affable 61-year-old
director of Vanguard Interiors (which
deals in office furniture, and is the
parent company of Proof Living)
reveals that he and his 33-year-old
son don’t always agree when it comes
to work, but admits that “he keeps
me in check because no one in my
company argues with me.”
While Yung wasn’t pressured
to join the family business, it was
inevitable as Dad’s passion played
a big role in his formative years. “I
remember following him to trade fairs
when I was only nine, and also sitting
in on high-level meetings, silently
observing in one corner,” Yung
recalls. And family holidays included
visits to hotels to look at their
interiors. “As a kid, I didn’t think that
was out of the norm. And now, I do
similar things on my holidays.” But
this training didn’t exactly prepare
him for the day-to-day running of
Proof Living when it was established
in 2004. The residential furniture
business turned out to be very
different from selling office furniture.
When it comes to growing the
business, Yung’s as astute as his
dad. Besides the high-end brands
such as Poltrona Frau, Barbara Barry
and Zanotta, Yung has also tapped
into the middle tier of the market with
Boconcept, Crate and Barrel, and
CB2. He now has his sights set on
reinventing the luxury home-interiors
scene. Proof Living will be moving
into a new space within Ion Orchard
(to be ready by year end), and its
new retail concept will “bring our
customers out of their comfort zone,
but inspire them at the same time,”
he says.
TEXTMAVISANGPHOTOGRAPHYWINSTONCHUANG&WONGWEILIANGARTDIRECTIONKAFFYTAN&LEYNAPOH
“I WANT TO
CHALLENGE AND
EDUCATE OUR
CUSTOMERS;
BRING THEM OUT
OF THEIR COMFORT
ZONE, BUT INSPIRE
THEM AT THE
SAME TIME.”
– YUNG
Ong Kok Thai and
his son Yung Ong
38

47. www.novamobili.sg
W. Atelier Pte Ltd | Level One, 75 Bukit Timah Road | T +65 6270 8828
Opening Hours 10am - 6pm Mondays to Saturdays

54. PEOPLE
we love
design champions
thefuture
is
here
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PRO
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IS
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RELY.W
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SPEAK
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PLE
CH
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IN
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SEE
W
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EAN
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FO
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CO
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U
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ITY.
Once upon a time, a designed-in-Singapore tag
didn’t get much notice (or get noticed at all) – it
might even been derided by consumers who feel
that an “authentic” designer piece could only
come from Europe or America. Now, it isn’t a
daring assertion to say that Singapore is gearing
up to be the epicentre of regional design, and an
important player in Asia as a whole. What have we
done right and what needs to be done to further
our design ambitions and put our designers and
companies firmly on the global map?
“There’s a lot of work we need to do in
terms of understanding our own culture, and
that would be a good point of departure for
our young designers. We need to leverage on
our multiculturalism to create new ideas, and
perhaps one day export it back to the West,” says
Jeffrey Ho, the executive director of the Design
Singapore Council, the national agency tasked to
develop our design industries.
Giving local designs his strong vote of
confidence is Edwin Loh, the founder of design
incubator and retail business Supermama.
He asserts: “We have the talent; there are many
manufacturers in Asia, and the market here is
booming – it’s really just ours to take.”
Edwin, as a retailer who actively supports local
work, is just one of many individuals as well as
schools and organisations (both private and public)
trying to build a community that appreciates design,
specifically local design. We talk to the folks at the
forefront of Singapore’s design scene, from sectors
as varied as education, industry, business and
government, to learn their plans to that end.
WORKING TOGETHER
Collaborations, be they across countries or
disciplines, are the way to go if Singapore were to
become a “big brother in South-east Asia,” says
Bacus Boo, an industry veteran who oversees the
design development department at the Singapore
Furniture Industries Council (SFIC). He is also behind
Singapore’s annual design festival, Singaplural.
Acknowledging the extremely limited pool of local
talent here, Bacus believes that Singapore can make
a bigger name for itself by providing a good platform

55. to nurture young talents from around the region
through grants or scholarships, and providing
them “a stepping stone out of this region”.
Experienced educator Sabrina Long, who
has taught at the Nanyang Academy of Fine
Arts (NAFA) for 15 years and heads the school’s
3-D design department, agrees. She states that
designers tend to learn better from peers that are
from a culturally different background. “We have
many students from neighbouring countries, and
we will continue to harness this diversity as it
creates a certain richness in the way our students
work,” she says. “By grooming both foreign and
local students, we can also project ourselves as a
country that sees design as international rather
than just purely Singaporean.”
This cross-cultural interaction pays off in
other ways. “Our designers are weak in creating
things with their hands, but they’re great at using
technology to design. We facilitate collaborations
so that we can introduce a contemporary language
to traditional South-east Asian craft,” explains
Bacus. The council has run programmes such as
“Funding will
never be enough.
But just think:
If your project
is 100 per cent
funded, how much
effort will you put
in? You have to cut
out a bit of your
own flesh to take it
more seriously.”
EDWIN LOW, 34,
owner of retail shop
Supermama
With a background in
industrial design, Edwin left
his teaching job at Singapore
Polytechnic some years
back, sold his house, and
used the funds to set up
Supermama. Influenced by
famous furniture and product
designer Toshiyuki Kita,
Edwin, who still lectures
on the side, pursues his
love of Japanese design
by linking up traditional
Japanese craftsmen with local
designers to manufacture
contemporary homeware.
“Funding will
never be enough.
But just think:
If your project
is 100 per cent
funded, how much
effort will you put
in? You have to cut
out a bit of your
own flesh to take it
more seriously.”

56. Futurecraft, where local, Swedish, and Indonesian
designers worked with craftsmen in Indonesia to
develop new products using traditional materials
such as rattan and bamboo.
But Bacus emphasises that promoting local
designers should still be the priority. “Although
SFIC started out focusing on manufacturing
and distribution for the industry, we realise the
importance of promoting local designers as it can
elevate our furniture industry beyond the OEM
(Original Equipment Manufacturer) reputation.”
EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED
With collaborations, exhibitions, and festivals
gaining momentum here, those behind them
are hoping for more public support, too. Design
Singapore Council is placing its bets on the
upcoming National Design Centre to serve as the
gathering point for all design-related activities.
“We were very fortunate to have the support of the
ministry in making it happen,” says Jeffrey. “Our
design ecosystem needs awareness, promotion,
and marketing, and the National Design Centre will
be the one permanent place where the public can
view, understand, and appreciate local design. It’s
also where enterprises can link up with designers.”
But not every initiative needs to take place
on a grand scale to reach out to the public, says
JEFFREY HO, 47,
executive director of
Design Singapore Council
Helming the national agency
for design, Jeffrey implements
national policies aimed at
developing the capabilities
of the design industry, and
also educating businesses
and the general public on the
importance of good design.
Jeffrey also established the
Asian Insights & Design
Innovation Programme, which
engages in in-depth research
about the region to create
more innovative products and
services for the market.
“To grow our design
industry, we need world-
class designers. And to
attract them here, we need
to be very sophisticated
users of design.”

57. Bacus. Local designers such as Farm and the
Little Thoughts Group have put together intimate
exhibitions of their work, held in public spaces like
the National Museum. The latest exhibition of the
latter featured functional objects inspired by local
food culture, something every Singaporean can
easily relate to.
Another independent project warmly received
by the public is the Democratic Society’s
Singapore Icons series of ceramic dishes with
imagery by local designers. The pieces were
produced by Kihara, a Japanese ceramics
company, and were launched and sold to the
public at *Scape during Singaplural this year. They
are now sold at Supermama.
Partly funded by the Design Singapore Council,
this collaboration was led by Edwin, who feels
fortunate to have found manufacturers who are
willing to produce items in small batches. He
says it encourages more experimental objects to
be made (these Japanese manufacturers allow
production in numbers as low as 300, unlike
the industry standard of least 1,000). This
presents lower risks and more opportunities for
independent product designers and even students
to create and sell their own designs, says Sabrina.
She also has big hopes for the Object Design
course that Edwin teaches in NAFA; it educates
“We must
educate society
to give Asian
designers a
chance because
even though
we have great
talents, they’re
struggling to
make it big.”
SABRINA LONG, 43,
Head of Department and senior
lecturer at the Department of
3-D Design, NAFA
Sabrina graduated from
Singapore’s first product
design course at Baharuddin
Vocational Institute in 1991,
and studied in London before
dabbling in furniture design
and interiors before joining
the Nanyang Academy of Fine
Arts (NAFA) to teach. She is
known for her progressive
approach to design education,
and believes in continually
evolving her school’s
curriculum to suit the
industry’s needs.

58. TEXTMAVISANGPHOTOGRAPHYWINSTONCHUANG&JASPERYUARTDIRECTIONNONIECHEN&KAFFYTAN
“SFIC isn’t just about
trade. As a part-time
lecturer, my role is also
to form a bridge between
the designers, schools,
and associations with the
trade industry.”
students on how to produce and market their
own work. “This helps them to be enterprising
and not just wait for a manufacturer to
approach them. I want them to create their own
opportunities,” she states.
Driven by a passion for what they do
and keeping their targets firmly in sight, all
these design champions really hope for at
the moment is for local consumers to give
as much support to local brands as they do
internationally renowned names. That support
for good homegrown design is crucial. With
an increasingly sophisticated pool of local
talents, and the support of high-quality Asian
manufacturers, Sabrina is optimistic that the
process that has been started will continue to
gain momentum: “We just need to change the
prevalent mindset here that only Westerners can
do the job well. Designs by a Lee or a Tan can
be just as good!”
BACUS BOO, 46,
Head of design
development at SFIC
With wide-reaching networks
in the industry garnered
over 20 years in interior,
architectural, product, and
furniture design, Bacus pulled
out all the stops to establish
Singaplural last year, with
the backing of the Singapore
Furniture Industries Council
(SFIC). The annual design
festival, held in conjunction
with the International
Furniture Fair Singapore,
celebrates local design
through installations, talks,
and competitions.
NATIONAL DESIGN CENTRE
Slated to open at
the end of this
year, the 31,430sqf
National Design
Centre in Middle
Road will house
design galleries
to showcase local
works, a prototyping
lab for emerging
designers to test
out their concepts,
and commercial
spaces for design
companies. It aims
to be a design-
centric destination
where local and
Asian designers, as
well as the general
public, can come
together to interact.

60. Visit Design Intervention at 75E Loewen Road, tel: 6506-0920, info@diid.com, www.designintervention.com.sg
DESIGN INTERVENTION’S AWARD-WINNING WAYS ARE NO DOUBT
STEEPED IN ITS WELL-DESIGNED SPACES.
A SENSE OF MOOD
DESIGN INTERVENTION
SPECIAL
Singapore-based Design Intervention was
founded in 2004 by Nikki Hunt. Since then,
the firm has worked on projects as diverse as
showflats in London and Dubai to hotels in
Australia, New Orleans and London. The design
specialist is also known for creating luxurious
vacation retreats in locales as exotic as the
Swiss Alps, and a ski mountain lodge in Japan.
This diversity won Design Intervention the
prestigious Five Star Award for Best Interior
Design, Private Residence, Asia Pacific at the
2013 International Property Awards. Also of
note is Nikki’s selection as a finalist in the 2013
Andrew Martin International Designer of the
Year awards. Dubbed the “Oscars” of interior
design, the competition involves international
designers competing for top accolades. To date,
only three other Singapore-based design firms
have been selected as finalists. Nikki’s work will
be featured in the competition’s Interior Design
Review book – a compendium revered as the go-
to reference of the interior design world.
Design Intervention seeks to create homes
that reflect the lifestyle, aspirations and
personalities of their owners through a keen
attention to detail, and the use of bespoke
furnishings, fabrics and wall coverings. More
than a mere assembling of beautiful furniture,
the design team also believes in crafting a
unique atmosphere. This conviction, along with
a natural finesse for combining proportions,
textures and colour, has undoubtedly been the
key to Design Intervention’s success.

62. 60
WHY HE’S IN
THE SPOTLIGHT
Barely a year old,
Melvin’s design studio
Desinere has made
appearances at Tokyo’s
Design Tide as well
as Milan’s Salone del
Mobile, where it is
building a following
for its thoughtful,
elegant design. Prior to
establishing Desinere,
Melvin graduated from
London’s Central Saint
Martins College of Art
& Design.
In Milan this year,
the Leather in Basketry
series (a collaboration
with designer Supertini
Tjiang) stood out
for cleverly blending
modern and old-
fashioned production
techniques. The leather
follows a process used in making armour in the
past. Behind Desinere’s
pared-down aesthetics
is a belief in creating
objects that are honest.
Melvin Ong OF DESINERE
“By taking a step back,
you’ll discover little
things that pass you
by easily,” says Melvin.
These little nuances
make Desinere’s
products stand out:
The spider-like Itty
Bitty rocking chair
(right), for example,
has legs formed in a
curve, encouraging a
seating posture that
rocks gently, easing the
desire to fidget.
WHY HE’S IN
THE SPOTLIGHT
Jarrod’s works were
everywhere at this
year’s Milan Furniture
Fair: British brand
Innermost displayed
his Hi Ho Rocking
horses, while the Orion
coffee and side tables
at Italian furniture firm
Bonaldo (left) drew
attention for their steel-
ringed forms.
Works such as
the forest-inspired
Logg cabinet and the
pet-like Butler Side
Table from his new
Hinika line, launched
at Milan’s Zona
Tortona, show how
Jarrod Lim OF JARROD LIM DESIGN
it’s the little surprises
that make his work so
easy to love. “In my
designs, I investigate
how people relate to a
particular object and
I try and emphasise
that. I want users to feel
comfortable with my
design,” he says.
The former protege
of Patricia Urquiola
still works with the
Spaniard. Next month,
he will launch a new
collection of floor, table
and ceiling lamps for
Hive, the accessories
firm by Filipino brand
Kenneth Cobonpue.
www.jarrodlim.com
www.desinere.com.sg
flying the flag
A few years ago, the mention of Singapore to industrial design
aficionados overseas would usually draw a blank look. Now, they gush
about the ingenious works they've seen or bought, asking to find out
more about the local design scene. It's thanks to the hard graft of these
mavericks who have been making furniture work harder and look better
than before. Meet the furniture designers putting Singapore on the map.
Leather Baskets
PEOPLE
we love
singapore
designers

63. Arguably Singapore’s
most successful
furniture designer,
Nathan is well known
in the international
circuit, having launched
products with leading
European brands. Most
notable is his work
with French design
label Ligne Roset, for
which he is currently
designing an outdoor
range. He also recently
launched the Elizabeth
sofa with the brand,
with clever proportions
that show off his flair
with materials.
“It’s got to be
functional, clever and
beautiful,” says Nathan
of his designs. Fans
recognise his work
for its imaginative,
strong character. His
latest collaboration
Nathan Yong OF NATHAN YONG DESIGN AND GRAFUNKT
with Malaysian pewter
brand Royal Selangor
has resulted in Vapour
(right), a series of
sleek tea-drinking
accessories that shows
off fine detailing on the
traditionally crafted
material, made more
modern through
the incorporation of
Volakas marble and
walnut wood elements.
Besides designing
furniture, Nathan has
brought contemporary
design to the masses
by starting retail
companies such
as Grafunkt, which
carries original works
by independent
brands such as British
designer Lee Broom
and Decode London.
Together with Gustavo
Maggio from Argentina
and Sebastian
Alberdi from Spain,
the Singapore- and
Barcelona-based design
collective has been
bringing its brand of
harmonious works to
the world.
Recently, it
partnered with local
label Scanteak for the
Prologue collection
(right), a collection of
smart, small-space
wooden furniture
targeting the Japanese
market. Another current
standout piece is the
Vanity Shelf for French
brand Ligne Roset,
which comprises a
circular mirror and
rectangular, two-tiered
shelf at each end of a
Gabriel Tan & Wendy Chua OF OUTSTOCK
leather band.
Designing for a
mass audience as
well, the collective
was responsible for
the fresh, homely feel
of the patio-themed
Burger King outlet at
Goldhill Centre. Named
the BK Garden Grills,
Outofstock brought the
outdoors in with picnic-
style wooden tables,
garden-found materials
such as clay pots, and
plant-filled decor.
The designers
have several exciting
projects in the bag,
including a new co-
working interior space
here, a line of tool-toys
for kids, and more
new furniture.
WHY HE’S IN THE SPOTLIGHT
www.nathanyongdesign.com
www.outofstockdesign.com
WHY THEY’RE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Boya light

64. 62
WHY HE’S IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
Together with
fellow Design
Academy Eindhoven
graduate Francesca
Lanzavecchia, Hunn
Wai has been making a
name with his human-
centred, tactile works
that bring a high-design
experience to ordinary
products. Case in
point: his No Country
for Old Men collection
comprises stylish
elderly aids that are an
alternative to the sterile
products offered by the
medical industry.
This year at Milan
Design Week, the
Singapore-Italian duo
presented Austerity
at the Foodmade
exhibition by Padiglione
Italia, a series of four
conceptual, edible
furniture pieces made
of rice, crackers or
chocolate (below), to be
consumed in times of
hardship and crisis.
Hunn Wai OF LANZAVECCHIA + WAI
A core philosophy
behind Lanzavecchia
+ Wai is to assume the
roles of researcher,
engineer, craftsman,
storyteller and
designer. Its latest
Mutazioni collection
for Italian designer-
rug firm Nodus
feature illustrations of
deformed insects on
bamboo silk and wool,
to “inform us of our
precarious relationship
with nuclear energy;
we need it for our
increasing energy
consumption, but at
the same time we
are extremely wary
of it, as witnessed
in the two nuclear
disasters, Chernobyl
and Fukushima,” say
the duo.
The designers are
currently working on
solo gallery shows in
Los Angeles and Miami.
WHY HE’S IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
Tham has carved
a niche for himself
in the hospitality
industry, having been
commissioned to
design products such
as food and beverage
reception tables for
the Regent Hotel and
Conrad Centennial in
Singapore and the Four
Seasons Kuda Huraa in
the Maldives.
Educated at
Temasek Polytechnic
and the prestigious
David Tham OF STUDIO NORM
Design Academy
Eindhoven in The
Netherlands, he
founded Studio Norm
six years ago. Although
Tham had wanted to
pursue architecture,
he ended up reading
product and industrial
design instead.
Eschewing the
usual straight-
jacketed designs of
food presentation
equipment, Studio
Norm blends fun,
form and function in
its designs, resulting
WHY HE’S IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
Kok’s penchant for
using graphic-inspired
interpretations of pop
art on unconventional
materials such as
fibreglass, silk and
foam have earned
him recognition.
Following overwhelming
response at last
year’s International
Contemporary Furniture
Fair (ICFF) in New York,
where he presented his
latest furniture designs
designs including the
PA:CU armchair (right),
side table and ottoman,
Lantern table, and X
bench, the designer has
kept busy with his new
work called Memories,
which is still
under production.
Kok Yih Ming OF KUDZU
A NAFA graduate, Kok has showcased his work
under the Kudzu label at all the major international
design platforms since 2007. When he debuted his
first furniture collection titled Oreo in 2005 at the
Salone Satellite area of the Milan Furniture Fair,
however, it was under the auspices of the studio’s
previous moniker, Super Donut Studio.
in a collection of
everyday objects that
are anything but banal.
For example, the Twirl
vase plays with the
notion of movement,
while a series of food
risers mimic geometric
and floral patterns
(above). The firm
also produces its own
collection of furniture
and accessories under
Normform such as the
Oblique buffet tables
and the Triangle stool.
www.kzuhome.com
www.lanzavecchia-wai.com www.studionorm.com

66. 64
A regular at the annual
Milan Furniture Fair,
Creativeans launched
its new collections for
Artifeq and Nuuzo this
year at the Singapore
Lah! showcase in Milan.
For local brand Artifeq,
the collective designed
the Adapt Series,
which comprises
table accessories that
transform an ordinary
tabletop into an
innovative workspace.
The project for Nuuzo,
a local lifestyle
products manufacturer,
includes a collection
of table and fashion
accessories made of
quality felt and the
Strax series of multi-
functional bags.
Kimming Yap, Yulia Saksen, Khairul Hussin & Sharina Bi OF CREATIVEANS
Founded by Nanyang
Polytechnic industrial-
design alumni Kimming
Yap, Yulia Saksen,
Khairul Hussin and
Sharina Bi; and based
both in Milan and
Singapore; the multi-
faceted designers’ talents
run across various design
disciplines, covering
product and visual
design as well as
brand strategy.
Most recently,
the group was invited
by the Esplanade
– Theatres on the Bay
to design a series of
public installations in
conjunction with the
Flipside 2013 art festival.
WHY THEY’RE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
A one-time flight
steward and sales executive-turned-
designer, Fliq founder
George Soo’s passion
is to create products
that can enhance
people’s lives, often
with humour. His One-
Ton Mee bench (right,
above) – a cement seat
with yellow legs – is a
tongue-in-cheek nod
to local food heritage
as well as his love of
noodles. You can sit
on one at hip bistro
Hatched in Evans Road.
The boxy design
of his Genterie &
Nouveau sofa, which
addresses the space
constraints in urban
living environments,
was a Merit Award
winner at this year’s
Furniture Design
George Soo OF FLIQ
Awards, held during the
IFFS. A new collection
of office furniture for
Xtra is a response
to fast-paced work
environments, offering
the best in terms of
work and relaxation.
The Grover & Jones
armchair (right, below),
for instance, allows
users who are standing
to lean against its
sides. “This feature was
designed for the casual
interaction and quick
five-minute chats that
are an integral part of
workplaces,” Soo says.
Practical issues such
as space maximisation
and comfort are
thoughtfully considered
while still keeping the
forms interesting.
WHY HE’S IN THE SPOTLIGHT
george@fliq.co
www.creativeans.com
Artifeq Digga lamp

68. Oon has presented
its work at such
prestigious events as
the ICFF in New York
and International
Furniture Fair
Singapore. The duo are
currently working on
an interesting concept
based on how to create
modular systems for
small spaces. One
ongoing project is for
a no-frills business
hotel in Kuala Lumpur,
where the average room
sizes are around 140
to 183sqf. The project
called for customised
furniture as well as wall
panels, parts of which
can be detached and
turned into another
functional piece. Some
designs include the
Poon Yew Wai & Lee Yoon Sheng OF OON
Walker Table, Totem
shelving units, You-
Twit bookshelf (left)
and Light-Twit lamps.
The collection works
on the basis of how
individual modular
units can change the
look of a space just
by being angled or rotated.
Oon founders
Poon Yew Wai and Lee
Yoon Sheng are both
architects by training,
who met while
studying at the Royal
Melbourne Institute
of Technology.
After gaining work
experience, they
launched their own
practice in 2009.
WHY THEY’RE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
TEXTLIMSIOHUI&SHWETAPARIDA
Bureau recently
completed its first
interior design and branding project, on the
Outpost 903 Gastrobar
located at 903 Bukit
Timah Road. That
project was recognised
at the most recent
Singapore Creative
Edmund Seet & Kai Yeo OF BUREAU
Circle Awards, which
recognises the best in
creative advertising
concepts. Bureau was
established in 2009
as the Bureau (for
the Advancement of
Lifestyle and Longevity
and Success). The
studio has also worked www.thebureau.com.sg
www.weareoon.com
WHY THEY’RE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
with Singapore-based
HPL Hotels & Resorts
for the past few years,
and recently completed
a rebranding exercise
for the group’s latest
project in the Maldives:
Gili Lankanfushi.
Twirl bottle holder

69. SOLID, ENGINEERED & OUTDOOR TIMBER FLOORING TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

70. PEOPLE
we love
designer
birthday
cards
SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN DESIGN WISH
US HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Meet & Greet
Paola Lenti
Luca Nichetto
Ronan Bouroullec (left), of the Bouroullec brothers
Konstantin Grcic
Alberto Perazzo, co-owner of Magis
Eames Demetrios

71. reztnrelax
rezt & relax interior
L i v e . Y o u r . D r e a m
33 Ubi Avenue 3 #02-09 Vertex Tower B, Singapore 408868 T: 6348 7787 E: wilson@reztnrelax.com
www.reztnrelax.com

72. Patrick Norguet
Gregg Buchbinder,CEO of Emeco
Barbara Barry
Philipp Mainzer,
creative and managing
director of E15
EOOS
Voon Wong of VW+BS
Jake Dyson

74. PEOPLE
we love
most loyal
reader
BIGGEST
MEET OUR
The oldest issues are stored away
in the customised bed platform.
Sally is quite the reader, and
is proud to have Home &
Decor magazines on display
along with her large personal
library of books.
It all began in 1992 when Sally Tsai
bought a copy of Home & Decor for
some ideas on refurbishing the kitchen
of her five-room HDB flat. Drawn by the
multitude of other useful and inspiring
decor tips in the magazine, the 45-year-
old professional, who works in public
relations and marketing, continued to
collect subsequent copies. She’s now the
proud owner of over a hundred issues!
Some features remain entrenched in
her mind: She was able to pull out an
edition from 1994 for reference when
conveying an idea for her laundry area
to a contractor in 2005. Years of reading
Home & Decor have also made her quite
the space-planning expert. “Friends or
family who are doing renovation works
always approach me for suggestions!”
Sally laughs.
TEXTMAVISANGPHOTOSSALLYTSAI
FAN
One clever way
she displays the
magazines is to
stack them up
to double as a
bedside table.
Sally with the first edition of Home & Decor she bought:
the Aug/Sept 1992 issue.

75. objects
10 OBJECTS OF DESIRE
10 BEST LAMPS
25 ITEMS UNDER $25
KITCHEN GADGETS

76. OBJECTS
we love
objects of desire
From high–performance kitchen
equipment to statement furnishings for
the home, these are some of the birthday
presents we would love to receive.
10 OBJECTS
OF DESIRE
01Smart Worker
The highly covetable Aeron chair by
Herman Miller is one piece of furniture that
will complete your high-powered home
office. Designers Bill Stumpf and Don
Chadwick use Pellicle, a breathable, form-
fitting material in place of the usual foam
and fabric, while the chair’s innovative
structure is so intuitive that it provides
optimum support for people of all sizes and
almost becomes part of the person using it.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair in polished
aluminium, $2,339, from Xtra Design.
esents we would love to receive.ii
y
ure that
ome
on
e, form-
al foam
tive
ides
sizes and
n using it.
hed
gn.
Herman Miller’s store-in-store concept at
Xtra is a world-first. Xtra, a stalwart of the
furniture retail scene here, also carries a
diverse range of furniture, lighting and
accessories from brands such as Gervasoni,
Magis and Tom Dixon.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247
74
WIN!
These stylish items
might be on our
birthday wish list,
but we’re giving
them all to you! Turn
to page 247 to find
out how to take
them home.

77. The New Weave
Like all the items produced by Italian company
Moroso, the Touti seat has an evocative story
behind its design. Designer Patricia Urquiola
employed a hand-weaving technique using plastic
threads, traditionally used for making fish nets,
to craft a brightly coloured, hand-woven shell
over the coated steel frame. Each piece in the
M’Afrique collection, of which the Touti is part of,
is unique because of the natural colour variations
of the material.
Moroso Touti seat, $2,000, from P5.
The New Weave
Like all the items produced by Italian company
Moroso is the latest addition to the P5
family of brands, which also includes labels
such as Artek, Bassam Fellows, and E15.
What these brands have in common is their
strong individuality in terms of style, and a
high level of craftsmanship for the ultimate
in modern luxury.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247
75

78. Local company Air Division has a raft of
award-winning furniture designs under its
belt. It has become a household name in
modern furnishings through its in-house
labels, Plank Living and Royce.
Divide And Display
Air Division’s HDB shelf is a nod to the
HDB housing blocks of the past. The
open-ended design of this standalone
piece means that it works just as well
as a room divider, without seeming too
obstructive – great for compact spaces.
You don’t have to put much on this
shelf for it to stand out; it already does
so with its sculptural quality.
HDB shelf (narrow), $2,390, in American
black walnut, from Air Division.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247

80. Cutting Edge
One of the most famous pieces of the 20th century, the Zig Zag
chair by Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld (now made by Cassina) is
ingenious for its simple yet groundbreaking shape. Made of four
planes of natural cherry wood with a cantilevered seat and no
legs, this forty-year-old classic is held up by dovetail joints and
wooden wedges. A favourite of architects.
Cassina Zig Zag chair in cherry wood (right), $4,150, from Dream
Interiors.
Dream Interiors is the go-to place for all your favourite iconic European
designs. Its showroom houses marquee brands such as Knoll, Cassina and
Cappellini, as well as the forward-looking works of Autoban and Sancal.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247
78

82. Art Appeal
Casamania’s Her chair is half of the iconic
Him and Her chair collection by architect
and designer Fabio Novembre, renowned
for his dramatic and sculptural, art-as-
furniture pieces. Using a mould taken from
a plaster sculpture of an actual female form
(so you can be sure it’s anatomically correct),
the chair is made from polycarbonate using
rotational moulding technology. It now
comes in a limited, semi-transparent glass-
like version called Fume.
Casamania Her chair in limited-edition Fume,
$2,900, from Lifestorey.
A vibrant mix of brands for furniture and
lighting is available at Lifestorey. Design-
savvy homeowners will love the young, fun
and fashionable offerings of Casamania,
Kartell, Skitsch and Seletti, to name a few.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247
80

83. www.facebook.com/teakandmahogany
360º
Made with
Quick Dry Foam
Available Colours
Available Colours
1
2
3
Available Colours
Made with
Quick Dry Foam
Made with
Quick Dry Foam
Made with
Quick Dry Foam
Made with

84. Hide And Sleek
The Ernest desk from Punt will help to ensure an uncluttered study. It appears to
have a slim profile, but manages to incorporate a hidden niche for storing notebooks,
stationery and even a laptop. One neat feature is that its back legs have grooves for
running up wires or cables, which are held in a recess under the desktop. It even comes
with a stand that can be placed in the cable slot for propping up books or notes.
Punt Ernest desk in natural or super matte oak, $2,000, from Pomelo.
Spanish label Punt is just one in a curated stable of brands that Pomelo carrries. A boutique
furniture and design store that focuses on good design and quality craftsmanship, Pomelo also
represents Mattiazzi from Italy, Case from the UK, and Cherner Chair Company from the US.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247
82

86. Delicate Balance
Definitely an item that will make a visual
statement in your home, this set of
oversized brass scales from Gilt & Folly
can complement either modern classic
decor themes or act as a complete
contrast to a clean, minimalist concept. It
can also be combined with other similarly
eclectic accessories for an arty vibe.
Brass library scales, $2,245,
from Gilt & Folly.
Nothing at accessories shop Gilt & Folly
is run-of-the-mill. The shop is a veritable
magpie’s nest of glittery things, with art
pieces, sculptures and other objects that
will trigger your sense of excitement.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247

88. Double The Pleasure
Customise your cuppa with the Miele
CM5200 coffee maker. This premium
machine allows you to customise the
intensity of your brew with its Aromatic
system, and also to programme the water
temperature and quantity of each cup. It
also claims to be the only coffee machine
able to dispense two cups of java at
the same time, thanks to its One Touch
for Two function. Save time on brewing
coffee as well as cleaning, for a host of
automatic cleaning functions means the
device is a breeze to maintain.
Miele CM2500 coffee maker in
limited edition silver, $2,390, from
the Miele Gallery.
Miele, a German manufacturer of premium
domestic appliances, is known for high-quality
products such as washers, coffee makers, hobs
and hoods; great design; and an ever-present
sense of innovation.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247

89. Sofas from Corium, Italia
Design by Roberto Bendini
100% artisanal leather sofa fully designed
and made by master craftsmen in Italy.
A proud tradition from Tuscany.
liVe fashionably
CENTRAL
177 RIVER VALLEY ROAD
LIANG COURT #02-24 S179030
T6837 0060
EAST
16 TAI SENG STREET L8 S534138
T6235 0777
WEST
30 TOH GUAN ROAD #01-01A S608840
T6665 0777
extremelyfashionablefurniture.com
Dix Collection
Design by Sean Dix

90. Linear Perfection
Personally meaningful to designer Nathan
Yong, the Line TV console was the first
item he conceptualised after going solo
in 2009. It was picked up by US company
Design Within Reach and went on to
become one of its bestsellers, spawning
a whole family of products. Nathan
conceptualised the louvred doors to
conceal AV equipment while still allowing
the infrared signal of remote controls to
enter. He also wanted to design louvred
doors that would run seamlessly from one
end of the console to the other.
Line TV console (180cm) in oak, $3,700,
from Grafunkt.
Founded by Nathan and Jefery
Kurniadidjaja, Grafunkt offers
stylish in-house designs as well as
contemporary European labels such as
Hay and Miniforms, all of which combine
functionality, quality and creativity.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247
88

91. Life is full of delightful possibilities. EXPLORE.
A new way to make your home beautiful
Customer Care Center Hotline: 6484 7877
©2012 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.
Schneider Electric Singapore Pte Ltd
10 Ang Mo Kio Street 65 #02-17/20 TechPoint Singapore 569059 Tel: 6484 7877 Fax: 6484 7800
Email: customercare.sg@schneider-electric.com Website: www.schneider-electric.com.sg
ULTI
The haute couture of lighting
control. Exquisite. Exclusive.
NEO
Starring Horizontal Dolly and LED -
the forward switch for forward people
ZENcelo
The first FULL-FLAT switch.
An in-standing touch.
Vivace
Simplicity and beauty for everyone.
A Bauhaus expression.
Pieno
Maximal dolly, minimal frame - German
high design.
Redefine Space and Style
with a Single Touch. Explore endless
delighted possibilities with our ranges.
Receive a complimentary award-winning ZENcelo switch and
download “Jeu de Lumiere - The Art of Fine Lighting” brochure now.
1. Go to www.SEreply.com
2. Entre keycode 52513M

92. Natural Light
An eye-catching piece, the Twig floor
lamp is an original, signature creation of
Vaughan Designs. As its name suggests,
it draws inspiration directly from nature.
The base of the lamp is crafted from
bronze, topped with a cream-coloured card
lampshade. This is a contemporary design
that will indeed fit easily into any space.
Twig floor lamp, $2,800, from Vaughan
Designs.
TEXTREBECKKAWONG&LOUISACLARELIM
Modern classic designs such as the Twig
lamp are a trademark of the UK-based
Vaughan Designs. A favourite of interior
designers, the company is known for its
unique, antique-inspired decorative lighting,
and also carries a range of furniture, textiles
and accessories.
WIN THIS! PAGE 247
90

94. THE NEW ERGONOMIC RAINDANCE SELECT SERIES
BY HANSGROHE OFFERS AN EVEN MORE DELIGHTFUL
SHOWERING EXPERIENCE.
DANCING IN THE RAIN
Nothing feels quite as therapeutic as a shower to wash away
the day’s grime and tension. Now, Hansgrohe’s Raindance
Select series makes it even more pleasurable. The Raindance
Select range of hand showers, showerpipes, overhead
showers, thermostats and diverters comes with a unique new
design, where all it takes is the push of a button to switch
between modes.
With the Raindance Select hand shower, for instance, this
nifty “select” button is ergonomically located at the front of
the spray handle. Simply push to switch between the gentle
Rain Air spray mode, more forceful Rain spray, or invigorating
massage jet. No more manual fiddling and twisting of the
showerhead to change your spray functions. The sleek
Raindance Select overhead shower is just as convenient,
incorporating a push-button Rain Stream jet for a luxuriously
voluminous spray. An even neater design is the Shower Tablet
Select 300: Its multi-functional thermostat doubles as an
intelligent shower-control unit and a stylishly sleek shelf for
toiletries. All the control elements are positioned at the front,
again for easy access.
More details on the new Raindance Select range at www.hansgrohe.com.sg
HANSGROHE SPECIAL
The Raindance Select overhead
and hand showers switch easily
between three jet types at the
mere touch of a button.
The Shower
Select’s concealed
thermostats
feature intuitive
push buttons.
The Shower Tablet
Select 300 doubles
as a sleek thermostat
and a toiletries shelf.
The Raindance
Select showerpipe
is an innovative
combination of
overhead and
hand showers
and a thermostat-
cum-shelf.

96. Exclusive
from
Milan!
OBJECTS
we love
lighting
We spotlight the
luminaires that
dazzled at this
year's Milan
Design Week,
drawing us like
moths to a flame.
10 OF THE
BEST NEW LAMPS
94

97. Foscarini is available at Xtra.
Branching Off
The seemingly random placement
of “branches” on the Tuareg
lamp by Ferruccio Laviani for
Foscarini gives it a windswept
look that makes a striking visual
statement. Its three LED light
sources (housed within the tubular
elements) operate independently
of each other and swivel 320
degrees, so you can use them as
reading, floor or wall lamps.
Light on a Plate
Made by inmates of Bergen Prison in
Norway, in cheeky reference to the
urban legend of prisoners hiding a
metal file in a cake to smuggle into
their cells, is the Bake Me A Cake
lamp. The table lamp is the result
of a collaboration with Norwegian
lighting company Northern Lighting,
and presents a light bulb on an oak
wood cake stand capped with a
removable glass cover.
Northern Lighting is available at Danish Design Co.
Line Work
Arik Levy’s surreal Wireflow
lamps for Vibia seem like three-
dimensional line drawings floating
in space. Illumination is provided
by LED bulbs which dangle from
thin rods. The Wireflow is part of a
new typology of lamps that shifts
the design focus away from the
light shade onto other elements of
the lamp.
Vibia is available at Gamut.

98. Belle of the Ball
Fine-porcelain brand Lladro has revitalised
the classic crystal chandelier by casting
it fully in (what else but) porcelain, for a
new series of lamps called Belle De Nuit
(French for “beautiful night”). Dressed
in a combination of striking hues, the
chandelier’s saturated colour tones make
the piece a real head-turner.
Initial This
Ever wanted to see your name up
in lights? Delightfull’s Graphic lamp
collection will satisfy your narcissistic side
with its single-letter neon and filament
lights. Each letter is available in various
decorative fonts, so the end result will be
delightfully fun and carnival-like. Numbers
one to 10 are available, too.
www.lladro.com
Delightfull is available at Novamobili.

100. Simply Magic
The lit lampshade seems to float
mysteriously in mid-air, with not an
electrical connection in sight. Such is the
enchantment of Paul Cocksedge’s Shade
lamp for Flos. The designer wanted to
do away with lamp clutter (wires and
switches), and found the solution by
transmitting LED light housed in a small
black box on the floor, up to the Japanese
paper shade, which is suspended from the
ceiling by super-thin nylon wires.
Coloured View
Without light, there is no colour. Dutch
designer Dennis Parren reminds us that
light influences the way we see hues
with his CMYK family of LED lamps.
With their geometric wire shades,
the lamps, which are fitted with red,
blue and green LED bulbs, project
interlacing lines of cyan, magenta and
yellow (pigment shades) onto walls and
ceilings, creating a magical kaleidoscope
of coloured lines and illumination.
Building Light
Echoing her architectural work, starchitect
Zaha Hadid’s Avia and Aria pendant lamps for
Slamp convey a sense of fluidity, movement
and lightness with rigid materials. Using
Slamp’s patented techno-polymers – Opalflex
for Avia (pictured, in black), and Cristalflex
(in white) for Aria – each lamp is made up of
layers that turn light into a sculpture.
Slamp is available at Lifestorey.
Flos is available at Space Asia Hub. www.dennisparren.nl

102. A New Wave
Philips’ Lumiblade OLEDs (Organic Light-Emitting
Diodes), flat and thin squares of light, are held
by linked rods and pieced together to create a
mesmerising lightshow in the guise of the Philips
Living Sculpture 3D module system. It provides the
framework for designers to exercise their creativity
without worrying about the technical aspects of the
lighting, and can be programmed so the lights go
on and off in sequence to create “movement”.
Disappearing Act
Paring a lighting fixture down to almost nothing,
the Labo floor and table lamps by Daniel Debiasi
and Federico Sandri for Penta are almost invisible,
with a stem and shade made of borosilicate glass.
Besides the black nickel or bronze base, the only
visible element – the coloured electrical cable –
acts in terms of function and form.
TEXTREBECKKAWONG
www.lumiblade-experience.com
www.penta-light.com

104. A CLOSE RAPPORT WITH THEIR CLIENTS HELPED THE DESIGNERS FROM
LUXUR CREATE A HOME THAT THE OWNERS WERE MOST SATISFIED WITH.
A MEETING OF MINDS
LUXUR ID SPECIAL

105. Visit Luxur at 82 Joo Chiat Place, tel: 6440-8885, fax: 6440-9969, enquiry@luxurid.com, www.luxurid.com
It was the “good chemistry” Luxur shared
with the homeowners that led to this project
being a breeze to work on. The occupants, a
couple in their late 30s, had come to Luxur
asking for a renovation that channelled the
relaxed feel of a resort. The only caveat
was that they wanted to bring most of their
existing furniture into their new 1,500sqf
three-bedroom apartment in Joo Chiat
Terrace. The designers got along so well
with the couple that the end product didn’t
deviate very far from their original proposal.
As the homeowners take many holidays
in Thailand, they brought pictures of Thai
boutique hotels to show the design team.
With these photographs in mind, Luxur
proposed a colour palette that comprised
earthy tones to “get away from the concrete
of Singapore” as well as evoke a “relaxing
feel of tropical, South-east Asian resorts.”
The false ceiling in the living room was
removed to expose the high, loft-like ceiling
uncommon in most apartments. Lightweight,
wood-look fibre beams were installed across
the ceiling to act as a design feature and also
demarcate the living and dining areas.
Moving into the private areas, the master
bedroom and second bedroom were joined
into one large space. A portion of the
dividing wall was left intact: this doubled
as a concrete bed head and served as a
“marker” to denote the original boundaries
of the rooms. Luxur then moved the basin
out of the small bathroom into the bedroom
for a resort-type feel. Separate “his” and
“hers” sinks and faucets were installed in
an elongated vanity cabinet in dark walnut
(no more fighting for the washbasin in the
mornings!). The vanity cabinet is set against
a red tiled wall and the entire unit serves as a
visual feature, albeit a practical one.
However, when discussing the conversion
of the third bedroom into a study, the husband
confessed that he liked Scandinavian design.
Luxur’s designers proposed a mash-up of
looks: they would use similar earthy and
woody tones in customised Scandi-inspired
furniture pieces. The result? Pine and grey-
painted metal shelves and a veneer-clad
table topped with glass. The designers and
homeowners were both extremely happy with
the end result: Today, the shelves are neatly
filled with an eclectic collection of books,
CDs, retro pieces and holiday souvenirs. For
Luxur, it was another job well done, and yet
another set of happy clients.
left The original kitchen walls were hacked to
create a modern, open-plan look.
top Lightweight fibre material was used to craft
the wood-like ceiling beams.
centre Two combined bedrooms make up the
large master bedroom.
bottom Shelves and the table were custom-made
to evoke a Scandinavian-look study room.

106. OBJECTS
we love
style for less
1 Orla Kiely tumblers, $9
each, from Robinsons Jem
2 Dew frost ice-cream cup,
$13, from Francfranc 3 Fhu
pasta plate, $19.90, from
Francfranc 4 Crystal cake
stand, $18, from Francfranc
5 Menu latte spoon, $21,
from Foundry.
1
3
4
5
The cost of living
might be going up, but
a stylish space doesn’t
have to cost an arm
and a leg. We found
25 chic buys under $25
that will add a touch of
personality to even the
plainest of corners.
2 Our
Pick
25 REASONS TO SHOP
104

107. Leading the way in surface solutions, the Hafary Group is a leading player
in the supply of exquisite tiles, stones, laminates and so much more. Apart
from surfacing solutions, we also offer an outstanding range of sanitary
ware and fittings to complement your modern lifestyle. With a total of four
subsidiary companies, namely Hafary, Surface Project, Surface Stone and
Wood Culture, the Hafary Group has the answer to your building needs
and more.
HAFARY
Bringing Your Design Ideas to Life
TILE . STONE . MOSAIC . SANITARY WARE & FITTINGS . WOOD FLOORING . QUARTZ TOP
>> Relocating
from
Defu to Eunos
in August !
>> HAFARY DEFU
15 Defu Avenue 1
Singapore 539538
TEL +65 6250 1368
>> HAFARY EUNOS
105 Eunos Avenue 3
Singapore 409836
TEL +65 6250 1368
HAFARY BALESTIER
560 Balestier Road
Singapore 329876
TEL +65 6250 1369
HAFARY TRADEHUB 21
18 Boon Lay Way #01-132 Tradehub 21
Singapore 609966
TEL +65 6570 6265
www.hafary.com.sg | enquiry@hafary.com.sg | www.facebook.com/hafary

108. 6 Villa LED house, $24,
from Francfranc 7 French
bulldog coin bank, $25,
from Egg3 8 Veneet pen
stand, $15, from Francfranc
9 Pantone food /sushi
tray, $19, from Robinsons
Jem 10 Mountain memo
board, $16.90, from
Robinsons Jem.
10
6
7
8
9
Our
Pick
106

110. 11 Days of Lightning
ceramic plates by
Ampulets for Supermama
x Kihara, $10 (small), $20
(big), from Supermama
12 Glass canister, $19.90,
from Egg3 13 Plant pots,
$19.90 (set of two), from
Robinsons Jem 14 Gracia
cactus ornament, $12, from
Francfranc 15 Two-tone
glass bottle, $16, from
Francfranc.
11
12
13
14
15
Our
Pick

112. 16 Snappi wall hanger by Pana
Objects, $22, from Small and
Able 17 Deco wooden ruler
tray, $15, from Supermama
18 Wooden toy car, $15.90,
from The Children’s Showcase
19 Mutsu chopping board
(as display stand), $18, from
Robinsons Jem 20 Tofu pen
stand by Pana Objects, $22,
from Small and Able.
16
18
17
19
20
OurPick
110

114. 21 Melamine whale plate by
Ingela P. Arrhenius, $14, from
The Little Drom Store
22 Honeycomb Parade
hanging mobile by Ingela
P. Arrhenius, $21 (set of five
characters), from The Little
Drom Store 23 Rice dinosaur,
$14, from The Children’s
Showcase 24 Rice melamine
chopping boards, $14.20
each, from The Children’s
Showcase 25 Origami Chinese
zodiac magnetic cardholder,
$22.90, from Egg3.
TEXTLOUISACLARELIMPHOTOGRAPHYAIKCHENSTYLINGNICCOLIM
23
22
24
25
21
OurPick
112

115. More nuances. More elegance. More versatility: The Starck bathroom series with the coordinating furniture programme. Just one example from the comprehensive
Duravit range – sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, accessories, bathtubs, wellness products and saunas. Free brochure available from Duravit Asia Limited
(Singapore Branch), 63 Tras street Singapore 079002, Phone +65 6238 6353, Fax + 65 6238 6359, info@sg.duravit.com; Econflo Systems Pte Ltd, 263/265 Beach
Road, Singapore 199544, Phone + 65 6396 3738, Fax + 65 6396 3736, sale@econflo.com,www.econflo.com; Ferrara Asiapac Pte Ltd, 83 Clemenceau Avenue,
#01-35 & 36 UE Square, Singapore 239920, Phone +65 6235 0020, Fax + 65 6235 8344, infor@ferrara.com.sg; Sansei Singapura Pte Ltd, 462 Tagore Industrial
Avenue, Singapore 737831, Phone +65 6292 8321, Fax +65 6292 4520, sales@sansei.com.sg, www.sanseionline.com; Wan Tai & Co (Pte) Ltd, 25 Changi South
Avenue 2, Singapore 486594, Phone +65 6546 5900, Fax +65 6546 6388, enshyong@wantai.com, www.wantai.com, www.duravit.com
A genuine Starck.
The bathroom by
Philippe Starck.

116. 1
2
4 4
5
3 3
6 6
7 7
8 8
9 9
10 10
11
12
1414
15 15
13
1 1
OBJECTS
we love
kitchen gadgets
1 Bar strainer, $2.50, from ToTT 2 Magpie Kohinoor
ice bucket, $612, from Proof Living 3 Pyramid mould,
$10.20, and 4 Ball strainer, $10.50, both from ToTT
5 Vacu Vin nutcracker, $49.90, from Robinsons 6 Fischer
oval hamburger press, $79, 7 Potato press/masher,
$12.90, and 8 Boska cheesy knife, $26.10, all from ToTT
9 Ottagonale milk jug, $230, from Alessi 10 Flower pastry
cutter, $7.50, 11 Safico triangular flat plate, $82.40,
12 Safico oval bowl, $70.10, and 13 Giesser mincing
knife, $21.70, all from ToTT 14 WMF salt & pepper mills,
$129 each, from Robinsons 15 Mosa stainless steel cream
whipper, $130.60, from ToTT.
SHORT OF HAVING OUR OWN ROBOT TO
HELP US OUT IN THE KITCHEN, THESE
HANDY ITEMS WILL DO THE TRICK!
INSPECTOR
space age
GLEAMING METALLIC KITCHENWARE
AND ACCESSORIES SHARPEN UP THE
LOOK OF YOUR COOKSPACE.
GADGET
114

117. 1
2 2
4 4
5 53
6
7 7
8
9 9
10 10
6
1 NIA roaster, $178, from Francfranc 2 Le Creuset mini
cocotte, $56, 3 Kenwood KMix toaster, $129, and
4 Henckels knife sharpener, $23.80, all from Robinsons
5 ST cooking container, $13, from Francfranc 6 Joseph
Joseph smasher pump-action potato masher, $36, from
Robinsons 7 Microplane pizza cutter, $24.90, from
ToTT 8 Ice & wine cooler, $32, from Francfranc 9 WMF
ceramill spice mill, $89, from Robinsons 10 Bodum
bistro electric coffee grinder, $98.10, from ToTT.
THESE BRIGHT HUES ARE GREAT FOR
JAZZING UP AN ALL-WHITE KITCHEN,
OR CREATING A RETRO LOOK.
spice is nice
115

118. 1
2
3 3
45 5
6
7
7
8 8
9
10 10
6
9
4
THE HOMELY APPEAL OF THESE
WOODEN TOOLS WILL ADD OLD-
SCHOOL CHARM TO YOUR KITCHEN.
keeping with
tradition
1 Les Fromage cheese board,
$16, from Robinsons 2 Les
Planchas serving plate, $150,
from Lemongrass & Aubergine
3 Samekawa grater, $37, and
4 Bamboo grater, $26, both
from Francfranc 5 Pestle and
mortar, $17 per set, from
Robinsons 6 Chan Chi Kee
fish scaler, $17.30, from ToTT
7 J-Period Akita Sugi Umehana
lunch box,$163, from Francfranc8Boska beech wood cheese
board, $11, 9 Ice chipper,
$5.10, and 10 Cole & Mason
wooden salt mill, $19.80, all
from ToTT.
TEXTLOUISACLARELIMPHOTOGRAPHYWINSTONCHUANG&FRENCHESCARLIMSTYLINGKAFFYTAN
116

120. THE INNOVATIVE LED RANGE FROM PHILIPS LIGHTING
BRIGHTENS UP A HOME IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE.
LIGHT THE WAY
PHILIPS SPECIAL
Transform your home with LED lighting from Philips. With over 100 years of lighting innovation,
Philips combines long-lasting, energy-saving LED solutions with elegant, award-winning
designs for any modern residence. With a complete suite of LED home lighting for every part of
your home, you can now express yourself in style and redefine your living space, while cutting
down your impact on the environment.

121. MORNING ENERGY,
EVENING INDULGENCE
The bathroom is your private
sanctuary. Design it for
relaxation with the tunable My
Bathroom range from Philips.
A mechanical tunable white
feature lets you choose your
preferred light colour – tune
from warm white for a spa-like
ambience to cool white task
lighting. A dimmer switch
also lets you adjust the light
intensity, while the high-quality
LED ensures clean, bright light.
On top of that, My
Bathroom collection is great
for the bathroom as it features
hardy anti-rust chrome and
nickel finishes, and high-end
polycarbonate diffusers.
SEE YOUR HOME IN
A NEW LIGHT
Less is more with Philips’
understated, iconic lights
designed for the modern
Asian home. Sleek and
stylish, the new range
illustrates that sometimes,
the simplest things are the
most beautiful.
The Orbit – inspired
by the slim splendour
of floating halos.
The invisible Disc –
the purest essence
of beauty.
For more information, visit www.philips.com.sg/HomeLighting, or any Philips Home Lighting Stores:
EXPERT #01-03, 279 Balestier Point, tel: 6258-4468 • #01-51/52 Tradehub 21, Blk 16 Boon Lay Way, tel: 6793-0392 • #01-3707, Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central, tel: 6271-2498 • 722 Geylang Rd, tel: 6848-4613
• #01-16/17 New World Centre, No 1 Jalan Berseh Road, tel: 6299-5358 • 314/316 Jalan Besar, tel: 6295-0314 • TP4 Building Level 1, 620A Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, tel: 6882-4861 • #01-73 Vertex, 33 Ubi Avenue
3, tel: 6256-0080 ZONE/SHOP-IN-SHOP No. 366/368 Changi Road, tel: 6345-0693 • #01-06 Siglap Centre, 55 Siglap Road (Three Cubes), tel: 6245-0776 • #01-01, 793 Bukit Timah, tel: 6515-6528
The invisible
the purest es
of beauty.

123. places
THE BEST SHOWROOMS
EXTREME HOMES
HEAVENLY BATHROOMS
OUR HOMES

124. 126
we love
PLACES
showrooms
The mark of a good furniture
showroom is when you feel the
urge to pack your bags and
move right in. These 10 spaces
certainly tempted us!
MAKE
YOURSELF
AT HOME
Xtra
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN Stepping into
this 10,000sqf emporium of designer brands
is like walking into a wonderland of designer
furniture and lighting. Fortunately, the 40
brands on display at Xtra are tastefully styled
and coordinated so they form a comfortable
succession of zones within the showroom.
Besides the dedicated areas for colourful Magis
pieces and the shop-in-shop Herman Miller
section, Arketipo’s sophisticated collection of
sofas, side tables, lounge seats and armchairs
bring a sense of liveability into the shop space.
We would also love to spend a night at the Flou
section, with its sumptuous bed designs.
Here you will find the classic Nathalie bed
by Vico Magistretti and the Angle bed by
Rodolfo Dordoni, which has a plush, tufted
headboard and upholstered side panels that
can be folded to enclose the user. In this area,
the lighting is sexy and dim, creating a sense of
calm – perfect to unwind in.
#01-01 PARK MALL tel: 6336-0688

125. House of Anli
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN Even before you
enter the black-and-white colonial bungalow
the House of Anli takes up residence at, you are
already relaxed by the drive up, through the thick
and verdant canopy of tall trees along Mount
Pleasant. Enter the 754sqf showroom and be
seduced by an old-world charm.
The interiors are mainly white, with black stair
railings and ceiling beams for drama. Belgian owner
Anne-Jean Lietaer sources the furniture pieces
mainly from Europe, preferring natural materials
such as wood and leather. This mix conjures up a
rustic resort ambience in the naturally ventilated
space. Lighting, art pieces, bed linen, kitchenware
and tableware round up the comprehensive
product offerings.
Just give us a cup of tea and a seat on the
garden terrace facing the sprawling gardens, and
we might just stay for dinner, too!
18 MOUNT PLEASANT DRIVE tel: 6251-0410
P5
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN A retail concept in a
shophouse, P5 might carry a curated mix of designer
furnishing labels but maintains a homely (albeit
upscale) vibe. Its 16 European and American brands
are displayed across 4,000sqf of space, coupled with
high ceilings and glass entrance doors that stream
in plenty of light to make the showroom appear airy
and spacious.
Sales director Aloysius Lim explains: “I don’t
segregate the showroom into different zones. I
make it a point to mix the pieces from different
brands to showcase their versatility.” This is akin to
the decorating process of a real home, where pieces
are added over time from different brands. Here,
colourful chairs from Moroso add a pop of colour
to wooden furniture from E15. The masculinity of
Bassam Fellows’ solid wood-and-leather sofas and
armchairs are paired with the modernity of Glas
Italia’s striking glass side tables and mirrors. Michael
Anastassiades’ lighting and Serge Mouille’s iconic
1950s luminaires illuminate the space and add
ambience. If P5 were a real home, it would be a
luxurious abode indeed.
PHOTOHOUSEOFANLI
5 PURVIS STREET tel: 6337-0050
123

126. AF Home
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN The four-storey,
7,000sqf showroom of AF Home (AF is an acronym
for Artelier Furnishings), located in one of the
heritage shophouses in the River Valley area,
exudes a quiet and sophisticated charm. We
particularly love the double-volume second storey
with its floor-to-ceiling windows shaded with
elegant drapes. The spaces are complemented
with a collection of refined accessories (which
are also for sale) to resemble a luxurious, well-
appointed home.
The shop customises upholstered furnishings
for every part of your home and is well-stocked
with the contemporary classic pieces it specialises
in. Almost every space in the home – from the
living to the dining room and the bedroom – is
represented, but the resident stylist ensures the
space remains uncluttered for shopping.
AF Home represents international fabric
brands such as Robert Allen and Beacon Hill. Used
for upholstery, curtains and cushions, these fabrics
are responsible for creating the cosy ambience of
the place and for making the refined spaces that
much more approachable.
276 RIVER VALLEY ROAD tel: 6733-7012
CB2
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN When you’re located
in the retail belt of Orchard Road, it’s challenging
to make your showroom stand out. CB2 does that
quietly and effortlessly. An offshoot of Chicago-
based company Crate and Barrel, CB2 is already
housed in a great location – the loft-like second
floor of the Peranakan Place complex. The 6,000sqf
space is full of little zones that tempt customers
to kick back and relax, in settings depicting living,
dining and bedroom habitats. One stand-out space
for us is the bedroom area, with a skylight that
bathes the space in warm daylight.
Colour is rife on its furnishings and accessories,
further accentuating the homely, feel-good vibe of
the space. The contemporary pieces are also great
in small spaces, which make them easy to imagine
living with. We like the mix of vintage items such as
signboards and radios (from the personal collection
of its owners) with the new designs.
From cushions to cups, the many accessories
CB2 offers carry a fun, cheerful vibe – nothing in
the store feels stuffy.
PERANAKAN PLACE COMPLEX tel: 6732-5333
PHOTOCB2
124

128. Space Asia Hub
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN Browsing in Space
Asia Hub is like walking through the well-styled
catalogues of more than 20 contemporary furniture
and lighting brands from Europe and America.
Part of the 40,000sqf showroom is housed in two
heritage shophouses, conserved by architectural
practice Woha to show off its pedigree furnishings.
The corner bungalow, in particular, houses
marquee brands Poliform and Giorgetti. Named The
Villa, it’s easy to imagine this two-storey structure
as someone’s posh home. Scented air and soft tunes
greet you as you enter the 6,300sqf space, which
showcases Poliform living systems on the ground
floor, complemented by AV systems from B&O. On
the second floor is Atelier Giorgetti, showcasing
the best of Italian craftsmanship in contemporary
furnishings such as the latest seats fresh from this
year’s Milan Furniture Fair.
A more casual brand of luxury rules in the other
areas of the showroom, which includes the Glass
Block and the Heritage House.
77 BENCOOLEN STREET tel: 6415-0000
126

130. Barbara Barry
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN Be enraptured by the
elegance, grace and sophistication of living in a New
York penthouse. That’s the feeling you get when
you step into the Barbara Barry showroom here
(within the Proof Living retail space at Ion). What
characterises the 3,000sqf place dedicated to works
by the beloved American designer are its penthouse
proportions and the large windows that frame the
Orchard Road vista. Relax in the Grace lounge chair
while looking out over the canopy of Angsana trees.
The living room is best experienced when
the weather is good as plenty of light streams in
through the large windows, creating a soft, dream-
like setting. Every object is perfectly placed and
the pared-down look of mostly greys, beiges and
whites – a scheme beloved by the designer herself –
provides a soothing canvas for larger pieces to stand
out. The bedroom is possibly the most inviting space
as the bed is plush and primed with the softest,
silkiest sheets. At night, the lighting offers a soft
glow, seducing customers. It’s the perfect spot to
escape the hubbub of the city just below.
PROOF LIVING tel: 6509-0555, www.proof.com.sg
John Erdos Home
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN Although John
Erdos Home might be a sprawling 6,000sqf
showroom, you feel welcome and relaxed within.
There are sumptuous sofas for customers to lounge
in, or you can laze in a plantation chair. A koi
pond set in the floor is another soothing feature.
Owner and founder John Erdos has built a career
designing robust teak wood pieces with an east-
meets-west appeal, and he has a knack for styling
them such that they appear like complete living
spaces. The dining tables are always perfectly set,
as if expecting a dinner party to arrive any minute.
First-time visitors are always drawn to the large
windows that let in plenty of light and a gorgeous
view of its quaint Demspey setting. Walls clad in
Porter’s Paints add a splash of colour to the space,
while you will find accessories from Georg Jensen
and Ploh Bedding scattered throughout.
7A & 7B DEMPSEY ROAD tel: 6735-3307
128

131. View the Flexible Architecture collection by Starck at Rice, 66 Eng Watt Street, 01-06, tel: 6227-3456.
MATERIAL BEAUTY
RICE SPECIAL
It all started in a humble container space in Kallang
Distripark. That was 12 years ago. Today, Rice sits in a
spiffy, expanded shophouse locale with a trendy Tiong Bahru
address. What hasn’t changed though, is its pioneering
spirit of bringing in leading, exclusive Italian brand tiles
and stones – all stylishly showcased in Rice’s inspiring
showroom setting.
One of the latest offerings at Rice is the Flexible
Architecture collection designed by Philippe Starck for
Italian manufacturer Ceramica Sant’Agostino. A first
for designer Starck, this seemingly simple ceramic tile
collection is in fact, a clever, innovative concept.
Here, the tile is no longer about decoration and patterns,
but “part of the architecture.” The edges vary in thickness,
and appear like exaggerated joints. The tiles come in plain
shades of colours in matt or glossy, with surfaces that
are rough and rocky or slightly wavy. All these modular
combinations, in turn, offer architects, interior designers
and homeowners endless composition possibilities – simply
by playing with different laying schemes.
These modern tiles also use the latest digital ink
jet technology for deeper, richer colour that completely
coats the tile. Stylish, yet long-lasting, this collection truly
epitomizes Starck’s belief that “modernity is durability.”
STONE-AND-TILE SOLUTIONS PROVIDER RICE
INTRODUCES A BRAND NEW, ORIGINAL COLLECTION
BY DESIGNER PHILIPPE STARCK.

132. Fred Lives Here
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN If you love both
mid-modern classics and one-of-a-kind arty
furnishings, you’ll definitely want to visit Fred
Lives Here. Not just “Fred” (a stuffed toy
belonging to owner Angie Pasley), but Angie
herself also lives in the high-ceilinged 4,000sqf
shophouse. So, it’s no wonder the eclectic
offerings are placed to look like settings in a real
home. This means whimsical knitted toys and
cushions from Danish brand Lucky Sunday Boy sit
on mid-modern furniture; complemented by
French company Ibride’s animal bookshelves.
Angie works with artists to “pimp up” mid-
modern classic furniture using embellishments
such as studs and graffiti, and these pieces add a
further street-art vibe to the space. Peek into the
rooms and you’ll see a beautifully appointed study
area (again styled with the mid-modern classics
with a twist). With this much organised “chaos” on
the floor, the gorgeous greenery outside the floor-
to-ceiling windows helps to balance out the design
elements within.
108 EMERALD HILL ROAD
E-mail fred@fredliveshere.com for an appointment
TEXTJOSEPHLIMPHOTOGRAPHYVERONICATAY,DARRENCHANG&JASPERYUARTDIRECTIONLEYNAPOH
Minotti
WHY WE WANT TO MOVE IN Design aficionados
and discerning architects know that Minotti sits in
the stratosphere of luxury furniture. When you step
into its 4,000sqf Hill Street showroom, be prepared
to be sated by a sense of sophistication and
understated luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow
plenty of light to stream in and illuminate the space.
Don’t expect flashy colours or whimsical designs as
Minotti’s philosophy is all about minimalist elegance,
without sacrificing functionality.
The entire Minotti collection is designed by one
of Italy’s leading designers and architects – Rodolfo
Dordoni. The master of minimalism ensures that the
designs are timeless, and this is evident in the fact
that his 1996 collection is still relevant to today’s
interiors. Customers will love how the showroom
creates different “zones” to try out different sofa
collections, while plush rugs pamper the feet.
The bedrooms feature a moody, seductive feel that
makes you feel like kicking off your shoes and trying
out the beds.
#01-02, 30 HILL STREET tel: 6338-2822
130

134. THE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FROM 3M PROVIDE EASE
AND COMFORT FOR LIFE AT HOME AND THE OFFICE.
REAL SOLUTIONS
3M SPECIAL
Before
For Raymond Seow, design director of
interior design firm Free Space Intent, and
his family, home is a place to relax and
connect. Raymond had personally done up
the apartment and filled it with cheery retro
colours in his bold, signature style.
There were, however, a few areas of
concern. For one, his west-facing living
room gets really hot in the late afternoon,
with sunlight streaming in through the
balcony. Raymond was looking for a solution
that could block out the heat, but not the
light and scenic view. He found it in the
Prestige Window Films from 3M. “I can
feel the difference now – it used to be like
a greenhouse in here, but the films reduce
a lot of the heat,” says Raymond. This is
because the high-grade solar films use
After installation: Prestige Window Film
and Nomad Door Mat

135. Call 3M authorised distributor Jestac for a free consultation at tel: 6288-8290, or visit www.3M.com.sg.
After installation:
Fasara Film
non-metallised, multi-layer optical film (MOF)
and nano-technology that reject up to 97 per
cent of the sun’s infrared rays and 60 per cent
of the heat entering through the windows.
“I like that the brightness of the room isn’t
compromised either. And I heard from 3M
that the films offer UV protection too. This will
help keep my furniture and upholstery from
fading,” he adds.
The open balcony area tends to bring dirt
into the living room, from people walking in
and out. To solve this, Raymond placed the
3M Nomad Door Mat by the balcony. “I use
the same mat in my car, and it works well in
the home too. Besides, the colour matches my
decor!” he says. The mat traps and hides dirt
and moisture well with its resilient vinyl loop
construction. It’s also non-slip – an essential
safety feature, especially when it rains. “It’s
very easy to maintain; I just shake or rinse out
the dirt every few weeks.”
Another area that needed attention was
the sliding glass window access between the
kitchen and dining space. “I have an open
concept kitchen, but it tends to get messy,
especially around the preparation and sink
area. I wanted something that would continue
to let some light into the kitchen from the
dining area, yet cover the untidiness,” explains
Raymond. The 3M Fasara Decorative Films fitted the bill. Made froma durable, flexible
Before
polyester material, these films come in
different finishes and are a budget-friendly way
to mimic the look of textured glass. Raymond
lined the window with two finishes – a frosted,
more opaque one to conceal the lower part
of the kitchen (including the unsightly sink
area), and another with a gradation effect for
some translucency.
The 3M solutions proved to be so effective,
Raymond decided to install its water filter
system under the sink in his office. The filter
is said to be certified by NSF International
to remove cysts and the taste and odour of
chlorine. He says, “We used to have a distilled
water dispenser, but this filter is more cost-
effective and convenient as we can now drink
straight from the tap.”
Water Filter System

136. 134
PLACES
we love
extreme homes
Great sea views are visible from every
space in this sprawling apartment.
THE SPACE: 4,532SQF PENTHOUSE APARTMENT AT SENTOSA COVE
HOMEOWNER: AN EXPATRIATE COUPLE, WHO LIVE WITH THEIR TWO CHILDREN
extreme
FACTOR
VIEW
TO
KILL
FOR

137. 135
When seated on the sofa, one can take in
a panoramic view of the sea through the
full-length doors.
Waves lap just a few metres from the
first-floor balcony.

138. 136
Beach house
staples of white,
off-white and blue
offer a breezy,
relaxed vibe.
The lavish use of floor-
to-ceiling glass windows
ensures a panoramic
ocean vista, no matter
where you turn.

139. 137
The privileged few who live in Sentosa Cove
have many things to boast about: a gated
residential enclave closed off to tourists and
non-residents, bungalows with berths for boats,
and that multi-million-dollar sea view. From its lofty height six floors u
unparallelled view that takes the breath away.
Its owners evidently love living on Sentosa
as they moved from a landed property on the island to this apartme
always breathtaking, the original interiors of
the apartment did not enhance it. So in came
Selina Tay of Collective Designs, who modestly
credits the missus of the house for “making it
work”. “She has very good taste in decor, and
we essentially created a canvas for her existing
collection of furniture and art,” says Selina.
MAKING IT WORK
The designer took a good, hard look at the layout and made the
guest bedroom and family room around as
the original family room occupied a smaller
space than the former. The dry kitchen was
“just for show”, says Selina, as there weren’t
any facilities and it wasn’t at all practical. She added cabinetry that
The jewel and marine colours and lines of the
Missoni soft furnishings complement the azure
sea and blazing blue sky perfectly.

140. 138
A roof keeps the
shower safe from
the elements and
yet maintains the
openness of an
outdoor facility.
Cool marble in the
guest bathroom
exudes a sense
of luxury and sophistication.
sink and storage units, and an island countertop
fitted with a small glass hob.
But of course, all this was done to streamline
and neaten up the apartment for the show-
stopper: the unmarred stretch of blue sky and
sea. The generous length of windows along the
living and dining room is like a living, moving fourth “wall”, giving the all-white interiors colour
and light. The low, ultra-deep sofa in off-white,
and pale Persian rug were strategically chosen
“to sink into the background and let the view be the priority”.
CAPTURING THE VIEW
The upper floor is a private space dedicated
exclusively to the master bedroom and comprises the
bedroom, glass-walled bathroom (to capture the sea
view) and a roof terrace with sweeping, uninterrupted
views. Selina removed a huge jacuzzi that took up
half of the roof terrace and brought in more natural materials such as flam
The homeowners wanted a resort-styled outdoor
shower, and Selina delivered that and more. She also put in a clean-lin

142. 140
Having a great view alone isn't enough;
the interiors need to be streamlined
and direct the eye outwards.
TEXTWONGSIOWYUENPHOTOSCOLLECTIVEDESIGNS
She positioned the bed to face the
view and gave the interior the same light-
coloured palette and luxurious finishes
of the lower floor. The rest was left to the missus who confidently mixed Asian
artefacts and modern furniture with over-sized contemporary paintings. “I admit I
was a little concerned at first but a little bit of chaos is good – it gives the home
personality and flavour,” says Selina.
This collaboration has resulted in a
contemporary family home with interiors
that are understated enough to complement
the fantastic scenery, but one that stands on
its own in terms of colour and personality.
CONTACT COLLECTIVE DESIGNS tel: 6280-6161
The entire roof terrace outside the
master bedroom is furnished with
simple but strong graphic shapes to
allow the vista to take prominence.
The master bedroom faces the view full-on,
giving the owners amazing mornings and
stunning evenings.

144. PLACES
we love
extreme homes
ALL
Only 377sqf small, this home
shows how to pack it all in.
THE SPACE: ONE-BEDROOM APARTMENT IN LAVENDER STREET
HOMEOWNER: A BACHELOR IN HIS 30S
extreme
FACTOR
IN
ONE
142

145. The dining room was envisioned as an important entertaining space, and a
generous six-seater dining table in a rubber wood finish was custom-fitted to size.
Raising the table to counter-height affords extra preparation space for the kitchen.
Full-height mirrored kitchen cabinets reflect the length of the apartment.
143

146. When first-time homeowner Kian Tay bought this
shoebox apartment, he had meant for it to be an
investment. Post-renovation, the bachelor, who works in administration, was so pleased with the
results that he decided to move in instead. Kian
had enlisted Darren Tee, a friend and architect,
to help with the design and renovation. What
ensued was a complete transformation of a once
cramped and uninspired dwelling into a swish
bachelor’s pad.
The bold makeover included overlaying the
original brown marble (“too old-fashioned,”
says Kian) and parquet flooring with polished
Shanxi black granite throughout. In line with
Kian’s request for “simple basic colours,” the
apartment employs a masculine, monochromatic scheme of black and white, lifted by the use of
mirrors – lots of them.
EVERY BIT COUNTS
With only 377sqf to work with, Darren knew he had to maxim
was of course, paramount. Getting more natural
light in was another priority, and for that, the
existing bedroom and bathroom walls were the
first to go. Full-height glass panes were installed
in their place – giving the illusion of an open-
plan space, yet demarcating each area. Privacy
wasn’t an issue since the bachelor lives alone,
but waterproof roller blinds were installed in the
bathroom for guests.
The bathroom was especially challenging
as it was “very cramped,” recalls Kian. A tiny
irregular-shaped shower stall also made it really
difficult to manoeuvre when taking a shower.
To solve this “elbow-knocking” problem, the
shower cubicle doors were removed, and the
144

147. The use
of straight
lines and black
surfaces lends a
masculine touch
to the interior.
White containers
on ledge, from
Francfranc.
bathroom sink shifted out. The sink now sits in
a niche created between the bedroom and the
bathroom, with floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets
built all around it, including roomy drawers for
storing toiletries and underwear.
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL
The perennial trick of using mirrors to visually
enlarge a space is used to great effect here.
Mirrored walls in the shower and by the sink
make the bathroom corner appear larger than
it really is; as is also the case in the master
bedroom with its reflective feature wall.
Full-height cabinets – built flush against almost
every spare wall in the apartment – are clad in
black or clear mirror panes. At the main entrance,
for instance, are wall-to-wall clear-mirrored
cabinets reflecting and “doubling” the entire
A mirror-clad wall
in the small shower
tricks the eye
into thinking the
bathroom is larger
than it really is.
Moving the sink out
of the bathroom
creates room for
storage cabinets to
be built around it.
145

148. length of the apartment, including the dining
room, where a custom-built six-seater dining
table stands. The cupboards also conceal the
distribution board, while shelves within provide
useful storage for glassware and crockery to
the adjacent kitchen. The aforementioned sink
and vanity storage units are clad in black-
tinted mirrors.
The kitchen splashback is a pane of tinted,
mirrored glass, contrasting with the glossy white cabinetry that runs the length of the
kitchen, and continues into the living room.
Hidden behind the white cabinet doors are
the washing machine, dryer and fridge – once again keeping the diminutive apartment sleek
and seamless while blurring the boundary between the living space and the kitchen and
utility areas.
ROOM TO MOVE
The built-in cabinets are so spacious, Kian
reveals that he has used only about “20 per cent” of the storage space since m
earlier this year. When home is such a compact space, housework becomes easier – Kian
The renovation allows Kian room for all his
needs. “Before, when I was staying with my
parents, I would go out every weekend. But
now, I look forward to staying at home,” says the
bachelor. He cooks fairly often, and has friends
and family over, even hosting a housewarming
party recently for 15 guests!
CONTACT DARREN TEE tel: 9299-5459
Timber frames in black laminate border the “glass box” bedroom, giving the illusion of extended
height. Gingham throw, printed cushion and rabbit decor, all from Francfranc.

149. Very efficient use of a seemingly
tiny apartment gives the
homeowner room for all his needs.
The line between the living and utility areas is
blurred, with the washing machine and dryer
placed next to the TV in concealed cabinets.
The new black-mirrored sliding door
wardrobe doubles as the dividing wall
between the bedroom and bathroom.
TEXTWYN-LYNTANPHOTOGRAPHYVERNONWONGARTDIRECTIONNONIECHEN&NICCOLIM
147

150. PLACES
we love
extreme homes
Almost every available surface of this interior
is decorated with design– and art pieces!
THE SPACE: 1,600SQF TWO-STOREY CONSERVATION SHOPHOUSE IN SELEGIE
HOMEOWNER: AN INTERIOR DESIGNER IN HIS 30S
extreme
FACTOR
ATTACK
There’s even art on the ceiling: A Rainer Lagemann sculpture hangs off
the ceiling against an X-shaped light trough – an artistic way to decorate a
conventionally bare space.
Multi-coloured metallic rabbits from the Paul Smith boutique sit in a neat
row on a shelf; they are sometimes rotated for a completely different look.
ART
148

151. Hung all along
the staircase,
the eye-popping
work of Takashi
Murakami
commands
attention.

152. 150