UNIQUELY YOURS Stylish ideas to personalise your HDB flat
LOVING LOCAL
Homegrown brands that champion heritage, sustainability and giving back
GREAT POTENTIAL
AUG 2020 ISSUE 183 S$5.50/RM10
A small, old flat lacking privacy transforms into a stunning home and office
EXPERT OPINION
Morgan, Lincoln and Ryan Yeo of Roger&Sons
Crafted with Conscience Since taking over their father’s woodworking business, the brothers have sought to make their company more ethical and sustainable than ever By YUEN YI YING Photos ROGER&SONS
How did the idea to use local trees come about? About three years after dipping our toes into the industry, we wanted to push our skills and focus on being more sustainable and responsible. We know that Singapore has been cutting down a large number of trees for urban development over the years. This resulted in thousands of logs that are currently sitting in sawmills, waiting to be turned into mulch or pallet wood. These beautiful logs were going to waste. We wanted to change the situation and maximise their full potential. Instead of always opting for imports, why not utilise what we have in our backyard? The Local Tree Project was then started in 2019, to spread awareness and tackle this issue. We are hoping this initiative will spark interest in local trees and create conversations. We are creating our own line of furniture and are spending time
READ MORE! Head to squarerooms. com.sg where the brothers share additional thoughts on being a conscious shopper, their inclusive workshops and starting your own hobby business.
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Could you share a little about your company and vision? Our dad, Roger, started working on system furniture in 1988. He was working primarily as a manufacturer working with dealers to furnish offices. We took over the business when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and, unfortunately, passed on six years ago. As a tribute to his legacy, we rebranded the company to Roger&Sons. With the changing economic climate, we were unable to compete with mass production, hence we shifted to creating bespoke furniture. We have since grown the company in the direction of being a woodworking design studio that focuses on sustainability and responsibility.
SQUAREROOMS
and money researching and developing new ways to work with local trees. This will include working with some not so commonly used parts such as the bark, sawdust and branches. What types of local trees do you work with? Could you share their qualities? We mainly use three species, namely angsana, khaya and raintree. These were widely planted to provide greenery and shade along roadsides as part of Singapore’s Garden City campaign which started in 1967. Angsana wood, native to Singapore, is the lightest of the three, carrying a beautiful golden yellow. When working with it, angsana gives off a very distinctive fragrance. Khaya, also known as African mahogany, is a non-native tree as its name suggests. It is a popular choice for liveedge tables because of its beautiful grain and reddish-brown hues. Rain tree has dark brown hues and is non-native to Singapore as well. Each local tree we work with has a story to tell and we would like to add to Singapore’s heritage by producing furniture and objects to convey this message. What are some of your most popular requests and products? Our customers are mostly individuals who commission personalised furniture, small items or statement pieces. Individuals who are interested in investing in something that can last for decades. Residentially, tables and custom shelving are popular. Commercially, our clientele ranges from F&B businesses to office spaces.
In Focus FA D S
Fresh n Rebel Bold XS Speaker in Dusty Pink, $74.99, ASOS
Hip Coral Water Bottle, $27.99, ASOS
Veronic Lounge Chair in Russet, Oak, $399, HipVan
Rainbow Sunrise Mobile, $103, Anthropologie
IDÃ…SEN Drawer Unit with Smart Lock in Goldenbrown, $208.90, IKEA
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE These pieces in sunshine tones will add cheer and liven up any home text & coordination YUEN YI YING
APOTHECARY Orange Zest & Bergamot Glass Candle, $38.99, ASOS
Corkcicle Neon Lights Water Bottle in Neon Yellow, $46.99, ASOS Nathalie Lete Helena Apron, $49, Anthropologie
Laura Sofa Bed in Custard, $179, HipVan
LIXHULT Storage Combination in Orange, $70, IKEA
BINGSTA Armchair in Vissle Dark Yellow and Kabusa Dark Yellow, $199, IKEA
Fika Swedish Minimalist Bookshelf, $369, born in colour
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Double Take Striking a balance between life and work, this designer’s Scandinavian home doubles up as his company’s headquarters
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At a g la n ce Space 3 - R O OM H D B U N I T Location S E R A N G O O N Home to O N E A D U LT Reno period 12 W E E KS Tex t YA I Z A C A N O P O L I
Photos STUDIO WILLS + ARCHITECTS
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The Brief The coronavirus pandemic has not only changed the way we interact with each other outside of the home, it has significantly
and visitors alike while still retaining some visual continuity. Of course, it was important to the designers to retain a certain
affected how we live in our own abodes as well. With remote
degree of homeliness in a space that could have easily become a
working arrangements becoming increasingly common, our
claustrophobic office environment. The flat is laid out to allow for
new home offices are blurring the boundaries between our private
easy access to all areas while simultaneously hiding the office
and professional lives. William Ng and Kho Keguang, lead designers
from view when wanted. “Once we are in the home, the office is
at Studio Wills + Architects, took this idea of the “professional
completely out of sight, and vice versa,” William shares. In the same
home” even further, creating a space that is as much a cosy
vein, the colours of the apartment were chosen to strike a balance
sanctuary for William as it is the professional headquarters for
between a productive office space and a soothing ambience for the
his design studio.
home, combining uplifting white hues with warm oak carpentry
By choosing an old HDB unit along the corridor deemed
and seamless epoxy flooring with a comfy satin finish.
unpopular for its age and lack of privacy, the designers were able
Thanks to expert space planning and a knack for innovation,
to embrace this evolving relationship between private and public
this 30-year-old 3-room unit doesn’t succumb to either of its halves.
spaces, breathing innovation and new life into the flat. The unit
The office makes for a productive zone that can be efficiently used
was fitted with a foyer, which expands into two separate entrances,
by the homeowner, his design team and his clients, while the home
giving a sense of separation and independence to the homeowner
remains a personal haven of relaxation at the end of a long day.
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Above
Lounge The lounge is the first space to introduce the soft colour palette of the home, displaying clean white walls and soft furnishings as well as warmtoned carpentry. A single plant hints at the homeowner’s preference for a minimalist yet natural style. Right
Dining area In order to double up as a meeting and break room, the dining area is cosy yet spacious, with sparse furniture and decor. White hues help to brighten the surroundings to encourage productivity and positive conversation.
Opposite page
Foyer Functioning as a neutral entry point, the foyer connects the home and the office, both of which can be accessed through space-savvy sliding doors. A dramatic floor-to-ceiling white curtain acts as a buffer between the studio and corridor, but the foyer itself comes with louvered aluminium windows, allowing the unit to blend in with its neighbours.
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INSPIRATION KIT
Breakout Style FEELING A BIT UNINSPIRED BY YOUR HDB UNIT’S STANDARD LAYOUT AND FITTINGS? ELEVATE YOUR FLAT WITH THESE DESIGN TRICKS
IMAGE COURTESY OF STUDIO FORTYFOUR
text YUEN YI YING
HDBs may be comfortable, convenient and a great way to mingle with people of all backgrounds, but the cookie cutter interiors may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Try these ideas to break out from the pack. Clear Winner
IMAGE COURTESY OF DESIGN HOTELS
One way to change the layout and make areas seem larger and brighter is to hack walls. However, you may want to consider putting up glass panels to block out sounds and smells as well as to keep cool air confined to a smaller space when the AC is running. 1 Besides being a stunning design feature, the blue enclosure provides some visual separation between the vanity, bathing zones and the bedroom. It serves a practical purpose as well, keeping water from splashing around the room and its occupants warm when they step out of the bath.
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DESIGN BY ROB.WYNN INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO IMAGE COURTESY OF VERSAFORM
IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGN NEU
2 A glass divider between the kitchen and study lets parents watch their kids while not distracting them from their homework with clanging pans and food smells during meal prep.
3 Outfit a bedroom or office with a Smart Glass divider that turns frosted and opaque at a flip of a switch. This lets you enjoy light and openness but also provides privacy, blocks out work and hides clutter in an instant. 4 Besides glass walls, you can opt for glass blocks if you want to create more of a design statement or prefer more obscurity. Light can still filter through and you get more soundproofing from the thicker blocks too.
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IMAGE COURTESY OF THE MIDDLE HOUSE
Great Divide
1 Mimicking the pattern on the dining bench, these ornate screens add a dash of drama to this gathering space without making the narrow room feel claustrophobic. 2 Floor-to-ceiling folding doors, along with full-height cabinetry and drapery, help to vertically elongate the room, while employing a pale palette for the surfaces makes the room look modern and expansive.
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IMAGE BY SEVINOS EROTOKRITOU FROM PIXABAY
These chic solutions let you enjoy an open floor plan and privacy.
INSPIRATION KIT
Without a Hitch ENJOY A HASSLE-FREE RENO WITH THESE TIPS:
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3 Create a room in a room by separating a larger space with a giant wardrobe, large bookshelf or, in this case, a media wall which helps to carve out a walk-in wardrobe behind. DESIGN BY STORY OF US
4 This large spinning door adds a playful touch to both the bedroom and adjoining dining area. Depending on how it’s positioned, it keeps the layout feeling open or helps to section off the two zones.
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DESIGN BY BRIM DESIGN
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Get familiar with what you can or cannot do with your home overhaul on HDB’s website. The page also lists a handy directory of renovation contractors who can help you upgrade your flat while staying within guidelines. In order to get your reno permit, do activate your electricity and water supply beforehand which you can easily do at HDB Hub. Check before you hack. You need a written permit from HDB before taking down walls, whether partial or complete. This is to ensure the building’s structural integrity for your safety as well as others living in the block. New HDB flats come with warranties. Seek your certified renovator’s advice to make sure the proposed works don’t void the warranties. Be a good neighbour. HDB stipulates that your contractor has to inform neighbours three days before renovations start, as well as adhere to time restrictions to avoid disturbing nearby residents. You may also want to bring gifts to get to know the families and keep in their good graces. Make sure your flat is secure during the renovation process by using a good quality lock. You may be excited to move in, but arrange for furniture and appliance deliveries only after renovations are complete.
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INSPIRATION
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DIVE INTO LOCAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DESIGN WITH THESE HOMEGROWN BRANDS
From carpentry studios to cafes and online shops, local entrepreneurs have started up a variety of brands in Singapore, championing heritage, sustainability and community involvement. We believe that it’s particularly important to support Singapore’s artisans and designers while we are fighting this pandemic. If you wish to join us in shopping local, here are some of our favourite homegrown brands.
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Furniture COMMUNE Founded by brothers Julian and Joshua Koh along with their cousin Gan Shee Wen, Commune makes furniture that is not only beautiful to look at but highly practical for city living, taking Singapore’s small HDB flats into consideration during the design process. Their focus is on the “Commune life”—the idea that people come together in the home and that your furniture should be crafted to facilitate this. thecommunelife.com
CASTLERY With the aim of bringing long-lasting furniture into modern homes, Castlery prides itself on delivering expert workmanship with a fair price tag. At the core of the company, founded by Declan Ee and two of his friends, lie leather and fabric upholstery, alongside wooden frames made from certified timber. Quality control is one of Castlery’s top priorities, ensuring that your furniture can keep you company for many years to come. castlery.com
URBAN SALVATION Founded by Ahmad Habshee, a local artisan who is passionate about all things woodworking, Urban Salvation is a boutique furniture workshop with customisation and bespoke creation at its heart. The designers create everything from desks to wall decor, using a mix of regional wood and locally salvaged materials. If you’re looking for something made to fit, Urban Salvation is the place to go. urbansalvation.com
NATURALIS HISTORIA Born from Velma Manoharan’s love of nature and classic furniture styles, Naturalis Historia is a one-stopshop for timeless pieces created sustainably. Not only do the artisans behind the brand source their materials ethically, they also make an effort to reuse shipping materials to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible. Combining oldworld aesthetics with contemporary functionality, these furniture pieces are made to last. nhteak.com
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Bedding ANNETTE Combining sustainability and comfort with “all things beautiful,” Annette founders Zee Tan and Rae Lim pour their hearts into every single one of their products. Their belief is that bedding should above all be long-lasting and timeless, benefiting both you and the planet at large by using sturdy, natural materials. If that’s not enough to convince you, their French linen bundle recently won the Best Allergen-free Bedding category for SquareRooms’ Comfort Awards! homewithannette.com
SOJAO Priscilla and Janice Tan, the ladies behind SOJAO, kickstarted the company with the aim to make ethical, organic cotton bedding more accessible to everyone in Singapore. Not only are their sheets luxurious to the touch, they also ensure that everyone in their supply chain is paid fairly for their work, giving them a good night’s sleep too. In fact, we love these sheets and everything they stand for so much that they won our Comfort Awards’ Best Organic Bedding category. sojao.shop
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INSPIRATION KIT
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Textiles THE CINNAMON ROOM Born out of Visha Nelson’s love for bespoke design, The Cinnamon Room is now an award-winning rug and homeware shop, stocking everything from hide rugs to cushion covers and even the occasional side table. These pieces are inspired by Visha’s travels all around the world, weaving her bold, colourful touch through a series of sophisticated designs. thecinnamonroom.com
ONLEWO Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s vibrant history, Onlewo is a hub of bold patterns and lively textiles. Their prints can be found on table runners, sofa throws, curtains and even tableware, reflecting founder Mike Tay’s contemporary interpretation of local heritage and culture. If your home is in dire need of a pop of colour, Onlewo’s striking textiles and homeware items won’t disappoint. onlewo.com
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IMAGE COURTESY OF STUDIO FORTY FOUR
PREP IT
PAW-FECTLY PREPPED
Thanks to the hard work done by Project Adore, you can now house larger mixed-breed dogs in your HDB flat. With the removal of weight restrictions and an increased maximum height of 55cm, you may want to consider these factors to get your home ready for a bigger dog t ex t YA I Z A C A N O P O L I
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Flooring
The hands-down most ideal flooring option for dog owners is vinyl. It’s scratch and stain-proof, inexpensive and easy to install, and makes your pet’s life that much easier with its non-slip properties. Linoleum is a good alternative but the downside is the price tag. Its major plus is that it is significantly more eco-friendly than vinyl flooring. The suitability of other flooring types varies. Natural floors, such as hardwood, scratch and stain easily, while ceramics and laminates are slippery, which can injure larger and older dogs.
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Doors and gates
Notoriously anxious when separated from their owners, dogs often scratch doors and try to enter off-limits areas of the home. To protect your doors, consider installing a protection screen that covers your dog’s standing height, especially if they’re on the taller side. While this won’t stop your dog from scratching, it will significantly minimise the damage to your door’s surface. A more thorough measure is to keep your dog out of certain parts of the home with pet gates, which can also protect your four-legged friend from tumbling down steps and getting caught in dangerous areas of the house. If you want to minimise scratching without limiting your dog’s movements, pet flaps can be installed through your doors. However, keep in mind that these could lower your HDB flat’s resale value further down the line.
PHOTO BY NATHALIE SPEHNER ON UNSPLASH
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While not every dog chews furniture, you may want to invest in items with metal or concrete legs as a preventative measure. Fragile pieces, such as glass tables, should be avoided or at the very least secured with a steady base, as energetic and especially bigger dogs can topple them and injure themselves. For an extra safe HDB flat, elevate furniture with sharp edges or remove them entirely.
PHOTO BY CARISSA WEISER
Furniture
4 Couches
Dogs don’t just love scratching doors and chewing furniture, they also like making a mess of the couch. While smaller dogs may not reach the top by themselves, the new sizing guidelines mean that your bigger pet may be able to jump up and down and scratch the couch’s surface. Ideally, opt for removable couch covers with intricate patterns, as any damage to the fabric will be less apparent and they can be cleaned and replaced easily. Expensive and chic leather couches will unfortunately deteriorate quickly with a dog in the house.
5 Dangerous items Small items can be tricky to secure, as there are often so many around the house that some will likely slip your mind. Important ones to remember are items on the dangerous side, such as sharp objects and loose cables. Kitchen drawers and cabinets containing knives and sharp metals should be secured with safety locks, as large dogs have enough strength to force them open when left unlocked. Around the TV and other electrical appliances, cables should be hidden away safely. This will not only protect your pets and electronics, but will keep the area looking neat and organised as well.
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Plants
PHOTO BY BRINA BLUM ON UNSPLASH
If your home is dotted with pots, especially on the ground, you may want to consider vertical gardening instead. Your dog could interpret your green spots as personal bathrooms and possibly end up eating potentially poisonous flora. Additionally, your pet will likely topple the pots and scatter earth and water all over your floors. Plants stored on tables are at risk of falling if your dog is tall enough to reach them or has enough strength to shake the table. A vertical garden will rid your home of these problems without compromising on that natural touch.
DID YOU KNOW? While some of our favourite dog breeds, such as Miniature Schnauzers and Maltese, are allowed in HDB flats, many pup-ular breeds don’t make the cut. Here are some dogs that you can’t keep in your HDB unit. • Corgis • Bulldogs • Beagles • Shiba Inus • Spanish Greyhounds
More information about the HDB’s pet guidelines can be found on hdb.gov.sg. 41
Walkway Projecting a seamless linear flow, LED lighting is aligned with the shelving and black trimmings for an airy walkway.
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HOME INSPO
Graphic strokes Space 4-room HDB flat Location McNair Reno Period 8 weeks Home To Young married couple
Creating a design that highlights lines seems easy and straightforward enough, but Design Principal Derrick Lim from D’MARVEL Scale will tell you that there’s a lot more to this less-is-more style. With it as a central theme in this resale unit whose renovation he helmed, he explored the dominant use of stark white walls punctuated by dramatic dark stripes. “The homeowners are partial to a monochrome palette but the main design inspiration lies in the female homeowner’s interest: pole dancing,” reveals Derrick. Taking reference from the form of the metal pole, he conceptualised a frame style concept which boxes up different design elements within the home. He had to be careful not to dwarf the dimensions of space, since boxing things up can create a bulky and uninviting appearance. With a trained eye and restrained hand, he first worked in a uniformed material palette of vinyl flooring and crisp white walls to set the stage for a breezy Scandinavian-inspired background. “This was another design requirement by the homeowners who like the relaxed Scandi aesthetic,” he says. Introducing a
Dominated by linear designs and monochromatic hues, this resale HDB flat exudes sleek Nordic flair Text D I S A TA N
Photos D ’MARVEL SCALE
pared-down colour scheme was also more practical to brighten up the confines of this 10-year-old resale unit, which did not have a lot of daylight to begin with. Drawing upon the high contrast of dark outlines against white walls, he then dressed up the communal spaces with black trimmings to frame the white backdrop of cabinetry and walls. This is evident with the entertainment console where black lines stretch across the wall-mounted cabinet to offer visual depth to an otherwise flat-looking installation. Adjacent to it is a framed mirror and shelving with matching black borders, and this ensemble creates a light and airy effect by showing off more wall space. Moving towards the shared living and dining zones, Derrick arranged the exposed wiring of the pendant lights in a neat order on the ceiling and wall. The striking symphony of lines are well-tempered by the cosy sofa and warmth of the wood dining set. This curated balance also helps to tone down the clinical look of the monochromatic design scheme and brings forth a more welcoming living and dining space. While cove lighting is a norm in many homes,
Derrick did not want to compromise on ceiling height which might further reduce the visage of space. He did the next best thing with LED lighting, trawling lights along the perimeter of the ceilings in the communal areas and bedrooms. These trails of LED lighting resonate with the linear design theme and elongate the span of the ceiling for a sleek and spacious appearance. In the kitchen, an outline of different materials adds textural layers to the kitchen counters. Matte and highsheen surfaces shroud both the counters and overhead cabinets to create a frame effect. To prevent a sterile look, textural interest is injected through a grey tiled backsplash which comprises marbleeffect patterns. Despite it being an easy style to execute, the monochromatic Scandi look of this home requires delicate balance. This has been beautifully demonstrated by Derrick and his team who managed to hit all the expectations of the homeowners. Through their wellplanned efforts, form follows function in a spacious flow within this clean-lined HDB flat which is not devoid of character or homely charm.
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HOME INSPO
Living and dining Pinned neatly to the wall and ceiling, the arrangement of the exposed wiring creates an abstract expression which is welltempered by the soft furnishings and inviting dining set.
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HOME INSPO
Above
Living Louvered details on the cabinetry break the boxy effect of the black trimming on the TV console. This setup leans towards an organic feel, rather than a clinical monochromatic style. Left
Kitchen Framing the kitchen counter with a series of matte and shiny finishes, this luxuriously clean-lined setting hides the piping to good effect.
Kitchen door
Wire mesh glass door
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Study and vanity Overlooking the window, this cosy area is a function-fluid space which the homeowners can use for grooming or work.
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PHOTO BY 张 嘴 ON UNSPLASH
EPILOGUE
E ASY SW I TC H It may seem a little early to break out string lights, but they can make such a difference to any space. They’re a lot more flattering than harsh overhead lighting and can help to make rooms feel instantly cosier and more welcoming. They’re inexpensive too. Now that we’re all spending more time at home and missing the outdoors, we’d love any reason to linger, so no need to wait till the end-of-year festivities to get your hands on some. Take your pick from incandescent or LED versions to infuse dining spaces, reading nooks, balconies, bedrooms and entertainment zones with a dreamy glow.
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