Lookbook Living Issue 64 - Preview

CONTENTS Lookbox Living #64

SPOTLIGHT

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14 THE LUST LIST Products for better health and well-being

REGULARS 10 Editor’s Note 142 Designer Index 144 Retail Index FEATURED 23 Hafary 27 Fisher & Paykel 29 Crestar

26 MOOD BOARD – NATURAL INTENT Biophilic designs that bring the outdoors in 28 MOOD BOARD – BLUE ZONES Colour to lift one’s mood 30 MADE IN SINGAPORE A profile on three local makers

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36 THE JOY OF SLOW LIVING ARKHILITE on designing slow spaces 38 BIOPHILIA AND WELL-BEING Biofilico offers insights to this nature-centred design approach

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40 GREAT INDOOR GARDENS Different ways to enjoy nature at home 42 A GOOD LIGHT Light Collab on the importance of good lighting 44 SMALL HOMES WITH DESIGN MIGHT Homes that deliver plenty on a small footprint

STYLE KIT 51 – 103 Feel-good homes that enhance one’s sense of well-being

SHOWCASE 105 – 141 Get your dose of design ideas from these nine great Singapore homes

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SPOTLIGHT In our Design and Well-Being issue, we bring you the products and solutions for a better home and life. For more, visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg

Blue attraction The colour blue has the power to soothe, and is great for promoting mental and physical relaxation. This wallcovering

by Emma Hayes welcomes you into an ethereal world where birds appear in graceful flight. The artist is known for her abstract designs that explore the harmony of the natural world. The inks she uses are made from organic pigment and the papers are sourced from FSC or PEFC certified forests.

Emma Hayes Songbird wallcovering is available at BODE, www.bode.com.sg Flip to page 28 for more inspiring blue products.

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SPOTLIGHT

Perfect sound Your favourite music or movie can now be enjoyed like never before with Bang & Olufsen’s Beolab 28. This slim but powerful speaker delivers studio-grade sound that automatically adapts to your space. Built in music streaming lets you play anything instantly, while an integrated touch UI gives you complete control at a touch. Just as exciting are Beolab 28’s curtains. They magically open when the speaker is switched on or move when the sound beam is adjusted.

Beolab 28 is available exclusively at

Blissful living Make your living room a deeply pleasurable space by choosing the things that give comfort and put you at ease.

TEXT JANICE SEOW

All kinds of flexible Whether you want to sit comfortably or lie back while conveniently charging your phone, the Lounger 4905 from German brand Himolla makes it all possible. Choose from a single sofa, a stylish trapezoidal solution or a corner seating design according to your needs.

Offering superb flexibility, the seats can swivel up to 20° to the right and left. A true solution for modern life, Lounger 4905 also has a table with integrated lighting, an inductive charging station, a USB port and a plug socket.

Lounger 4905 from Himolla is available at Lifestorey, www.lifestorey.com

Bang & Olufsen’s Grand Hyatt showroom, www.bang-olufsen.com

SPOTLIGHT

On an island Given the amount of time we’re spending lounging at home these days, that couch has become our little island of sorts. Therefore, comfort is key. Designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, Noonu is an atoll, a corner of pure relaxation, and a fully-fledged archipelago of options. The seats of this sofa are deep and inviting, guaranteeing comfort. The supporting structure is hidden from view, so the sofa appears to float. And the tilted back is designed to accommodate cushions, which can be arranged however you wish. There’s also a supporting roller cushion that can be used as an armrest or headrest, be placed between seats or be removed entirely, depending on how the sofa is being used.

Noonu sofa from B&B Italia is available at Space Furniture, www.spacefurniture.com.sg

Tilt as desired Our lighting needs may change throughout the day, and the Marselis floor lamp from HAY has just the solution. The light source comes from a tilting circular disc, which can be adjusted to create an indirect ambient light for a comforting atmosphere, or be moved to achieve a direct task light beam so you can get work done. The lamp’s distinct silhouette is inspired by the bent tubing around street signs, and it comes in different colours.

Marselis floor lamp from HAY is available at Cult Design Asia, www.cultdesign.asia

Barefoot luxury GUSHKA rugs are handmade in Ukraine with 100 per cent wool. This makes them breathable and ideal for the tropical climate, not to mention soft on the feet. The wool comes from sustainable family-owned local farms to maintain the highest quality, and are woven by masters with decades of experience in hand-weaving rugs and carpets. Each new piece is washed in the clean mountain river and dried with mountain air, which is meant to enhance their durability, fullness and colour. It’s worth noting that the carpets do not emit harmful VOCs, and help to absorb odours and chemicals in the air too.

GUSHKA rugs are available at MOKKOMOKKO, www.mokkomokko.com

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SPOTLIGHT

GREAT INDOOR GARDENS The desire to be connected to nature is on the rise. Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a landed property, here are some fantastic ways you can enjoy it at home.

TEXT JANICE SEOW

DIY vertical garden Yes, you can have an indoor garden even in a three-room flat. The living room in this unit has been made into a cosy and intimate lounging area surrounded by lush and cool greenery. The self-made vertical garden is done the old-school way quite simply by turning an wooden display shelf into a home for an assortment of potted and hanging plants. And it’s been placed strategically near the window for the best light. It’s low cost and goes to show that sophisticated garden systems aren’t always necessary.

Project by Goy Architects 40 | LOOKBOXLIVING.COM.SG

A green passage Most HDB flats do not have a balcony that can be given to a garden, but this four-room unit has found a highly creative solution. A sizeable ‘green corridor’ or foyer at the main entrance has been made by removing two rooms to create a larger communal space out front.

The louvre sunscreens with large integrated planters at the base hold a garden while serving as a light filter and privacy screen.

Project by Right Angle Studio

SPOTLIGHT

Dual function What this 680-square-foot duplex condo lacks in size it makes up for by putting its vertical space to most efficient use. Despite its extremely small footprint, the balcony still enjoys a vertical garden, albeit these are artificial greens. It is dual functioning too, as it’s actually a storage cabinet.

While it is always best to go with real plants, studies show that even ones that mimic the real thing can help to create soothing environments and reduce stress.

Project by Space Sense Studio

Nature inside Landed houses have many more opportunities for indoor gardens and greenery, but it takes a discerning eye and some bold moves to make it an integral part of the space. By focusing on quality instead of quantity of space, this home now features an unconventionally generous indoor water garden, with a staircase weaving through foliage and a skybridge crossing the tree canopy. In this way, nature is inserted beautifully into the residents’ everyday life.

Project by ASOLIDPLAN LOOKBOXLIVING.COM.SG | 41

SPOTLIGHT

BLUE ZONES The colour of the ocean and sky, blue calms the soul and lifts the mood. Incorporate furniture and accessories in different shades of blue to bring joy to your home.

Or have blue wallcovering as a feature wall and elevate your style.

TEXT AIRIS ABDULLAH

1. &Tradition Flowerpot VP9 table lamp from Cult Design Asia 2. Vola HV1 one-handle mixer from VolumeFive 3. Aqua blue dyed mugs from Ohleaf 4. Cassina Sail Out ottoman from W. Atelier 5. Materialised Shibori wallcovering from BODE 6. KalaPata Feroza lacquer box from Scene Shang 7. Saba Italia New York armchair from P5 8. Blue Agate abstract rug from Living DNA

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STYLE KIT See how these seven homes have been wonderfully designed to enhance the sense of well-being.

For more inspiration, visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg

COVER HOME!

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A TROPICAL ENCLAVE This five-room flat is a minimalist tropical sanctuary for a young couple and their dog.

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BLURRING INDOORS AND OUTDOORS This house on Figaro Street is naturally ventilated throughout and opens up to the outdoors in a most delightful manner.

TEXT STEPHANIE PEH

PHOTOGRAPHY WONG WEILIANG (COURTESY OF AKIHAUS DESIGN STUDIO)

I N D E TA I L Home: Corner terrace | Total area, indoor and outdoor: 3,640sqft | Who lives here: A couple, their two boys and a helper | Where: Figaro Street

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his was not the house that the client originally wanted,” says Lawrence Puah, design director for akiHAUS Design Studio of this corner terrace house on Figaro Street. It is a far cry from the client’s initial intention to replace the original architecture with a modern rebuild, but the design approach that was ultimately taken was the result of careful consideration upon visiting the site. Lawrence and his team concluded that a rebuild would not have offered the family as much value as compared to conserving the one-of-a-kind house that possessed solid bones and details.

“We don’t see these kinds of interiors anymore,” says Lawrence. With this project, the design team made the decision to retain 70 per cent of the existing finishes, including the ornamental iron grilles, mosaic walls and terrazzo floors. Some were left alone and some were thoughtfully repurposed as panels for other parts of the house. “Having a conserved house then becomes the selling point of this property,” Lawrence quips.

Incidentally, this more environmentally-friendly approach aligns well with the wife’s preference to 52 | LOOKBOXLIVING.COM.SG

live with natural ventilation. In consideration of the family’s health and well-being, she did not want any air conditioners. The harsh tropical climate is then mitigated by opening the house from front to back, taking advantage of existing ventilation openings, and installing ceiling fans.

“The moment you come through the main door, you would be flooded with light,” says Lawrence. Natural light and airflow circulate freely – a stark contrast from the original architecture where walls hindered natural ventilation. With lots of daylight, the addition of recessed lighting could be omitted to maximise the ceiling height, which opens up the space vertically too. In case artificial illumination is required, wall lights were built.

Although the family did not require air conditioning, Lawrence and his team were mindful to cater for it nevertheless. This ensures that the house remains marketable for a potential sale in future. Airconditioner pipes were pre-installed and concealed in boxed-ups alongside other mechanical and engineering works. As if they were there before, the newly built boxed-ups with rounded corners run along

The house was conserved with original iron grilles and mosaic tiles that tell stories of times past, imbuing the house with a rich layer.

STYLE KIT

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HOME AS GETAWAY This cheery and functional home takes inspiration from the far-off Mediterranean and Spanish isles while treading lightly on the earth.

TEXT AIRIS ABDULLAH IMAGES COURTESY OF MAKE ROOM

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STYLE KIT

I N D E TA I L Home: 2-bedroom condominium | Floor area: 947sqft | Who lives here: Young newlywed couple | Where: Pasir Panjang

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urchasing a property is a vital step in making another country home. That search ended for one couple when they came across this resale apartment. The newlyweds, who are from China, liked the privacy afforded in the small residential development. They also loved the natural light and the many windows in this 947-square-foot unit.

Functionality, sustainability and minimalism were important priorities when it came to the design of their new home, and the couple reached out to Make Room, a studio known for designing bright and uplifting interiors. With this project, designer Niamh MacFadden shares that the focus was to ensure “lots of natural light and airiness, the use of natural tones and textures, and an absolute minimal amount of carpentry to avoid the use of toxic materials and wasted supplies”.

With the couple’s brief in mind, the design studio carefully introduced design elements to articulate the key ideas of a warm, boho interior. As an essential part

of the process, designer Niamh put together a palette of neutral, nature-influenced colours and earthy and calming design details inspired by the Mediterranean and Spanish isles.

That relaxed atmosphere can be felt upon entering the home, where white hemp linen panels front the shoe cabinet clad in pale pink laminate. An arched entryway – that is similarly repeated in the form of curved shapes throughout the apartment – leads to the living area. “The design details that were crucial in bringing the brief to life were the arches and rounded shapes,” Niamh explains, adding that the arches make the home feel less angular and more welcoming.

Extensive work was needed to clear the interior, with the renovations done over eight weeks. Before this, the unit housed more than ten people, and there were several murphy beds and other furnishings. The layout was primarily retained, except to downsize the kitchen to accommodate a more spacious living area and a work-from-home setup.

(Facing page) The shoe cabinet in pale pink laminate and white hemp linen panels adds softness to the space.

(Right) Instead of having a television, the couple opted for a discreet ceiling-mounted projector and screen to create a more versatile living space.

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MAKING A BOLD STATEMENT With its dashing display of colours, shapes and metropolitan style, this bachelor pad is a true head-turner.

TEXT REDZMAN RAHMAT PHOTOGRAPHY MARCUS IP (COURTESY OF KARPENTREE STUDIO) UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

I N D E TA I L Home: 3-room HDB resale flat | Floor area: 759sqft Who lives here: A bachelor | Where: Ang Mo Kio

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dward Ho is a self-confessed “metropolitan male of modern times”; a bachelor that enjoys life’s little luxuries. It’s only natural then that his home would embody his distinct personality and unmatched style.

To help put together his dream abode, he decided to engage the services of Magdalene Xie and Devon Ong from design firm Karpentree Studio. For the designers, the main priority when renovating this flat was to build a space where Edward could relax after a day’s work. At the same time, they wanted to make sure they instilled the owner’s character into the space with bold yet playful colours, scene-stealing architectural elements and tasteful mid-century accents.

Edward wanted the main quarters to be an openconcept social space for entertaining friends and family. As such, the home has been designed to allow guests to gather comfortably, whether it’s for impromptu dinner parties or casual get-togethers.

Being a three-room resale unit, space was an immediate concern. One of the first things the design team did was to knock down the wall between the living room and kitchen, essentially opening up the floor space and allowing for a better flow of natural light and ventilation.

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STYLE KIT

An arch frames the dining area while also serving as a cove for bench seating. It’s a statement-making architectural feature while still being a functional addition to the home.

Photography by Wong Weiliang.

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DESIGNER SHOWCASE Get your dose of design ideas from these great Singapore homes.

106 Design Zage Inter-terrace house 3,500sqft

130 Ethereall 3-bedroom penthouse 1,550sqft

110 Aart Boxx Interior Jumbo flat 1,860sqft

114 Artistroom 4-room HDB flat 950sqft

118 I.D.I.D 4-room HDB BTO 1,000sqft

122 Joey Khu ID 2+1 bedroom condominium unit 1,100sqft

134 D’ Initial Concept 5-room HDB flat 1,216sqft

138 HOFT 4-room HDB flat 950sqft

126 Design of Schatz 5-room HDB flat 1,184sqft

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Project type: 2+1 bedroom condominium unit – Floor area: 1,100sqft

DRAMATIC DREAMS With its dark and dramatic interiors, this condo apartment by Joey Khu ID evokes the mood of an opulent hotel suite.

TEXT REDZMAN RAHMAT

Dramatic entrance The entire stretch of wall from living to dining room has been clad in darkstained ashwood veneer. A portion of the wall wraps up to the ceiling, forming a cocooned area that is visually segregated from the rest of the home.

Warm welcome This apartment has its own private lift lobby that greets the owners when they first enter the home.

Here, designer Joey Khu primed the space with a balance of dark wood and neutral whites. A small cabinet is conveniently placed to hold daily essentials, and the portrait painting (by Commes des Garçon’s Rei Kawakubo) colours the space.

SHOWCASE – JOEY KHU ID

Luxury living While most of the apartment is swathed in dramatic shades of dark wood, this part of the living hall remains in a clean white to balance out the interiors. A curated selection of mainstay furniture pieces, sculptural accent accessories and fine art further elevates the luxe vibes in this home.

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Project type: 3-bedroom penthouse – Floor area: 1,550sqft

GOING NEUTRAL What was once a compact penthouse now boasts open, tranquil spaces and a Danish-inspired palette of neutral tones and black accents.

TEXT ANGELA LOW

Let there be light To keep the living area bright and airy, the designer opted for minimal furniture. A slender, built-in ledge running along the television wall visually emphasises the length of the room, while a vertical fluted panel allows more light into the space.

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Hide and seek (Top) A highlight of this penthouse is its concealed bedroom entrance, situated by the dining area. Covered in wood strips that complement the warm vinyl flooring, it is a sleek solution for keeping private quarters out of sight from visitors. It also doubles as a feature wall, and is well paired with a dramatic black backdrop.

Yin and yang While the lady of the house loves being in clean white spaces, her husband is more drawn to darker colours. Catering to both preferences, the kitchen boasts a chic, monochromatic look with white marble-effect tiles, matte black cabinets and light wood countertops that tie in with the apartment’s overall Danishinspired decor.

SHOWCASE – ETHEREALL

Project type: 5-room HDB flat – Floor area: 1,216sqft

MODERN VICTORIAN In the hands of D’ Initial Concept, contemporary luxe finishes, Victorian-style trimmings and a neutral palette work harmoniously together to create a sophisticated family home.

TEXT ANGELA LOW

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SHOWCASE – D’ INITIAL CONCEPT

Atmosphere of calm Capitalising on the space afforded in this five-room flat, designer Ashley Loh from D’ Initial Concept employed a subdued palette of white and beige hues in the open-concept living and dining area. Taking inspiration from the neutral tone of the original floor tiles, the decor scheme lends a tranquil atmosphere to the communal space. The abundance of natural light streaming in from a wall of tall windows also brightens and makes the area look and feel more spacious.

Victorian influences The homeowners wanted modern Victorian interiors. To achieve a regal design without going over the budget, the designer incorporated Victorianstyle trimmings on the television console and shoe cabinets, while keeping the majority of the space simple. The top-hung display shelving in the foyer is a spacesmart addition.

Marble universe While the rest of the house uses white marble-effect surfaces as design accents, this luxe material takes centre stage in the kitchen.

This space boasts matching marble-look homogeneous tiles on the floor, backsplash and one side of the wall. The designer finished off the kitchen with a dramatic touch of glamour. This takes the form of contrasting dark cabinets – complete with a sleek, black tap – as well as gilded cabinet handles for an added hint of luxury.

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