Lookbox Living Issue #59

SPOTLIGHT

H AV E A S E AT

The best seats in the house are ones that both feel and look good.

TEXT JANICE SEOW

Seat of bliss The best sofas are ones that you sink into and never want to leave, which is exactly what you can expect when you sit on Campiello. Designed by Antonio Citterio for Flexform, the sofa features generously-sized seat cushions made with a core insert in crushproof material wrapped in a soft and thick layer of goose down. Likewise, the back cushions are filled with goose down to amplify the feeling of softness. Back cushions also come with roll cushions for greater back and neck support. The legs of the sofa are in cast aluminium.

Campiello by Flexform is available at Studio216, www.studio216.co

Leather up Premium leather sofas are now more within reach. Chateau d’Ax offers high quality designs at more accessible prices, with its Made-in-Italy philosophy encompassing all stages of production – from design to workmanship to materials used. XCOMFORT (featured) is a sofa with extra-large proportions, and comes with seat and back integrated with the structure for maximum comfort.

XCOMFORT (featured) by Chateau d’Ax is available at Ardmore Living, www.admoreliving.com

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SPOTLIGHT

World of macramé Knot by JANUS et Cie is a flexible seating and lounge collection for outdoor living spaces. As the name suggests, Knot’s designs utilise the macramé technique of a modified reef knot to create a beautifully patterned, bucket-shaped seat. The pieces in the collection are composed of intricately handwoven polypropylene rope supported by a durable, lightweight aluminium frame. For ultimate comfort, each piece is offered with a seat cushion and back pillow.

Slice of comfort When it comes to the lounge chair, comfort is key – and Mango

by NOTE Designstudio for WON has that in spades. Taking a contemporary slant to the classic silhouette, the seat of the chair is inspired by the mango fruit that’s been cut in a square pattern. A slice of fun in an elegant shell, Mango is a versatile and very comfortable chair.

3 G R E AT A C C E S S O R I E S FO R YO U R LI V I N G ROO M from Lemongrass & Aubergine, www.lemongrass-aubergine.com

Outdoor cushion by Pappelina

Mango by WON is available at URBANORDIC, www.urbanordic.com

Knot is available at JANUS et Cie, www.janusetcie.com

Hello Betty!

Betty is a highly comfortable chair that’s great for the dining room or other living scenarios. It can also be stacked up and put away, which is perfect for small apartments. It’s named after the famous Betty Nansen Theatre in Copenhagen, which was originally built in 1857. Designed by Jakob Thau and Sami Kallio, the chair’s most prominent feature is its exposed webbed seat.

Using natural linen fibres, the webbing straps are woven by hand, and tailored to fit each wooden seat frame.

Storage basket with handles

Vase Pik by Y’a Pas le Feu Au Lac

Betty by &Tradition is available at Made & Make, www.madeandmake.sg LOOKBOXLIVING.COM.SG | 17

SPOTLIGHT

EXPERIENCING SINGAPORE DESIGN WEEK We round up the unique designer x brand collaborations, public space activations and design trends that made up this year’s event in March.

TEXT JANICE SEOW

An annual affair, Singapore Design Week (SDW) is not just one event but a whole series of design-related programmes held in different locations in Singapore. This year’s SDW ran from 4 to 17 March, and creative installations, workshops, talks, exhibitions and other activities for both professionals and the public were activated across the city to celebrate some of the best talents and works in the local and international design scene. Here’s what went down.

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SPOTLIGHT

SINGAPLUR AL (Left) As the anchor event of Singapore Design Week, SingaPlural at the National Design Centre was the place to go to see and experience the creativity and innovation that resulted from unique brand and designer collaborations.

Based on this year’s theme “Unnatural Phenomena”, and under the curatorial directorship of Formwerkz Architects and Bravo, participants created a total of 10 installations inspired by evolution in nature. “We wanted to create something unexpected, weird and alien that would, at the same time, push creative boundaries,” says Eugene Kosgoron, associate director at Formwerkz Architects. Highlights from this year’s show included:

A Portraiture of Facets (Facing page, bottom left) A collaboration between Admira and Studio DAM, A Portraiture of Facets was a series of striking art sculptures that underscored the diverse colour palette in Admira’s laminate collection.

Piece by piece, Studio DAM used each laminate like paint to create “an archive of faceted portraits”.

Autumn (Facing page, bottom right) In this fully immersive art-meets-technology installation designed by Fraction for Décor Fan, visitors who donned VR goggles were transported into a glorious autumn morning. The cool breeze generated by Décor Fan’s latest product and the sound of dancing pinwheels (similar to the sound of crinkly brown leaves) added to the experience.

SINGAPORE URBAN D E S I G N F E S T I VA L (Top) A rooftop roller disco and live entertainment were just some of the many fun activities held during the Singapore Urban Design Festival (#UDFSG). But on a more serious note, this initiative by LOPELAB – held in an underutilised part of a multi-storey carpark in Jalan Besar – invited the public to hear from experts on how our future cities could be better designed.

STREET OF CLANS (Above) In this inaugural event organised by OuterEdit, the entire stretch of Bukit Pasoh Road came alive over one weekend in March with installations, workshops, talks, music and food enabling the public to experience the neighbourhood like never before. Notably, visitors got the opportunity to go inside the many clan associations housed on the street, where the themes of “Kinship” and “Unity” were thoughtfully explored through creative installations and dialogue sessions.

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SPOTLIGHT

SPLURGE VERSUS SAVE To keep within your renovation budget, it helps to think about what’s worth splurging on and where you can save.

TEXT LOUISA CLARE LIM

SPLURGE ON Renovating your home is fun and exciting, but can also be stressful, especially if you’re on a budget. Like any house-proud design lover, you probably have a renovation wish list of design elements, materials or furniture to incorporate into your dream home, but at the same time, reality is checking in.

So where should you spend your money, and where can you cut corners without compromising on style? In general, when in

a budgeting dilemma, think about whether a particular item will last longer or make a significant design impact. Differentiate also between your needs and wants. Case in point: a gorgeous marble backsplash – will your kitchen function the same with just an ordinary tiled one, and how much difference will this aesthetic feature make to your space? Here’s a guide to help you control your renovation expenses.

Furniture You come into contact with your furniture all the time, making it a worthy investment. You don’t have to go all out with designer brands, but look for furniture that is well crafted with solid wood and other quality materials, as well as ones made with detailed joinery rather than cheap techniques. If you buy a good piece of furniture, it can last a lifetime.

Mauro chair by Established & Sons is available at Pomelo, www.pomelo.com.sg

Lighting Lighting can be seen as jewellery for your home, but it’s also important because it greatly controls the mood and feel of your space. It’s worth having well designed fixtures that minimise glare, such as those from Louis Poulsen. If you plan your lighting carefully, you won’t even need many light sources to create the perfect lighting for your home. To balance out costs, invest in a few key pieces to create focal points with, and go for basic designs that are more economical for the rest.

PH Artichoke pendant in copper rose is available at Louis Poulsen, www.louispoulsen.com 40 | LOOKBOXLIVING.COM.SG

SPOTLIGHT

E XPERT ADVICE

Kitchen systems There is a significant difference between specialist brand systems and generic ones. Those by brands like Blum and Häfele have been specially developed for specific design needs and are made to last. Not that you should avoid no-brand options, but do your quality checks.

Kitchen cabinet doors and drawers are opened and closed a lot and you want something dependable and durable, rather than something that might have more cost implications later on.

Chally Chee, creative director of Couple Abode, shares tips on designing a home.

What should I consider before buying furniture and fixtures online?

It’s definitely okay to shop online, however do take note of the reliability of the company before you purchase.

Question if items are overly cheap, because quality is always the first factor to keep in mind. You do not want to end up with furniture or fixtures that break in a short period of time.

A good idea is to check with your designer for recommended stores.

ALTO-S slim drawer system is available at Häfele, www.hafele.com.sg

Bathroom fittings and fixtures Unlike budget ones that may fail you, quality bathroom fittings and fixtures from specialist brands like hansgrohe and Kohler have been designed to be resistant and water-efficient, without compromising on aesthetics or – most importantly – your bathing experience.

Sinks, bathtubs and shower fittings can also be difficult to replace, as you would have to find similar styles or sizes that fit into your existing design.

It would also be a hassle to have to carry out hacking works later on to accommodate new ones.

RaindanceE shower is available at hansgrohe, www.hansgrohe.com.sg

What are some things I can do to give my home a more luxurious look, even when on a budget?

Play with home decor, perhaps with a theme. Pick accessories that blend well with your interior, whether by colour, material or form. Flowers and rugs would be a great help too. It’s the little details that help create a more luxe look, even if items are inexpensive.

What are some good space-enhancing ideas that don’t involve major hacking or renovation works?

White walls give an illusion of a more airy and bigger space – this is very simple but it’s effective. When it comes to the floor plan, allocate all cabinetry and big furniture pieces to the walls rather than in the middle of the room.

This really helps reduce visual clutter.

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SPOTLIGHT

SURFACE MATTERS With so many kitchen countertop surface options these days, making a decision can be a challenge. Here’s a guide to choosing the right material for your needs and budget.

TEXT VANITHA PAVAPATHI

Caesarstone featuring Rugged Concrete from Metropolitan Collection

Decision-Making Factors Whether you go for natural stone or man-made materials, each material has its pros and cons. The decisions usually come down to four factors: Price What’s your budget? Will you be renting or living in the home? Are you planning to sell your home in the future?

Maintenance Does it require a lot of maintenance? How dedicated are you to upkeep?

Durability How well does it withstand wear and tear? How long can it last?

Appearance What do you like in terms of style, colour, design and finish? Do you want an integrated or undermount sink?

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Silestone featuring Silver Lake from LOFT series

SPOTLIGHT

L A M I N AT E Laminate is made by compressing layers of paper and melamine resins, creating a thin yet strong material that’s lightweight and easily replaceable.

Some of the biggest advantages of laminate include its price, aesthetics and simplicity of installation. Similar to engineered quartz, laminate is able to mimic the look and texture of natural materials like wood and stone. Maintenance is equally fussfree. A gentle wipe down with warm soapy water would suffice. The only downsides are that it is more prone to scratches, chips and cuts. Also, prolonged contact with hot cookware can cause warping – always use trivets.

For style and quality at an affordable price, laminate is perhaps the best option. But keep in mind that laminate may have to be replaced more often than other more durable materials. If you do light cooking or like to update your kitchen every five or ten years, then laminate is the ideal choice. It’s also great for income properties because god forbid, your tenants ruin the countertop with improper care and you’ll be glad you didn’t opt for natural stone.

ENGINEERED QUARTZ Manufactured by combining natural quartz chips with artificial polymers, engineered quartz is a man-made material that is ideal for almost any surface of your home, but is most often used as kitchen countertop surface for its extreme durability. Its dense, nonporous surface is impervious to heat, stain, scratch, crack, mould, mildew and bacteria. There’s also a variety of design and colours to choose from, including natural stone [read: marble] lookalikes.

As one of the most hardwearing and durable materials for the kitchen, it is ideal for heavy kitchen users. Simply

wipe the surface with warm soapy water using a microfibre cloth daily and it’ll look as good as new. Harsh chemicals and scouring pads should not be used.

That said, engineered quartz is more on the expensive side compared to other surfaces, but is still more affordable than natural stone. So if you have the budget, it’s a fantastic option.

Metropolitan Collection is available at Caesarstone, www.caesarstone.sg

Miscela Mono is available at Lamitak, www.lamitak.com

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STYLE KIT

HOME OF THE YEAR, LOOKBOX DESIGN AWARDS 2018

HOUSE IN A FLAT With the help of moving parts, spaces in this flat morph and become enriched with new functions and meaning, opening up exciting new possibilities for HDB living.

TEXT JANICE SEOW

PHOTOGRAPHY WONG WEILIANG

ART DIRECTION SITI NURFAIZAH

In the dining area, the backing of the custom cabinetry is ‘set back’ from the open shelving, allowing an interplay of light and shadow casting.

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I N D E TA I L Home: 5-room HDB BTO flat | Floor area: 1,184sqft | Who lives here: Married couple Lee Liting and Chow Khoon Toong | Where: Sengkang | Reno costs: $90,000

(Above) Strategically positioned sliding partitions and a fullheight glass wall (with privacy curtains) allow the guest room and master bedroom to exist as two independent spatial zones that continue to form part of the larger living space. The pull-out and wall bed in the guest room remain hidden unless needed.

(Facing page, bottom) The indoor garden transforms the circulation corridor space into a relaxation zone. The raised oakwood deck gives one better views out.

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W

hat happens when you remove all entrenched notions of what it means to live in an HDB flat, and begin from scratch? That was exactly what architecturally-trained couple Lee Liting and Chow Khoon Toong of nitton architects did when they purchased their first marital home together – a standard five-room BTO unit at Sengkang.

“Our vision was to create the character of a house in a humble HDB flat,” Liting explains. “We wanted greenery and natural light as key elements defining the ambience, much like what you would find in a landed home. We also wanted the space to be seamless with no clearly segregated rooms.”

To pave the way for the home that they had in mind, the couple started with a clean slate, which meant removing every non-structural internal wall in their flat. The main living zones were then reconfigured and designed as layered and malleable spaces that could be made open or private as needed.

Pivotal to the success of this home is the placement and design of the new guest room.

Situated where the two original common bedrooms once were, this space can be closed off with sliding

STYLE KIT

S H O P T H E LO O K Get the minimalist, pared-back look in four ways.

Loft flooring from

Simonera sofa

Pandomo by Ardex

from Commune

Solid American white oak flooring

Brix laminate from EDL

from Perswood

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Project type: 4-room HDB flat – Floor area: 1,001sqft

BACHELOR PAD CHANNELS HOTEL DECADENCE To give this ordinary HDB flat the five-star treatment, the D’ Initial Concept designers conceptualised a sleek interpretation of the modern contemporary style with a well-appointed material palette.

TEXT DISA TAN

SHOWCASE – D’ INITIAL CONCEPT

Sleek aspirations While most homeowners play it safe with the modern contemporary style, this young singleton wanted to up the style game for his four-room flat.

Designer Edmund Ong from D’ Initial Concept says: “The homeowner wanted a contemporary look with simple neutral tones, but he also wanted to experiment with materials and textures.” Armed with this design vision, the design team gave the TV feature wall a unique tiled finish, and incorporated vinyl flooring in edgy slate-effect patterns.

Wall of opportunity Other than cosmetic touches, reconfiguration works were required to improve the layout of the living and dining zones. A new wall was erected to better demarcate the living area from the dining space. “This wall also creates a proper foyer at the entrance,” Edmund says. Serving as an engaging focal point in the living space, the twotone contrast between the tiled wall and the dark stone-effect wall adds a sophisticated design tone to this flat.

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