Lookbox Annual 2017

SPECIAL EDITION

Singapore’s leading interior designers you need to know!

192 PAGES OF INSPIRING HDBS, CONDOS & LANDED HOMES

SOFA HUNTING As the centrepiece of your living room, sofas should dictate the overall style of your space. From clean-lined to funkier options, one of these seats will capture your individualistic style.

HK Living Army Green Couch This 3.5-seater is not just roomy, it’s also highly versatile. The army green, 100% cotton fabric is as child-friendly as it gets, letting you ‘camouflage’ accidental spills and stains.

The distinctive colour, deep seats and blocky profile make this a great anchor to the living room. $2,350, from Make Room, www.make-room.net

ET201 Sofa A good fit for smaller spaces, this 2.5-seater features solid walnut wood legs and a cushy seat comprising a mix of down feathers and foam. Available in four neutral colours, this simple beauty with wide armrests will sit pretty in not just your living area, but your study or bedroom too.

RIPSO Sofa Designed to reflect the warm and natural characteristics of wood, this sofa comes in six wood options and either canvas or linen upholstery. It is made in Fukuoka, Japan and the simplistic design lines add a sense of space. We love that the super deep seats create an extra lounge-worthy mood.

Price on enquiry, from atomi, www.atomi-jp.com

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$1,895, from Ethnicraft Online Singapore, www.ethnicraft-online.com.sg

PRODUCT GALLERY

Reo Sofa Customise your comfort with a sofa that will elevate your lounging experience. The functional Reo – available as a 3-seater, 2.5-seater, 2-seater and an armchair – has isolated backrests that you can easily adjust. Swap to a high backrest for ultimate support when you’re watching a movie or reading a book, then lower the head rests for a low-line profile that gives your living room a more open and social feel.

Price on enquiry, from King Living, www.kingliving.com.sg

Fredericia Spine Lounge Chair Designed in 2011 by Space Copenhagen but embodying the craftsmanship of the 1950s, the Spine Lounge chair is a true classic. The simple Scandinavian lines offer a timeless spin and the quality materials such as leather and dark or standard lacquered oak ensure it will become a family heirloom in time to come.

Turing Sofa Not quite classic and not quite modern, this three-seater doesn’t deliver a serious, boxy vibe like most modern classics do. The angular symmetrical lines and subtle buttoned down look are complemented by a kiln dried frame, pencil legs and seat cushions of German-made high-density foam.

$5,710 onwards, from Danish Design, www.danishdesignco.com.sg

$1,990, from Blåfink, www.blafink.com

Hirata Pisolino Sofa Collection Like most made-in-Japan furniture, the Pisolino creates a larger impression of space with minimalistic lines and its casual, low-slung stature. Quality is also unsurpassed with in-house quality control. Available in a variety of wood and fabric colours, it can be matched with the Pisolino table and Pisolino Circle stool.

Price on enquiry, from THE EWINS HOME, www.theewinshome.com

Creed Semi-Round Lounge Sofa For intimate, cosy settings, you can’t go wrong with this lounge-worthy little number. It’s not just the sexy contours that entice you to sink into its polyurethane foam backrest and seats; the gorgeous Sucupira front legs with stained Mink finish and back legs in press-formed metal in glossy bronze add to its splendour.

Price on enquiry, from Minotti Singapore By Marquis Interiors, www.minotti.com

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TABLE TALK Completing your sofa is a coffee table that can multi-task as worktop, a storage space or the setting for a vignette to showcase your decorating flair.

Champignons Mushroom Canned Food Stool/Low Table Open a can of childhood memories with this quirky novelty piece. Beyond the amusement, this plywood table is actually more useful than it looks as it can also function as a stool, footrest and even as an ottoman. Just top this living room staple with a round cushion to convert it from table to chair.

Alexander Lamont Alexandria Coffee Table Inspired by British designer Alexander Lamont’s beloved Alexandria Salon Table, this coffee table was scaled up to create a similar, if not more, impact. The tabletop is clad in ivory shagreen with white lacquer, a beautifully subtle contrast against the polished brass frame.

Price on enquiry, from Tatum Singapore, www.tatumcompany.com

$169, from Naiise, www.naiise.com

Loop&Co Gio Coffee Tables Taking distressed surfaces to the next level is the Gio Table from Italy.

Each hand-decorated wooden top features an elaborate metal varnish that mimics the natural patina of metal. Available in different dimensions, heights and colour, you’re bound to find one that fits well in your home. $1,915 onwards, from The Beuro, www.thebeuro.com

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Jacob Coffee Table We love the kooky pairing of shapes with the Jacob coffee table. Irregular forms pair well with the sophistication of Calacatta marble in this high contrast piece. The table rests on solid brushed oak legs with painted black finish and the visible mark of the legs further add to the unconventional.

With its low-slung stature, it emits an understated yet timeless appeal.

Price on enquiry, from Minotti Singapore by Marquis Interiors, www.minotti.com

PRODUCT GALLERY

Golgi Nesting Coffee Table What we love most about nesting tables is the ability to add or remove tabletop space. The space-savvy Golgi table is a solid rubber wood table with black powder coated steel legs. We love its stark simplicity that makes it a perfect fit in most interior designs. $790, from Blåfink, www.blafink.com

Gubi TS Table Inspired by the architecture of a building in 1930s Copenhagen, this metaland-marble table was designed to impress in lounges, living rooms and entrance foyers. The criss-crossing base, strong yet slim profile and lavish marble veining render a strong visual statement.

Stanley Rectangular Coffee Table This no-nonsense, Brutalist-inspired table is charming in its own way. Made from a mix of stone composite and natural cement, the Stanley table is usable both indoors and out. You’ll love the hand-finished quality and how the table colour will gradually and naturally change over time.

$997 onwards, Danish Design, www.danishdesignco.com.sg

$499, from Castlery, www.castlery.com

Orb Coffee Table The Orb coffee table has an interesting backstory.

The tabletop is inspired by the shape of leftover bar soaps; elliptical pieces that are thin along the edges and thicker in the middle.

It’s a quirky piece, especially with the metal legs that are designed to suggest an infinite motion. $625, from Ethnicraft Online Singapore, www.ethnicraft-online. com.sg

Jigsaw Modular Coffee Table The simplicity of this table’s form belies its intricate craftsmanship. As its name suggests, multiple pieces of the Jigsaw fit like a glove to form any configuration.

A closer look shows that the table is made of individually hand-laminated natural sika rattan. $749, from Departures & Arrivals, www.livingdna.sg

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KIT OUT THE KITCHEN What constitutes smooth efficiency in the kitchen? You’ll find that these nifty add-ons might be the answer.

Furnipart Designer Handles The easiest way to give your kitchen a makeover? Change the cabinet handles!

Danish producer Furnipart offers a large range of furniture handles that bring fuss-free facelifts to your fixtures. Created by inventive and skilled craftsmen and designers, each handle adds uniqueness to your otherwise ordinary kitchen.

Price on enquiry, from THE EWINS HOME, www.theewinshome.com

MOD 4 Kitchen System There must be a good reason why industrial-strength, professional kitchens choose aluminium kitchen systems. Alustil offers high quality aluminium kitchen systems that are tailored for the modern home. Sturdy yet flexible, the MOD 4 system is everything a well-run kitchen needs from high functioning storage fixtures to a matching island for additional worktop and storage space.

Price on enquiry, from Alustil, www.alustil.com.sg

BelNet Storage Solutions Targeting the messiest spots of the kitchen, BelNet is an innovative storage system from Italy that stores all your kitchen tools and condiments in good order. It sports a simple linear design with flexible storage modules and accessories to maximise your storage space and ease the working process in the kitchen.

Price on enquiry, from THE EWINS HOME, www.theewinshome.com

Metris Select Kitchen Mixer When it comes to tackling kitchen chores, the Metris Select kitchen mixer has got you covered with its ergonomic handle, its clever Select button and a ComfortZone feature. Turning on the mixer is easy with its flat and long handle and when your hands are full or dirty, the water flow can be activated with the Select button. Filling up tall pots with water is also more accessible with the lavish ComfortZone design, which offers plenty of space under the mixer.

Price on enquiry from Hansgrohe Singapore, www.hansgrohe.com.sg

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PRODUCT GALLERY

SMEG Small Appliances We all love the SMEG refrigerators for their brilliant colours and retro-futuristic designs. Now, a similar aesthetic is conveyed in SMEG’s charming collection of small appliances. Take your pick from the toaster, kettle, blender and stand mixer and be delighted by its nostalgic details, including the enamelcoated stainless steel body, graceful control knobs and pretty pastel colours.

Kesseböhmer New Anthracite Range Maximising storage space efficiently in the kitchen is Kesseböhmer’s range of larder, pantry, tandem solo pull-out and corner storage solutions. As seen here, the previously inaccessible corner space is now easily utilised with these movable pull-out drawers. These premium kitchen organisers are durable and user-friendly and offer a high level of convenience.

$228 onwards, retailing at Tangs and Harvey Norman, www.smeg.sg

Price on enquiry, from Häfele, www.hafele.com.sg

Jamie Oliver Knife Block Set You can’t go wrong with a professional knife kit from the Jamie Oliver Kitchen Range.

The beautiful beech wood block houses five knives – each in a different size and for a specific purpose. All knives are made from Japanese stainless steel with chunky bolsters for superb balance and extra weight for easy chopping and slicing.

LEGRABOX Space Tower Flexible in height, width and depth, the Space Tower is the ultimate storage solution for kitchens. High, closed drawer boxes ensure generous storage capacity and that everything is stored securely.

Inner dividing systems also ensure your provisions will be organised and each drawer can carry loads of up to 70kg.

Kitchen Towel Dispenser Stick this kitchen towel dispenser onto any refrigerator or metal surface in the kitchen, and its adjustable magnets will do the work. With its case, you won’t have to worry about the paper towels getting wet or grimy and it is suitable for all standard sized kitchen towels. Choose from four colours to match your kitchen.

$334.90, from ToTT, www.tottstore.com

From Blum, www.blum.com/sg

$35.50, from Naiise, www.naiise.com

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STYLISH ENDEAVOURS Home accessories with impact to improve the look of your space.

Glass Candle Holder By using the aburidashi technique to shape glass in a patterned mould, the unique designs on this candleholder are created to show off its natural appeal.

Glassware made using this technique is rare and is typically practised only in antique glassware shops. With five different designs, you can light up your tabletop with these artisanal candleholders.

Glass Cloche This glass dome brings an exquisite touch of modern Swedish design to your living space. It works beautifully as a display piece to showcase candles, terrariums or even fairy lights. Each piece is handmade from quality glass and metal hardware, and turns the mundane into something extraordinary.

$178, from atomi, www.atomi-jp.com

from kikki.K, www.kikki-k.com

Glass Cloche, $24.90; Mini Scented Candle, $24.90,

Jagged Lil Pillow Set Cosy up your space with these cotton and velvet cushions with their alluring pop of colour and geometric designs. We imagine they’ll be perfect for breaking up the monotony of a solid-coloured sofa, and will add zest to a living space. Designed for lounging enjoyment, this pillow is available in two designs. $30 each, from Cluster-Cluster, www.cluster-cluster.com

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Wooden Round Mirror Dress up a transitional space, like the foyer or a corridor, with a centrepiece like this handcrafted mirror.

The round, patterned frame outlines the size of the space and brings depth, dimension and a sense of sophistication. We especially love the textured design that’s quiet yet prominent. $750, from Arete Culture, www.areteculture.com

PRODUCT GALLERY

Mini Concrete Planter Pot & Stand You can bring a room to life with a touch of greenery and this mini concrete planter is a dazzling way to introduce plants to your home. Available in silver and copper, the minimalist planter sits on a raised base that makes moving around easier. $70, from Cluster-Cluster, www.cluster-cluster.com

Luxe Hotel Collection cushions Lovely to look at and just as great to cuddle up with, these plush picks can complete your sofa setup. These printed cushions come in assorted textures and designs, and bear neutral colours that coordinate easily with the rest of your home. Mix a few designs together for a play on textures and prints and for the ultimate lounging comfort.

Merle Wall Clock Finished in a warm antique brass, this numberless clock tells more than just time with its aged character. The distinctive texture on its surface is the result of painstakingly hammering it, dot by dot, by hand. This large-scale clock will definitely make a strong accent piece on any blank wall.

$75 onwards, from Arete Culture,

www.crateandbarrel.com.sg

$179.95, from Crate & Barrel,

www.areteculture.com

Vide Poche Bowl You’ll never lose your keys again if you have a dedicated spot to keep them in. The Vide Poche bowl is available in three different wood finishes (maple, walnut and cherry wood) and is the ideal home for keys, loose change and everything else you fish out of your pockets. It comes with a holder to store a pen or to display stalks of flowers. $228, from atomi, www.atomi-jp.com

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ARTISTROOM DESIGN MANTRA “WHILE EACH OF OUR DESIGNERS HAS HIS OWN STYLE, WE ALWAYS CONCENTRATE ON SPACE PLANNING FIRST.”

From left:

Sean Lim Designer

Mark Chen Director

Marianne Tjitromuljo Designer

Zane Mak Designer

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PROFILE – ARTISTROOM

At Artistroom, interior design is first and foremost about space planning.

Helmed by husband and wife, Mark Chen and Katy Chong, this boutique design firm believes in a collaborative yet disciplined environment for their team of designers. “While each of our designers has his or her own style, we always concentrate on space planning first,” explains Mark. “Our designs have to cater to the needs of the homeowner.”

With homeowners getting savvier these days, Artistroom strives to keep up with the expectations and changing trends. Mark says, “When homeowners show us photos, we help them to pinpoint what exactly they like about the design. We then can guide them in terms of proportion and colour.”

In 2017, Artistroom hopes to maintain the good work they have been doing and at the same time, to create something new. Mark elaborates, “We are constantly working with materials and perhaps we could use an existing material in a new way or create something new from it.”

S PA C E P L A N N I N G

Reconfiguring the space gives this 3-room HDB flat a more open feel layout and allows the homeowner’s art collection to be displayed more prominently.

Artistroom 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace #02-01A Singapore 168976

LEAD DESIGNER

Director Katy Chong is a firm believer that good space planning makes a big difference to a home.

MOST MEMORABLE

The dramatic renovation of this 50-year-old flat is a clear demonstration of Artistroom’s competency in creating a visual sense of space.

T (65) 6557 0244 help@artistroom.com.sg www.artistroom.com.sg

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MOODBOARD Artistroom used this palette of colours consistently throughout the home.

Kitchen cabinets Black laminate

TV feature wall Laminate with painted groove lines

Flooring

MODERN AND CLASSY MAISONETTE Space is emphasised in this four-bedroom maisonette with the use of a muted colour palette with highly contrasting outlines. The design team from Artistroom also reconfigured the spaces to achieve a more sensible layout that is conducive to this family’s daily needs.

TEXT JASMINE GOH

Homogeneous tiles

Project type: 4-bedroom HDB maisonette

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Floor area: 1,400 sqft

SHOWCASE – ARTISTROOM

Consistent design Clear glass sliding doors in black metal frames separate the kitchen from the rest of the space. They can be closed to contain fumes and smells within the cook space while still allowing the kitchen to be visually connected to the rest of the home.

To maintain the flow of space in this home, the flooring and colour scheme is kept the same throughout the different spaces.

European inspiration The original layout was re-configured to create a larger kitchen. An island counter was added to provide more countertop and storage space for the family. Topped with marble-like quartz and solid wood, the island counter is further extended to become a breakfast counter that also functions as a casual dining spot. Overhead cabinets are clad in white, allowing the kitchen to maintain its spacious feel.

Hidden study nook Sliding panels behind the TV wall conceal a small study room used by the homeowner to do his work. While having a small study nook helps to maximise the space available, sliding doors allow this space and any clutter to be easily hidden when guests visit. Painted groove lines on the TV wall and the sliding doors are maintained throughout the entire house, even in the kitchen and on the second floor, creating a cohesive look throughout this home.

Grey harmony In the bathroom on the second level, the layout was altered for the vanity area to be separate from the rest of the bathroom. Grey tiles covering both the walls and floor help to open up the space without the use of stark white surfaces.

Being clad in the same shade from top to bottom also gives this private space a luxurious feel. A rainshower and display storage niches in the shower area complete the picture of sophistication.

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IN-EXPAT X UPSTAIRS_

From left:

Bertrand Koh CFO

Eric Lee CEO

Dennis Cheok Creative Director

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PROFILE – IN-EXPAT X UPSTAIRS_

UNCONVENTIONAL DESIGNS

With its own carpentry workshop, IN-EXPAT can design and fabricate new and bespoke design elements that are tailored to each individual project.

DESIGN MANTRA “DESIGN IS ALWAYS ABOUT BALANCE; KNOWING WHEN TO PULL IT BACK AND WHEN TO LUXE IT UP.”

BAL ANCING LUXURY

IN-EXPAT aims to find the right balance between luxury and practicality, as seen in this plush bedroom in a house on Boscombe Road.

IN-EXPAT x UPSTAIRS_ is the result of a unique partnership between builders and designers. This remarkable collaboration produces an interesting dynamic where interior design is more than just the renovation of a space.

Operating as an all-in-one building and design consultancy gives the two autonomous firms the opportunity to execute creative projects while capitalising on each other’s areas of expertise.

Design studio UPSTAIRS_ handles the majority of the spatial planning of both architectural and interior design, while IN-EXPAT takes care of the building and construction aspects of the company. Collectively parked under the brand IN-EXPAT, the talented team of designers, architects, builders and craftsmen can produce designs that are bold and innovative.

“We’re not followers of trends,” says creative director Dennis Cheok. “For us, it’s about finding new ways of articulating a space. We want to offer bespoke designs that you won’t find anywhere else.” One way IN-EXPAT achieves this is with careful consideration of its material palette.

Dennis shares that his team is always on the lookout for unexpected materials to incorporate into their designs.

“Being at home is a tactile experience, and the materials we choose play an important role with how you feel when you’re at home,” he says.

For IN-EXPAT, the appeal of the unexpected brings mystery and excitement to interior design, although it’s not just for the sake of being different. Design, according to this uniquely dynamic company, is simply a reflection of the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle.

THE TEAM

The dynamic team is made up of creative individuals, each bringing his or her own specialty to the table.

IN-EXPAT x UPSTAIRS_ 8 Changi South Street 1 Singapore 486790 T (65) 6747 3578 hello@inexpat.com.sg studio@upstairs.sg www.inexpat.com.sg

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Project type: 3-room private apartment

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Floor area: 775 sqft

FLOOR PLAN Upon hacking away most of the interior walls, this studio apartment now has a truly open floor plan.

BEFORE

AFTER

AN OPEN-PLAN LABYRINTH WITH FREE-FLOWING SPACES In this open-concept studio apartment, the plan was to have an interior design that is truly unexpected and unconventional.

It now sports a textured palette of copper, red bricks, cast concrete and jet-black steel, with a fluid floor plan that allows for natural transition from room to room.

TEXT REDZMAN RAHMAT

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SHOWCASE – IN-EXPAT X UPSTAIRS_

Open maze This truly open-concept home is composed of distinct zones that transition freely from one to another. The designers played with height to subtly section each space, removing the need for walls or other barriers for demarcation. The bedroom for example, sits on a raised platform (and consequently suggests a “sunken” living room) that’s fitted with storage units and a flip-up bench.

Best in black The strong industrial vibes of this home is accentuated by jet-black lines that frame the different rooms. This kitchen in particular, is outfitted with black steel and black mesh, lending greatly to the home’s chic industrialism.

Work hard To maximise space, IN-EXPAT customised a multifunctional island that can be used as a kitchen worktop, a dining table or a study desk.

This dual-height island counter is made from solid timber strips and sits against a backdrop of black metal and cement screed in the kitchen.

Follow the red bricks Having removed all of the internal walls in this apartment, the designers used red bricks to line the walls and floor of the bathroom. The sudden change in colour is a distinct but still subtle visual cue that leads into the WC. Equally as important is the concrete washbasin. It’s a built-in piece that was designed and cast directly on the spot.

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JOEY KHU ID DESIGN MANTRA “I ALWAYS BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULDN’T KEEP OURSELVES IN A BOX. WE NEED TO EXPLORE NEW ENDEAVOURS, NEW FORECASTS AND NEW DESIGN TRENDS.”

Joey Khu Design Director

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PROFILE – JOEY KHU ID

Although Joey Khu ID is a smaller-sized design firm with only five members, what they lack in manpower, they more than make up for with an unbridled passion for what they do. Keeping the headcount lean allows the design firm to ensure maximum quality control as it navigates its position in a competitive design industry. “We have no plans for expansion for the time being,” emphasises founder and namesake Joey Khu. “Our passion is still in design and I feel like we work better in a small, tight-knit team.”

The designer’s love for his job comes through in Joey Khu ID’s portfolio. Whether residential or commercial, each project is consistently refined with close attention to details and quality workmanship. “You can’t neglect the details,” says Joey. “They don’t have to be exaggerated or extravagant, but subtle details can speak volumes.”

Aside from design details, Joey places equal importance on space planning and fostering good communication with his clients. He also believes that interior styling is an overlooked aspect of interior design. “No matter how impressive a design project is, the styling and selection of furniture will determine how the home looks like once completed.” Joey’s dedication to the nuances of interior design has not gone unnoticed. In 2016, the design firm nabbed the Silver Award for ‘Best Apartment Under 1,000 Sqft’ during the I-DEA (Interior Design Excellence Award); a coveted recognition that spurs the design firm to continue striving for a better portfolio and reputation.

D E TA I L O R I E N T E D

The details are very important in interior design, and the Joey Khu ID designers know this well. Factors like size, scale and proportion come into play with all their designs.

Joey Khu Interior Design Pte Ltd 772A North Bridge Road Singapore 198740 T (65) 6440 7920

N O TA B L E P R O J E C T S

The design team has an eye for the dramatic. Joey Khu and his designers come up with well-balanced interiors and then introduce a surprise pop of contrast.

AWA R D - W I N N I N G

This particular project nabbed the Silver Award for ‘Best Apartment Under 1,000 sqft’ at the 2016 Design Excellence Awards.

F (65) 6440 7924 e@joeykhu-id.com www.joeykhu-id.co

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MOODBOARD A mix of modern textures in this contemporary apartment.

Dining room wall Panels

Living room floor Marble

TV console Laminate

THIS STYLISH APARTMENT FLAUNTS SLEEK LINES AND CRISP AESTHETICS When designing this condominium apartment, the team from Joey Khu ID opted for a modernist style that looks like it belongs in the most fashionable Danish apartments.

Sleek design features and a bevy of earthy textures further heighten the sense of sophistication in this luxury home.

TEXT JOSEPH LIM

Project type: 4-bedroom condominium

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Floor area: 1,900 sqft

SHOWCASE – JOEY KHU ID

Sit back and relax The shared living and dining space enjoys a deluge of natural light streaming in from the balcony window, and the designers wanted to capitalise on this. The neutral, earthy colours truly come alive in the natural lighting. When it comes to furniture choices, the designers made sure that they set high standards in terms of quality and design. A plush modular sofa adds a touch of sumptuousness while the round coffee table completes the look.

Line by line The wall next to the dining room features a louvered design that adds a masculine and graphical touch to this space. It also introduces texture to this masculine setting.

The feature isn’t just for aesthetics; it actually swings open to reveal storage space for the homeowners to hide away their clutter.

“I love introducing a touch of luxury in a home, but nothing is too complicated and the looks never go out of style.”

– Joey Khu, designer

Danish influences A spacious and airy ambience permeates this home, thanks to the open-plan design that places the living room, dining room and dry kitchen on the same plane. The palette of whites and greys also plays an important role in carving out this apartment’s identity, bringing a modern Scandinavian slant to the interior design.

Restful slumber This bedroom is the picture of refined elegance. The designers made sure that the homeowners would feel relaxed immediately upon stepping inside. This was achieved through a well appointed mix of colours (a rich palette of earthy hues and different shades of wood grains) and customised cabinetry. It’s a calculated look that’s topped off by an alluring piece of art, specially chosen by the designer.

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STORY OF US DESIGN MANTRA “DESIGN BRINGS THE BEST OUT OF EACH SPACE.”

Mei Teh Principal Design Consultant

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PROFILE – STORY OF US

It’s obvious that Mei Teh, principal design consultant at Story of Us, believes strongly in her work. “Interior design brings two very different individuals together and enables them to create a personalised space to share their lives together,” she says. It certainly gives meaning and purpose to the work of interior designers, especially so for the designers at Story of Us. This meaningful attitude to interior design is the reason that this boutique interior design outlet continues to maintain a personal approach in their work, creating homes that clearly reflect the personalities of the homeowners.

However, the designers don’t simply stop at fulfilling clients’ expectations. For each project, they challenge themselves to come up with uniquely bold design features that stand out from the crowd. “The best part about being in the design industry,” Mei remarks, “is being able to create a statement piece.”

With such dedication and passion for interior design, it’s no surprise that many homes designed by Story of Us are statement pieces in their own right. As a result, most of the homeowners who engage Story of Us’ services are people who are fans of the design firm’s creativity. For each client who wants to explore something different and out of the box, Story of Us is excited to take on the challenge.

UNIQUE CARPENTRY WORK One of Story of Us’ strengths lies in its expertise with carpentry work. The distinct architectural form of the storage unit in this home was a challenge to construct but was made possible with Story of Us’ well-oiled experience in detailed carpentry work.

Story Of Us 22 New Industrial Road Primax #01-09

OFFICE WITH PERSONALIT Y

THE TEAM

Colouful pendant lamps add vintage flavour to the

Story of Us comprises a lean team of designers who are

discussion area in Story of Us’ office.

all experienced and passionate for deisgn.

Singapore 536208 T (65) 6299 3631 F (65) 6299 3731 design@storyofus.com.sg www.storyofus.com.sg

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SUBTLE DESIGN FEATURES THAT POP ON A MONOCHROMATIC CANVAS In this private apartment along the west coast, the homeowners called on Story of Us to re-configure their new place to accommodate more storage space. By introducing a host of hidden storage solutions and clever design tricks, the designers created a home that is big on both functionality and style.

TEXT JASMINE GOH

Project type: 3-bedroom condominium

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Floor area: 1,259 sqft

Room with a view Because of its existing layout, this apartment has some unconventional corners and awkwardly angled walls. To rectify this, the designers reworked the layout in subtle ways. This includes the addition of this wooden feature wall that welcomes you as you enter the apartment. The eye is naturally drawn to this wall, and then further down to the airy and lightfilled living area.

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MOODBOARD Textures and lines play a big part in the apartment’s distinctive design.

Dining room feature wall Plywood and laminates

TV feature wall Laminate

Wardrobe Laminate

SHOWCASE – STORY OF US

Hidden storage What quickly distinguishes the dining area from the rest of the home is this feature wall and its adjoining bookcase. Made with plywood, laminates and wood strips of different depths and tones, this eyecatching feature wall is actually the stylish façade of well-concealed storage cabinets.

Practical forms The third bedroom in this apartment is kept for the couple’s daughter. With a built-in bed frame, table and shelves, space is effectively maximised. The cantilevered table functions as a study desk and also as a nightstand.

Storage and display On the other side of the child’s bedroom, a mix of open shelves and closed storage units designed in a geometric pattern provides more storage space. This also serves as a display area for her books and photo frames.

A surprise find Stepping into the master bedroom, a row of wardrobe with herringbone pattern leads the way into the private sleep chamber. This two-way wardrobe actually doubles as a room divider and can be accessed from the front and the back.

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