Home & Decor - May 2015 MY
Content
www.homeanddecor.com.my
BATHROOM
SPECIAL
Taps, washbasins
and showerheads
galore.
places we love
Heritage buildings, beautiful cafes and more
CONTENTS
N OW
The Latest in Design and Decor News
20
14
16
18
H OT S E AT –
GJ CHAIR
ART –
MIMI MASHUD
ART –
IRENE HOFF
Much like all Danish furniture, the
GJ chair features strong, clean
lines and looks effortlessly
modern and stylish.
This illustrator’s work is inspired
by her travels.
This Dutch artist creates fables in
her collages.
24
25
26
PEOPLE –
CHAN MUN INN
CHECK OUT –
B AT T E R Y A C I D C LU B
ART – EYE ON
SINGAPORE
Making every design to
measure is this architect’s
work philosophy.
Clean, minimalist and cool
describes the interior of this café.
Get to know more about
contemporary art from local artists
Donna Ong and Genevieve Chua.
28
4
20
29
TREND – FROZEN
IN FURNITURE
PEOPLE –
MARK YONG
Resin is being used in innovative
ways to play up the natural beauty
of organic material – in the
process, creating pieces akin to art.
Chairman of Singaplural and
marketing director of Ewins.
0
3
CHECK OUT –
C LU B M E AT B A L L S
BW Furniture’s new showroom
doesn’t just feature furniture, It
also includes Club Meatballs, a
restaurant-showroom concept.
PLOUM sofa. Design: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec.
Catalogue: www.ligne-roset.com
Exclusively at Starhill Gallery, S3 Pamper Floor, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel : +603-2710 3388 Fax : +603-2710 3807 Email : [email protected]
Unit G-12, Bangunan Perdagangan D6, No. 801 Jalan Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel / Fax : 018-716 6768
CONTENTS
FE ATURES
50
76
PLACES WE LOVE
STYLE SOAKED
Great design can be found
everywhere if you know where to
look. Here’s a list of places that
never fail to awe.
The design of your bathroom and
what’s in it, is as important as the
cleansing effect of water. We’ve
rounded up the best-looking tubs,
faucets, washbasins, showerheads
and more.
68
PEP UP YOUR
B AT H R O O M
You can’t change the tiles or
sanitaryware in your bathroom on
a whim, but you can enhance the
style with thematic accessories.
68
50
6
CONTENTS
H OM E S
114
122
A BOLD MOVE
Large colourful paintings,
statement-making furnishings
and hypnotic patterned tiles
come together to create
beautiful, dramatic interiors in
this home.
128
DARING TO BE
DIFFERENT
No major renovation here.
This couple transformed
their apartment simply with
decorations.
AN ELEGANT BASE
A RAW APPEAL
In this simple, streamlined white
space, it’s the many treasured
items from friends and family
that enrich the interiors with
meaning.
A major reconstruction revealed
raw elements that worked to
the advantage of this interior’s
industrial loft style.
REGUL ARS
12
EDITOR’S NOTE
167
WHERE TO BUY
168
FLASHBACK
146
FULL OF CHARACTER
At just 506sqf, this cheery
apartment is home not just to
Norman and Judy, but also to
Astroboy and Tintin!
photography TAN WEI TE
art direction YEW XIN YI
8
138
D E S I G N PO R T R A I T.
Ray, seat system designed by Antonio Citterio. www.bebitalia.com
spacefurniture.asia
Singapore 77 Bencoolen St.
Kuala Lumpur Level 3 The Intermark Jalan Tun Razak
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
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SINGAPORE
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L
EDITION
Home & Decor Indonesia
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Design & Architecture
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EDITOR’S NOTE
loving
the space
you’re in
This month, the team searched voraciously for
interesting nooks and crannies around Klang
Valley, and we unearthed some gems. Combined
with our colleagues across the causeway, we
present 80 of the best loved places around KL
and Singapore.
We roll out our bathroom special, where
we find the latest in taps, tubs, basins and
more. Perhaps it’s time to give your bathroom a
makeover.
In addition to these great features, we have a
story on how to choose art for your home, as well
as a spotlight on four designers who embrace
minimalism.
Enjoy browsing through the various beautiful
and creative homes, and you may just find the
right idea for your own home renovation.
Have a great month ahead.
Do let us know what you think of our new look.
Drop us a message on our FB page
(www.facebook.com/HomeandDecorMY)
or e-mail us at [email protected].
Check out our blog on
www.homeanddecor.com.my.
We will be uploading content on design, homes,
products and lifestyle daily. Sign up and you can
play around with the thousands of photos we
have on the site, clipping the ones you like to
your very own mood board.
p.68
DECORATING
YOUR BATHROOM
Get the latest on bathroom
fixtures in our special.
ELAINE DONG
EDITOR
12
p.98
BARE MINIMUM
These designers live by the
adage that less is more.
We want you to make the most out of your space. That's why the Mezzo sofa can be
customised to fit your needs. That's why you can choose fabrics, leathers and colours
to suit your style. Visit our store and talk to one of our Concepters who can advise
and help you achieve your very own sofa.
BoConcept BSC Bangsar Shopping Centre T112 - T115 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 59000 T: +603 2011 0178 www.boconcept.my
BoConcept Paragon Paragon Shopping Centre 04-01/02/03 Singapore 238859 T: +65 6736 0777 www.boconcept.sg
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NOW
Follow
the Rules
Here’s one
wallcovering to rule
them all. The Vintage
Rulers wallpaper,
made up of a photo
collage of old-school
wooden rulers, is
definitely too stylish
for the schoolroom.
It’s designed by
Mr and Mrs Vintage
for Dutch wallpaper
company NLXL.
Vintage Rulers is also
available with a pattern of
smaller rulers. Each roll
(48.7cm by 1000cm) covers
53sqf. NLXL is available
through Dream Interiors.
text REBECKKA WONG photo NLXL
15
NOW
GJ
Chair
Why We Love It
Much like all Danish furniture, the GJ
chair features strong, clean lines and
looks effortlessly modern and stylish.
Lauded for its unique shape, it won first
prize in a design competition organised
by British newspaper Daily Mail in 1963.
The sculptural form, made of two pieces
of moulded plywood, was extremely
complex to manufacture then, so only
300 copies were produced. In 2008,
Lange Production was chosen to
relaunch the pieces.
Who Designed It
Danish furniture designer Grete Jalk was
well known for her bold, curved designs,
many of which were sought after –
not just for commercial purposes,
but also for exhibitions and private
collections. Initially a philosophy and
modern languages student, she picked
up design in 1940 at the Design School for
Women, and continued her education with
the Danish Design School in 1946. Many of
her creations were inspired by Charles
Eames’ moulded plywood pieces.
What It Inspired
Shortly after designing the GJ chair,
Grete created a companion side table,
the GJ nesting table, which was built
in collaboration with cabinet-maker
Poul Jeppesen. Both are now available
through Lange Production.
T H E GJ C H A IR IS MADE BY
L A N G E P R O D U CT IO N AND
AVAILA B L E AT DA N IS H DESIG N,
S IN GA P OR E
16
The GJ Chair
is available in
several types of
wood, including
teak, Oregon
pine and
black-stained
ashwood.
text AMANDA JAYNE LEE photos DANISH DESIGN
NOW
MIMI MASHUD
BASED ON HER
TRAVELS, THIS
ILLUSTRATOR BRINGS
A LOCAL FLAVOR TO
HER COMICS.
FROM LEFT
Kuala Terengganu in 7
Days depicts her travelling
experience to her mother’s
hometown; Feast your
eyes on the local food from
Kuala Terengganu.
18
A pen is mightier than a sword. This is
exceptionally true for a freelance illustrator
who draws her travel experiences using pens
on Moleskin sketchbooks.
“I am from Bandar Baru Bangi,”
Mimi says. “I have a brother who does
3D visualisations and a sister who bakes
cupcakes.” The graduate of Monash
University, Australia has five years working
experience as a multimedia designer (a job
she quit due to her passion for hand-drawing,
doodling and urban sketching).
Albeit having a certain cartoonish element
to her drawings, there are realistic sceneries,
subjects and people with a very refined touch
to it. Her favourite artists, Guy Delisle’s
Jerusalem, Florent Chavouet’s Tokyo on Foot
and Craig Thompson’s Carnet de Voyage
books sparked her idea of a travelogue.
Mimi not only draws, but writes her
own dialogues in the comics detailing her
travels. She loves reading the works of Haruki
Murakami and Lorrie Moore and that on its
own, influenced her writing, dialogue-wise.
Her first book Beijing in 5 Days, reveals
Mimi’s first package tour with her family
of five while the second travelogue Kuala
Terengganu in 7 Days documents her
travel to her mother’s hometown. Although
currently tied up with her freelance
illustration projects to produce her third
travelogue, Mimi says she is planning to go
on a few trips this year. We wonder where
her next destination will be - Langkawi,
Penang, Alor Setar, Selangor, Thailand?
On normal days, you may bump into her
at two of her favourite places. But be
forewarned! Mimi may be heavily armed
with a fresh supply of books, comics and
stationaries from Kinokuniya and Cziplee.
“I can’t stop buying them!” And when she
puts her pen and notebooks aside, Mimi
plays Threes on her iPad and runs in several
marathons. As for now, we await her latest
travelogue with anticipation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, V I SI T
WWW.MIMIMAS H U D .C OM/
“I a m f ro m B a n da r B a r u B a n g i ,” M i m i says .
“I h a ve a bro th e r w h o do e s 3 D v i su a l i sations
a nd a si ste r w h o ba ke s c u pca ke s.”
text NG YI XIANG photos MIMI MASHUD
IRENE
HOFF
This Dutch artist
creates her own fables
in her collage works.
20
“I work in a studio in the middle
of the rice fields. My mind is
calmed by a big fish pond and it is
a place where my creativity works
in full force,” says Dutch artist,
Irene Hoff.
Coming from a farm in North
Holland, Irene currently resides
in Bali with her children. The
artist received a degree in HR
management and her initial move
to Jakarta, Indonesia was due
to her work as a consultant in a
telecommunications company.
Irene extended her stay when
her former boyfriend found a job
in Jakarta. After her split with
him, she moved to Hong Kong
for two years and Vietnam for
five years before settling down
in Bali, a place she loves and
used to have a hard time leaving
when she visited the island from
Jakarta.
“I loved to draw as a child
but my career as an artist begun
coincidentally with a collage I
made for my oldest daughter.
People loved the piece and orders
started coming in,” Irene recalls.
It has been 10 years since. Today,
she produces numerous pop
art and collage works, some of
which are inspired by her children
such as her HEROIC series. She
uses a Playmobil toy as her main
subject.
“The Playmobil toy has a
lot of sentimental value to me. I
used to play with them and now
my kids do too. To be honest, I
still love to play with them,” Irene
says. “I am attracted to the bright
colours and the smaller details
incorporated in a piece of art. You
can only see them if you take a
closer look. I want my pieces of
art to narrate an exciting story.”
In her World of Beast series, Irene
chooses animals as her subjects.
Her collage comprises striking
colours, patterns and motifs to
give it a certain vibrancy, detail
and life. “Once an artwork is
completed, I send the image to
my brother who writes the stories
about these animals. There is
always a moral element behind
the exciting stories he writes,”
she says. They are incorporated
with traditional Eastern and
Western influenced fables which
are suitable for children. “If I could
create my own story, I would
TOP LEFT
Flying like a
dragon.
TOP CENTER
Wow Sunny Rain
RIGHT
Truce
BOTTOM
RIGHT
Hangin in There
create a world where people live
together in harmony.”
The overlapping and placement
of each cut-to-perfection
material seem to belong to a
specific area and in a precise
order. With careful plans and
well-thought out concept, she
keeps everything contained and
neat within a canvas, something
that we least expect in a collage.
Visually, this somehow gives it
an Indonesian and Japanese
touch. Irene further accentuates
a bird’s characteristics through
colours and movements such as
Hanging in There and Flying Like
a Dragon from the World of Beast
collection.
To depict them, Irene uses
acrylic paint with print coated
paper which has patterns she
designed herself. She says
she chose the pop art medium
because, “it simplifies things
and gets rid of the unnecessary
details, yet, it shows the
relevance of what you need to
see.” She intends to give resin a
try. “I think it gives a nice thick
coating, a different feel and
texture to a piece of artwork.”
At a glance, questions come
into mind. Where does her
inspiration come from? What
runs through her mind when
she’s working on her art? Where
does she get her materials? How
did she visualise where each
element should be placed? Does
she sketch them out first?
Inspired by the world and
the challenges faced by human
beings, Irene intends to inspire
people to have the drive to
achieve their own goals through
21
CLOCKWISE
FROM LEFT
REF34
The Other Woman;
Wow Sunny Rain;
PAPGAAI; Duck
Tape; Transparent.
22
her art. “I believe in the law of
attractions and feel that people
should keep believing. I refer to
my kids who have pure dreams
and sense they can do and create
anything they want. I hope that my
paintings can give a bit of power
and happiness to the world.”
Her artworks make good
interior decorations. “A good piece
of art will be the focal point of a
room. Since my art pieces contain
small details, the bigger ones
will look better. It works even if
the room is small. I believe art
gives out good energy boost and
sparks creativity in others to help
them reach their own dreams and
visions.”
Impressed by many talented
artists who are yet to be
discovered in Bali, Irene collects
art together with her business
partner and sells them under the
Art Auxion. “We hope to get these
artists known internationally,”
the artist says. Irene’s significant
accomplishments include her
collaboration with hotel owner,
Melanie Hall to create art pieces
for Luna2 Studiotel in Bali.
Moreover, the artist had her first
solo exhibition with the HEROIC
series at TAKSU Bali. “I am more
confident. I am ready to make
the next step up the ladder and
get my art out of Asia and have
it inspire people. That is already
happening,” she says.
Irene exhibited her art in
countries such as Bali and
Singapore at the beginning of this
year and at the Affordable Art Fair
in London and New York back in
March. “I would first like to keep
going on the road and slowly
spread my art all over the world
so I can touch positively, people’s
lives from a distance.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
VIS IT WWW.IRE NE H OF F.C OM
OR WWW.GONGS ANH O.C OM
text NG YI XIANG photos IRENE HOFF
23
NOW
What distinguishes EDI from its peers?
We wouldn’t consider EDI a “trendy” design
office but instead a design office that tries to
avoid trends. EDI’s main focus is residential
and that there is a need to allow for the
design of each home to develop through time.
Timelessness is something that we try to
achieve.
CHAN MUN INN
ARCHITECT OF
ESSENTIAL DESIGN
INTEGRATED (EDI)
What is your design philosophy?
Made to measure. Each home is different and
is only defined by each owner that uses it. Our
philosophy is always to place homeowners’
needs over design; the design has to work for
them and not the other way around.
Do you have any tips for homeowners when it
comes to decoration/renovation?
Be prepared and honest with yourself on what
you really want and what you really need. There
is a fine line between the needs and the wants
and that each homeowner can go overboard
with the wants. Get help from professionals
and trust them to give you their best advice.
It has been said that architecture is driven
by human’s desire to compete, i.e. bigger
buildings, grander interiors. What is your
thought on this?
Size doesn’t really matter in this case. Bigger
does not mean better when it comes to
design and that a well thought out and crafted
intermediate terrace house can sometimes
provide better spatial qualities than a large
generic bungalow.
What are your views on the interior design
and architecture industry in Malaysia?
The industry is quite mixed with a host of
practices focusing on design “trends” and
constantly chasing that trend. A handful of
designers are starting to understand that design
moves beyond that of the surface materials
and is starting to look at spatial qualities and
composition within the interior spaces.
E SS E NTIAL D E S IGN INTE GR ATED I S AT 5 7
JALAN SS 22/19, DAMANS ARA JAYA, SELAN GO R,
TE L: +603-7727-0199.
LEFT
EDI changed the main
entrance of this house
from the front to the side.
BOTTOM
The J House in Subang
Jaya features a courtyard
that lets in natural light.
O u r philo s o p hy i s a lways to p la ce h o m e ow n e rs’
ne eds over d es i g n; t he d es i g n h a s to wo r k fo r
t h em and no t t he o t her way a ro u n d.”
24
text WENSHAN PANG photos EDI
Founded by two graphic designers and a
collector-cum-curator, Ooi Swiss Tee, Aaron
Tan Song Hau and Foo Hsiang Hsien aspire
to educate people about design through the
mix of German and local products in a shop
located within the café.
Even as items from a designer named
Dieter Rams are featured on a desk in the
front portion of the shop, the small and cosy
shop boasts the best vintage finds of army
clothes, best-selling Braun watches, Lamy
pens, Obsolete & Co.’s vintage stationaries,
design books, authentic Vietnam War
watches from World War II and pieces of
furniture including Eames LAR armchair.
It is a place where Swiss narrates
an interesting story about design to her
customers. “Did you know Jonathan Ives
(Apple’s senior vice president of Design) was
inspired by Braun?” she asks. “We want to
communicate with our customers. We didn’t
want a café where customers would leave
after having a cup of coffee,” says Swiss who
is in charge of retail.
Meanwhile, a trained barista from
Artisan Café, Aaron, mans the espresso
machine under the BAC neon lighting.
He also designs the labels of their coldpressed juices. At BAC, they offer a variety of
homemade pastries and outsourced cakes
and tarts to go with your coffee.
They can be savoured from a choice of
modular seats, a stand-alone long table or
al-fresco. “Our space, which is designed by
SWOT Design Group, is able to accommodate
various workshops and art events. The
modular seatings are removable and on top
of that, we installed railings to hang artwork
easily,” says, Hsiang Hsien.
Situated among a row of shop lots
depicting their concept of the 70’s to the
late 80’s look, Battery Acid Club looks like
a well-designed lab devoid of a signboard
from the outside.
B AT T E R Y
ACID CLUB
BELOW
[From top] a desk
displaying the works of
Dieter Rams; a kitchen
counter; interior of
Battery Acid Club; Passion
Fruit Meringue tart and
Dark Chocolate Mousse
Raspberry tart from
Ling’s Kitchen.
BATTE RY AC ID C LU B IS AT 2 1 , JALAN SS2 1 / 3 4 ,
DAMANS ARA U TAMA, 47400, PETALI N G JAYA,
S E LANGOR (NE AR KAYU ARA),
TE L: +603-7733-9682.
text NG YI XIANG photography DANIEL LAI
25
NOW
DONNA ONG
Besides winning the Best Emerging Artist
Using Installation category at the awards,
37-year-old artist Donna Ong has exhibited
in biennales around the world, and made
a name for herself through intriguing
installations which she creates with
furniture and found objects.
EYE ON
SINGAPORE
How was it like when you started your
career as an artist?
In Goldsmiths College in the UK, where I
studied Fine Art, it was all about how to make
art and how to critique your own art, but they
don’t teach you how to write for grants or how
to get an exhibition. And, unfortunately, I was
very naive about those things.
But it was an enjoyable time as well,
because nobody had seen my artwork before,
and there was a sense of freedom in not
having expectations. Now, when people come
to see my work, there’s a certain fear that
they might say it’s not as good as the last one,
or that it’s not what they expected.
DON’T
UNDERSTAND
CONTEMPORARY
ART? GET TO KNOW
MORE ABOUT IT
FROM TWO OF OUR
FINEST LOCAL
CONTEMPORARY
ARTISTS.
THEY WERE
SHORTLISTED FOR
THE PRESTIGIOUS
PRUDENTIAL EYE
AWARDS 2015,
WHICH RECOGNISES
THE EMERGING
Give us a brief summary of your
art installations.
My early works were always about play and
make-believe. I try to look at children’s games
– for example, pretending that the space
under the table is a cave – and playing them
seriously as an adult.
Now, I build my own environments in my
works, but also include more history in them.
I’m also interested in tropical greenhouses
in the West, and how the Westerners’
fascination with the tropics hasn’t faded.
ART SCENE IN ASIA.
What do you hope your works can achieve?
For people to have a more layered view of life.
So that the next time you see a kid playing
with a doll, you not only remember your own
childhood memories, but also the experience
of viewing my installations. Art is about having
a richer perspective – it’s like experiencing life
with surround sound.
ABOVE
Donna shares that
as a result of living
in Singapore, where
most of her time is
spent indoors, many
of her installations
tend to be confined in
small spaces, too.
RIGHT
One of Donna’s
earlier works
include the eerie but
fascinating Secret
Interiors: Chrysalis
installation, where
dolls are “preserved”
in jars.
26
A r t i s a b o ut h a v i n g a r i c h e r
p ers p ect i ve – i t ’s l i ke ex pe r i e n c i n g
li fe w i t h s ur ro un d so u n d.
What does it mean to be a contemporary
artist in our current times?
It’s really fantastic. There aren’t any barriers
between what can be art, and what is art.
RIGHT
Genevieve’s personal
challenge now is
to show a new way
of viewing things
through abstract
visual elements.
BELOW
Part of her
Ultrasound series,
this piece of artwork
features ultrasound
scans of a reservoir
in Singapore.
It is assumed that contemporary art is
strange and wonderful, and that you can
use any medium.
But the art market is also very much
part of the scene. You have the integrity of
the work, which is what you’d like to make,
but you also need to look at the market,
and make work which can fit into people’s
homes, or can be sold.
A balance needs to be achieved, and in
order to survive and keep on making work,
artists sometimes have to create works
which might not fit with their vision.
I t’s i m po r ta n t to be se l f - a w a re a n d dis ce rning,
a s o u r g e n e ra ti o n i s ove rsti m u l a te d.
Everything also moves at a frenzied pace,
but it doesn’t mean that art has to move
in that speed. For example, I need to be
very clear of what I’m interested in at the
moment, then move on to bigger, better
things in the future. Young artists also need
to understand that people take turns being
in the limelight, and that limelight moves
towards or away from you very quickly.
GENEVIEVE CHUA
Intrigued by the wilderness, Genevieve Chua,
31, is a visual artist who tackles the ideas of
fear and the loss of control in her works.
Since bagging the National Arts Council’s
Young Artist Award in 2009, her works have
evolved to include photography, painting
and installation.
Tell us more about your work at the
Prudential Eye Awards exhibition.
The Cascade Underground & Upper Floors
(pictured top) is a diptych (two separate, but
connected, works) that I did in 2012.
The dots on the work are from an
ultrasound scan of a reservoir in Singapore.
On each piece is a blueprint of a shopping
mall, and the building appears to be
flooded. I was interested in the sense of
vertigo, and hoped to bring across the
feeling of urgency and speed with very
few visual elements. It’s basically a work
that’s made up of dots and lines.
What is your work process like?
As a full-time artist, I cannot just rely on
inspiration, because inspiration comes
on a whim. I generate ideas by creating
a routine. I wake up very early in the
morning, go to the studio at Goodman
Arts Centre, and basically try and work on
different things.
Many of them may fail but, maybe
once a week, I have a breakthrough in
which I find something new to explore,
and I’ll go with that.
What are some qualities an emerging
artist should possess?
It’s important to be self-aware and
discerning, as our generation is
overstimulated, especially by the
Internet.
text MAVIS ANG photography TAN WEI TE art direction YEW XIN YI
What makes a good piece of
contemporary art?
What makes an effective piece – I wouldn’t
say “good” – is if it lingers in your mind
for more than 24 hours. Even if you find
yourself still hating it after a day, it makes
for good conversation.
How should one better appreciate
contemporary art?
Audiences often snap a picture and
move on. But I think it’s important to
look at the artwork as part of the artist’s
whole trajectory. People often forget
that artworks are chronological, and the
artist’s journey can be very textured and
interesting to learn from.
27
NOW
LEFT
The weathered textures
(created from the
burrowing of shipworms)
of the oak mooring poles
in the Venetian canals are
preserved and celebrated
in the Bent Bench by
Italian design firm Alcarol.
Resin and thin pieces of
wood were used to create
the linear structure, so it
looks like a single folded
plank. www.alcarol.com
Frozen In
Furniture
Resin is being used in innovative ways to play
up the natural beauty of organic materials –
in the process, creating pieces akin to art.
LEFT
The Bloom collection of
dining, coffee and side
tables by British Columbiabased MTH Woodworks
puts the focus firmly on
the growth rings of tree
trunks. The cedar and
birch used is salvaged
from Vancouver Island, and
combined with a flat resin
surface, highlighting the
beauty of the wood. www.
mthwoodworks.com
Polish designer
Wiktoria Szawiel
captures the
immaterial qualities
(such as temperature
and light) of Eastern
European landscapes
familiar to her within
physical objects. The
Landscapes Within
collection comprises
a chair, a side table,
stools and vessels,
each with their own
“recipe” of wicker
or rattan cast into
different resins for
a variety of textures
and opacities. www.
wiktoriaszawiel.com
28
text LOUISA CLARE LIM
ABOVE
Souvenir of the Last
Century by Italian art
and design collective
Nucleo makes use of
reclaimed discarded
antique furniture.
These are encased in
amber-toned resin,
embodying a fossil-like
appearance and the
idea of preserving
craftsmanship from the
past. Made exclusively
for Gabrielle Ammann
Gallery in Cologne.
www.nucleo.to
needed. We cannot rely on our former
reputation as original equipment
manufacturers, because we’ll lose out in the
price game – we need something unique in
order to compete,” says Mark, who is chairing
Singaplural’s organising committee this year.
As the anchor event of Singapore Design
Week, Singaplural’s fourth edition will
see design installations, talks, tours and
exhibitions consolidated at a singular venue.
It was also designed to reach out to the
masses and celebrate the beauty of design.
“There’s going to be a real festival
atmosphere down at the site!” Mark quips,
revealing that performance artists, as well as
creative food and beverage vendors, will be
part of the festivity.
He laments that local businesses do
not yet readily invest in design to propel
their businesses to greater heights, such as
those in Japan and South Korea. Yet, he is
optimistic that as the design industry here
matures, it won’t be too long before the
public respects and appreciates the essence
of design.
MARK YONG
CHAIRMAN OF
SINGAPLURAL AND
MARKETING DIRECTOR
OF EWINS
Things are really picking up for the design
scene in the Asean region, Mark Yong
confidently remarks. As the marketing director
of furniture fittings company Ewins, his
work brings him into contact with European
suppliers. They started probing him about
business opportunities within South-east Asia
a couple of years ago, and interest has been
high. At the same time, companies based in
our neighbouring countries are looking to
Singapore as a platform to reach out to the
global audience. “I’m like a matchmaker now,”
he confesses jovially.
That is exactly what Singaplural, a weeklong design event hosted by the Singapore
Furniture Industries Council, which
showcases the different disciplines of design,
aims to do.
“To take Singapore’s design to an
international level, a unique branding is
ABOVE, LEFT
Si n g a po re i s a g o o d
co n du i t fo r A se a n
de si g n e rs a n d th e
g lo ba l a u di e n ce .
text MAVIS ANG photography ZAPHS ZHANG art direction YEW XIN YI
Although Mark
graduated with a
business degree, his
interest lies in design,
especially typography.
BELOW
Formerly the Central
Police Station, this
iconic building on
Beach Road will be
home to Singaplural.
29
NOW
LEFT
The meatball-centric
restaurant features
lighting from EOQ,
tables from Fritz Hansen,
and bar stools from Hay.
BELOW
This stylishly designed
raised platform, which
occupies part of Club BW,
is where some staff work.
BELOW, LEFT
The Club House, which
has hosted wedding
receptions, quiz nights
and yoga classes, can be
booked for free with the
purchase of a food-andbeverage package.
BOTTOM
Designed to resemble a
shipping container, the
facade of the food kiosk
is a nod to the way BW
imports its products.
C LU B M E AT B A L L S
BW Furniture’s new showroom doesn’t just
feature furniture. Its 6,000sqf location is
sectioned into three spaces, Club BW,
Club House and Club Meatballs,
a restaurant-showroom concept designed
by Geila Daughtrey of Rockett Studio.
This gastropub is a joint venture with the
folks behind sandwich cafe Sarnies, and the
mix-and-match menu allows diners to choose
from a selection of meatballs and sauces,
offering up to 125 variations.
From the designer furnishings to the
retro floor tiles inspired by the motifs of old
butcher’s and grocery shops, its interiors
are a visual feast. Walk through the back of
Club Meatballs and you’ll find Club BW, a
cosy office with a meeting room-cum-semiprivate dining area that is a contrast against
the loftiness of the Club House opposite it.
Filled with indoor palm trees and furniture
from the 20 brands under BW, the Club House
functions as a showroom and a public working
area. Simply make a purchase at the food
kiosk to enjoy free usage of the space and its
private office pods.
Previously a lacklustre-looking food
court, the lively space now features eccentric
furniture sculptures by students from the
Lasalle College of the Arts. Putting the space
together was akin to working on a “massive
jigsaw puzzle”, says Geila. With its pieces
aligned, this trendy site is now complete.
C H E C K OU T C LU B ME ATBALL S AT
#01-35 C H INA S QU ARE C E NT RAL,
20 C ROSS S TRE E T, S INGAP ORE,
TE L: +65-6222-8660.
30
text ANGELA LOW photos CI&A PHOTOGRAPHY
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NOW
DEEP LIVING
FURNITURE MADE
FROM THE HEART OF
THE COUNTRY
Not many furniture stores can
boast that all of their products
have been created from
materials sourced from within
the nation, but Deep Living can.
It has made a name for itself
by designing unique pieces of
furniture since 2011.
Nestled in the heart of
Putrajaya’s beautiful new IOI
City Mall, Deep Living’s new
outlet houses a plethora of
quality furniture. Their Creative
Director and Consultant, Blaine
Robert utilises materials that
are available locally and brings
his creative vision to life in their
Shah Alam factory.
You can find plush sofas,
elegant dining tables and cozy
chairs within the doors of Deep
Living. Look a little closer, and
you will be spoilt for choice in
the brightly lit showroom. It
goes to show you that you don’t
need the most exotic materials
to make a house a home. All
you need is a good eye and of
course, quality products.
D E E P LIVING IS LOCATE D AT LOT L2-49,
IOI C ITY MALL, LE BU H IRC , IOI RE S ORT C ITY,
62502 P U TRA JAYA, S E PANG, S E LANGOR
ABOVE
Deep Living offers unique
pieces made from locallyavailable materials.
34
text HANNY KEE photography PATRICK CHAN
BELOW
The Facade.
BOTTOM
It’s not every day when you
see a powder-blue sofa set
that seems to go well with
everything.
Good
Shopping
Time at
HOMEDEC!
ALTHOUGH GST WAS IMPLEMENTED ON 1 APRIL
2015, YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE
PRICE TAG THAT COMES WITH HOME PRODUCTS.
HOMEDEC KEEPS YOUR WORRIES AT BAY AS IT
OFFERS UP TO 60 PERCENT DISCOUNTS.
HOMEDEC gives a whole new meaning to
the GST acronym as it provides shoppers
with a “Good Shopping Time.” Furthermore,
shoppers who want to have a home makeover
or refurbish your homes, can expect valueadded services and complimentary products
from exhibitors.
Besides the shopping experience,
there are three different contests for you to
participate in during the HOMEDEC event.
Stand a chance to bring home cash rewards
and great prizes worth up to RM210, 000 by
participating in the HOMEDEC contest or
RM5,000 when you snap a picture and write
a funny caption about the Cuckoo’s giant
rice cooker. You don’t even have to make any
purchase to win RM6,000 daily cash vouches
sponsored by Alfo Design Sdn Bhd.
So, what are you waiting for? Mark your
calendar. The event starts from 1 May to 4 May
at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. There
will be 380 exhibitors and 1,100 booths to
browse and shop at.
PRE - RE G IS T E R OR FO R MO R E INFO R MAT IO N
V I SI T, W WW. H OM E D E C . C OM.MY O R WWW.
FACEBO OK . C O M / H OM E D E C.EX HIBIT IO N
text NG YI XIANG
36
BALANCE
IN DESIGN
Founded with the happiness and well-being of their
clients in mind, Deep Living strives to bring balance
by introducing exquisite pieces of furniture.
In a small studio of barely 1,200 square-feet,
you find Deep Living, a furniture shop that
mostly sells Italian imports. In 2011, it opened
a second outlet in Georgetown, Penang, and
then a main gallery in One City Mall’s Sky
Park in SubangJaya with a 7,000 square-feet
showroom. Deep Living expanded once more
in February 2015, with its first concept store at
IOI City Mall, Putrajaya
The brainchild of Blaine Robert, Creative
Designer and Design Consultant, Deep Living
is out to bring warmth and excitement to its
clients via quality products, in order to meet
their expectations and provide them the
greatest satisfaction possible.
Deep Living’s acre-long factory in Shah
Alam brings Blaine’s creations to life, using
materials that can be obtained locally. Every
single piece of furniture produced here is
customisable, unique, and is scrutinised
according to the highest quality standards,
where every stage of production is carefully
monitored by Blaine and his team. Nothing
leaves the factory without his stamp of
approval.
There is rhyme and reason towards
Blaine’s stringent standards. He believes that
it is of utmost importance that there is clear
knowledge about the core workings of design
and manufacturing as well as attention to
detail before one is able to create something
fundamentally interesting. “If the inside
doesn’t work, it won’t be able to work on the
outside,” Blaine explained.
“There is very little that we can control in
our lives, but we can do so with our homes. So
long as we pay attention to our surroundings
and fill them with the things we love, we will all
have the balance that all of us are working so
hard to achieve. Finding this balance will give
us peaceful, enriched lives,” he says.
38
Thus, it can be said that Deep Living operates
upon the principles of continuous innovation.
Blaine highly encourages his employees
to be constantly on their toes, to be always
renewing their processes for the better, to
discover any improvements to their designs,
even in the way they manufacture their
pieces. Thus, he believes that the constant
training and improvement of his employees’
skills are highly necessary.
Deep Living does all of this because
they are committed to their clients. The
expression, “We are buying clients, not
selling furniture” was used by Deep Living
to ensure that they cultivate lasting,
meaningful relationships with their clients,
where their expectations are always met
with respect.
ABOVE RIGHT
Comfort meets stylishness
in this plush sofa set.
TOP LEFT
An interesting leather
chair that will make a
great conversation starter.
RIGHT
Simplicity meets
functionality in this
outdoor dining set.
“We are buying clients, not selling
furniture” was used by Deep Living
to ensure that they cultivate lasting,
meaningful relationships with their
clients, where their expectations are
always met with respect.
P LE AS E VIS IT H TTP : //WWW.D E E P LIVING.C O M . M Y
/V1/C ONTACT-U S / FOR A F U LL LIS T OF D E EP LI VI N G
OU TLE TS AND S H OWROOMS .
text HANNY KEE photography PATRICK CHAN
39
NOW
Jotun Global
Tre n d s 2 0 1 5
Jotun released three new colour themes
under their premium Majestic True Beauty
range for the first time in South East Asia. The
launch celebrated Everyday Beauty, Everyday
Simplicity and Everyday Balance. Lisbeth
Larsen, Global Colour Manager for Jotun stated
that the themes were created in order to make
choosing colours for the home an easy process,
while maintaining harmony within the home.
“You can pick a green from one theme and not
worry that the pink from another clashes with
it. No matter what colours you have chosen,
we have ensured that you’ve made the right
choice,” she says.
Larsen recommended blues for the
bedroom to aid relaxation, nuances of red for
the hallway to induce character and light greys
for the living area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, V I SI T HTTP: / /
WWW.JOTU N.C OM/MY/E N/B 2 C/ CO LO URSINS P IRATIONS /GLOBAL-TR EN D S/ I N D EX. ASPX
Fo r A l l o f B a b y ’s N e e d s
Having a newborn is a blessing indeed, a messy blessing, that is. That is
why IKEA has come up with the new Sniglar changing table which comes
with a shelf underneath the table so you can have all of your baby’s
essentials within reach. What happens when your baby grows out of the
table? Just take the changing mat away and you’ll have a new shelf!
IKE A IS LOCATE D AT MU TIARA DAMANS ARA, P E TALIN G JAYA.
M.A.Dness is Coming!
M.A.D Furniture is the brainchild of Matt and Dan, designers who
spent over 10 years in every aspect of the furniture industry across
Asia. They set up M.A.D in 2010 to satisfy their need to design and
develop furniture that is not only useful, but also affordable and
desirable for the modern and the urbane. Their tables and chairs are
now sold in 20 countries worldwide, with operations based in Asia,
including a product development and testing facility cum assembly
plant in Southern China, aptly christened the M.A.D. lab. Their
designs are fresh, innovative and contemporary, ensuring a complete
product experience for all their clients.
V I SI T W W W. Q U E L F U R N IT U R E.CO M
40
Christian Lacroix Nouveaux
Mondes – Nature as a Dream
Enter an undiscovered world where the colours and textures are
intense, where nothing is more spectacular and beautiful than nature
itself. The new Christian Lacroix Maison collection for Designers Guild,
Nouveaux Mondes brings us through dense rainforests teeming with
exotic flora and fauna to the lush greenery of the Caribbean Isles.
Each and every one of the new designs honour nature unspoiled and
untouched through the dreams of a traveller.
Mariposa depicts multicoloured butterflies in all their beauty,
while Canopy bursts with latticed exotic flowers, feathers and foliage.
Barbade is the memory of wicker baskets laden with nature’s
bounties and Pantigre teases with the glimpse of an ethereal
panther, or was it a tiger?
VIS IT WWW.JANINE .C OM.MY
Timeless Beauty with
Liuligongfang
Liuli is the product of an ancient Chinese artform of glass-casting,
where minerals are inserted into molten glass to create multicoloured sculptures of pure beauty. This year, Liuligongfang
brings us a collection synonymous with Chinese culture, wishing
all a long, prosperous life.
L I UL I G ON G FA N G IS
LO CAT E D AT
LOT 2 .0 1 . 0 6
L EV EL 2 FA S H ION
AV ENU E , PAV IL IO N
KUA L A LU M P U R .
A Ro y a l M o t h e r ’s D a y 2 0 1 5
Mother’s Day is the day to tell Mum you love and appreciate
her. Since you are already going to give her a gift that
will be treasured to no end, why not move a step further?
Select any product from Royal Selangor’s large array of
gifts and enjoy a complimentary personalisation service.
Choose from laser or traditional engravings to make your
gifts extra special.
Royal Selangor suggests the Revala Vase with a glass
outer surface and a pewter inner vessel. Engrave your
mother’s initials on glass and make the gift hers in every way.
AVAILABLE AT ROYAL S E LANGOR OU TLE TS .
41
NOW
All New Fabric Collection
* The chair is upholstered with Tulum
Premium brand, Estelle has a variety of new fabric collections
for you to choose from. Her new Acapulco collection includes the
unique, Tulum. The soft and gentle movements of leafs offer a
contemporary look indoors. Choose from a variety of colours such
as soothing Peony, domineering Onyx, sharp and alluring Red and
easy going Denim.
E S TE LLE IS AVAILABLE F ROM ACAC IA FABRIC S . V I SI T
WWW.ACAC IAFABRIC S .C OM
Bring H&M
i n t o Yo u r
Home
Can’t get enough of
H&M? Well, why don’t
you drop by H&M Home
for items that you can
decorate your home
with? Our pick is this
rose gold candlestick.
Not only it has a
beautiful, voluptuous
base, but a sleek,
straight flute to hold
your candles well.
Black, White and Everything
in Between
Here lies the riddle posed by time immemorial: black or
white? Well, with Eiffinger’s new, simply named Black & White
collection, you never have to choose between the two. Just have
them both!
Incorporating various typographical designs, geometric
prints, hound’s-tooth, gingham and even damask prints in
different combinations of black and white, there will surely be
wallpapers from the collection that will match your space.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO WWW.GOOD RI CHGLO B AL. CO M
H &M H O M E IS LO CAT E D AT AVENUE K , JAL AN AMPANG , K UALA LU MP U R.
42
Revolutionise Home
Sound Systems with
Phillips
The lack of space should not be a damper
on the quality of your home’s sound system.
This is why Woox Innovations introduced
the Phillips Fidelio line, featuring Phillips’
Crystal Clear Sound that reproduces
the most minute sound details without
distortion for up to 5 hours of music and 10
hours of movie playback per battery charge.
With its two detachable, wireless
Bluetooth-enabled speakers, the Fidelio B5
soundbar provides a comprehensive and
customisable listening experience, whether
you are watching your favourite TV shows
by day or the latest action film by night. It is
powered by Dolby Digital’s Dolby Pro Logic
II technology, while being protected by a
special cloth covering that resists dust and
accidental liquid spills.
T H E P H ILL IP S F ID E L IO B5 IS AVAIL ABL E AT
A L L H A R V E Y N OR M A N O UT L ET S.
Inject Some
Personality into
Yo u r H o m e
Happiness, surprise and even
anger are all moods and
emotions that surround us as
living, feeling humans. Enter
Aino’s new Idee Haha stools,
which come in not only different
colours, but also expressions.
What does your space feel
like? Is it surprised, angry or
winking at you?
VIS IT WWW.AINO. CO M . M Y
43
NOW
Where Luxury and
Art Collide
Situated in Jakarta’s Kuningan commercial
centre, right next to the Ciputra Artpreneur
Centre that celebrates art and theatre in the
city, Raffles Jakarta increases the company’s
global portfolio of hotel and resorts to 12. The
hotel pays tribute to legendary Indonesian
artist, Hendra Gunawan, where every inch of its
walls is graced by his works. The hotel offers
panoramic views of the city with floor-to-ceiling
windows in each room.
The hotel will also launch its Signature
Spa with six treatment rooms, comprehensive
fitness centre, a Yoga terrace, tennis courts,
swimming pools and a 300m jogging track
on the 14th floor that goes through a Hendra
Gunawan-inspired garden.
V I SI T H T T P : / / WWW. R A F F L ES.CO M/JAK AR TA
K e e p t h e C e n t re o f Yo u r
Home Organised
Ever since its invention, the telly has been the focal point of every living
room to the point that we will be hard put to find any living space without
it in its centre.
Hence, to prevent the central space of the living room organized and
clutter-free, IKEA has released the Hemnes TV storage combination so
that everything will have its own space for DVDs, books and even small
pieces of art.
IKE A IS LOCATE D AT MU TIARA DAMANS ARA, P E TALIN G JAYA.
S p o t l i g h t Tu r n s To I P C
After opening its first store at Ampang Point last July, Spotlight
has now expanded to IPC Shopping Centre. It is a store that caters
to crafty hobbyists of all kinds, from party organisers, passionate
home decorators and avid dressmakers. The IPC store will cover
2000 square metres, housing more than 70000 products ranging
from home furnishings and decor, fabrics, right down to craft and
hobby essentials. ìSprucing up your home will be less stressful
and indeed hassle free,î said General Manager of Marketing for
Spotlight, Jono Gelfand.
SPOT L I G H T IS LO CAT E D AT AMPANG PO INT AND IK ANO POWE R
CENTR E, V IS IT S P OT L IG HT ’ S WEBSIT E WWW.SPOT L IG HT.CO M.MY
44
Where Malaysian
T i m b e r Ta k e s
Centre Stage
Malaysian Timber was the star
of the Malaysian International
Furniture Fair Furniture Design
Competition (MIFF FDC),
sponsored by the Malaysian
Timber Council (MTC) with the
support of nine local timber
manufacturers. The aim of the
competition was to promote
awareness about Malaysian
timber as a versatile, beautiful
and eco-friendly material which
constituted 80% of Malaysian
furniture exports.
Contestants were paired with
the timber manufacturers to
create their entries. Stephanie
Ng impressed the judges by her
simply-designed but well-executed
Malaysian Red Balau chair,
winning RM 10000 and accolades
from the international jury, while
Alice Lee’s multifunctional rattan
cuboid piece and Wan Nur Hanis’
Merpauh-made Infinity Lounge
Chair were the first and secondrunners up.
Samsung does
E v e r y t h i n g f o r Yo u
Doing the laundry is tedious, backbreaking work, which is why the wealthy
hired washerwomen to do all their
laundry for them in the years of yore.
Samsung’s new activedualwashô comes
with a built-in sink with water jets and
a gentle scrubbing surface, providing
a space to pre-treat stubborn spots so
all the washing can be done within the
laundry unit, saving effort and time while
avoiding messes and back pain due to
the sink’s height, which negates the
need to crouch while doing the laundry.
F UR T H ER IN FOR M AT IO N ON T HE CO UNCIL’ S
ACT I V I T IE S CA N B E OB TA INED FR O M WWW.MTC.CO M.MY.
VIS IT WWW.S AMS U NG. CO M / M Y / HO M E.
Happy 40th
Anniversary!
The #Atribute Project was launched
in celebration of Giorgio Armani’s 40th
Anniversary. Share and show the world
your tribute to Giorgio Armani through the
website, www.atribute.armani.com. The
platform is dedicated to Giorgio Armani’s 40
years of existence in the fashion industry. It
consists of forty different themes including,
history, jacket and sketch, for each year
Giorgio Armani existed. Let’s not forget
that the consistency and timelessness of
Armani’s vision are also seen in the elegant
pieces of furniture under his creation of
Armani Casa. Both fashion and furniture
brings a look of sophistication.
VISIT WWW.ATRIBU TE .ARMANI.C OM/IT/ATRIBU TE -TO-H IS TORY
45
NOW
Miele Malaysia Partners With
Erawan Classic Thai & Fusion
Having equipped Erawan Classic Thai and Fusion with top-of-the-line
appliances, Miele unveiled its new partnership with the restaurant by
treating invited guests to an 8 course, Thai-inpsired Omakase menu,
helmed by Chef Korn. Cassandra Teo, General Manager of Miele
Malaysia said, “We are honoured to have this partnership with Chef
Korn and Erawan Classic Thai & Fusion to demonstrate that German
appliances can be used to produce Asian cuisines without a hitch. We
will also continue to support the local culinary scene in the future”.
The new suite of kitchen appliances Miele provided included a coffee
machine, an oven, a steam oven, a combination steam oven, warming
drawers and an induction hob with a total worth of over RM 100,000.
THE M I E L E GA L L E R Y IS LO CAT ED O N T HE G R O UND FLO O R OF ME NARA
SA PUR A K E N CA N A P E T R OL EUM, SO L AR IS DUTAMAS.
LG Asserts Its Position
LG hardly rests on its laurels. That is why it rolled out two new portable
projectors despite being the industry’s top LED projector maker. The
new models released are the Minibeam Pro (PF1500) and the Minibeam
TV (PW800).
The Minibeam Pro is not only highly mobile and light, but takes
mere seconds to set up. They connect wirelessly to any gadget with an
estimated lifespan of 30000 hours. It comes with full HD resolution,
weighing at only 1.5 kg, and is the quintessential mobile cinema for any
film-buff on the go.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VIS IT WWW.LG.C OM/MY.
Save More With Electrolux
Gone are the days when dryers and washes come in separate
machines. With Electrolux’s new Time Manager Series, you get a
machine that does all the washing and drying for you.
The Time Manager series of appliances come with a Time
Manager, Auto Sensor Dry, Leaf Lifter and Water Efficiency
functions to ensure greater energy and water savings, while
laundering your clothes gently to elongate their lifespan.
The series comes in 7kg (EWW12742) and 8kg (EWW12842)
capacities, retailing at RM3120-RM 3240 and RM 3480-RM 3600
respectively.
FO R M O R E IN FO R M AT ION, VISIT WWW.EL ECT R O LUX .CO M.MY
O R CA L L T H E C U S TO M ER HOT L INE AT 1-300-88-1122.
46
Self-cleaning Oven, Anyone?
If you are the kind of person who dislikes dealing with soot and grime,
then you would be highly interested in the Brandt FP1585X 60cm builtin pyrolytic oven. A pyrolytic oven basically heats up to 500°C so that
dirt and food particles will melt off the oven’s walls. After the oven
self-cleans, simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth. It’s that simple! The
FP1585X also comes with 7 cooking functions and quadruple layer glass
panels that remain cool despite the extreme heat within the oven.
B R A N DT M A L AISE IS LO CAT ED AT 17, JAL AN PE ND ID IK U 1/31, H IC OM
G L E N M A R IE INDUST R IAL PAR K , SECT IO N U1 40150 S H AH ALAM
OU R PICKS
Artwork
1. Dark romantic beauty photo art, from BoConcept
2. Mei Ling oil painting, from Kare
3. PJATTERYD, Flora Maia prints from Ikea
1
The Workhorse Phones
are here
Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, new offerings
from the Korean giant that will essentially make running your
business a breeze. Equipped with the powerful Octa-core Exynos
64 bit processor, and a clutter-free, intuitive UI, multi-tasking will
be easier than ever. The new phones are protected by Samsung
KNOX, a real-time security platform that will protect both
devices from any malicious attacks. They are also enterpriseready, supporting many popular IT infrastructures catered to
enterprises. Also, the phones now sport highly efficient batteries,
where a 10-minute charge will power the phone for four hours of
regular usage, greatly increasing their mobility and efficiency as
compared to their predecessors.
V I SI T WWW. S A M S U N G . C O M.MY
48
2
3
FEATURE
80
50
PL ACES
WE LOVE
Malaysia and Singapore have always been closely
intertwined. From architectural and historical
buildings, to beautifully designed spaces,
we find gems in Klang Valley and Singapore.
51
01
02
03
they have beautiful silks and trimmings
Market in Kuala Lumpur. The colonial-
is not only a national heritage site, but it is a building filled
for evening dresses and wedding gowns
art decor and architecture of the main
with historical value. Everything from its design, layout, colour,
on the third floor.”
building are simply stunning despite
schemes, furniture to the existing structure and timber
- Gerardine Loggere, Interior decorator
having been turned into a tourist spot.
paneling of the hotel is a great inspiration to me. They were
and owner of Tatum Company.
It is in excellent condition considering
restored elegantly. The Orchid Conservatory is one of my
it was built over a hundred years ago.
favourite rooms. It is a relaxing oasis of calm to have a cup of
Today, it remains a great venue for art,
tea on a hot sunny day!”
design and cultural exploration for
- Nik A Ramli, interior designer and founder of
designers and local people.”
Nik A Ramli Enterprise.
“I love going to the fabric store, Jakel,
“I recommend going to the Central
“I love visiting the Majestic Hotel. Built in 1932, the hotel
- Andrew Chong, founder of
Andrew Chong Design.
“I love visiting the Majestic Hotel. Built in 1932, the
hotel is not only a national heritage site, but it is a
building filled with historical value. Everything from
its design, layout, colour, schemes, furniture to
the existing structure and timber paneling of
the hotel is a great inspiration to me.
photo JASON LEE
04
“Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
in Sentul West is one of the most
interesting venues in Kuala Lumpur
by far. It is an amazing building built
alongside the old railway warehouse.
It is really interesting to see how the
52
05
to the existing building. Although
ALPHABET PRESS
AT, BA N G S A R
the main function of the building is a
Although their current workshop is not exactly open
performing arts centre, experiencing the
to the public for visits, one of its co-founders tells
architecture of KLpac is amazing!”
us that a museum is in the works! Alphabet Press
- Andrew Chong, founder of
shares the space with APW (Art Printing Works), an
Andrew Chong Design.
old printing factory.
new architecture has been adapted
BANGSAR,
KLANG
VALLEY
06
PULP BY PAPA PALHETA,
BANGSAR
Situated within the APW compound, Pulp conducts workshops
like cupping and fixing coffee machines. The remnant of the
past (Pulp was previously a paper cutting room) lingers on
with a vintage paper-cutting machine. It is reused as a table
where customers test out the taste and aroma of coffee before
photo JASON LEE
purchasing the beans.
08
SRI KANDASWAMY
KOVIL,BRICKFIELDS
Over a century old, the Sri Kandaswamy
Kovil has its deities including Sri
Shakthi Vel Peruman and Lord
Shamugar reside in a temple (for
over 80 years) which bares majestic
pillars and richly decorated halls.
It has a sacred garden and two
07
ponds including Saravanapoikai and
Skandapuspakarani. The temple is one
of two temples in Malaysia to celebrate
W E I - L I N G G A L L E R Y,
BRICKFIELDS
the Kathirgama Kodiyetram festival.
The Peranakan antique doors beckon
you into the art gallery. Wei-Ling Gallery
occupies a pre-war building which has
vintage shutter doors as windows. In
contrast to its quaint facade, the threestorey high gallery houses various
contemporary art pieces in its 7,000 sqft space. Besides artworks, its ground
floor functions as an antique warehouse.
09
BRICKFIELDS,
KLANG
VALLEY
BUDDHIST
MAHA VIHARA,
BRICKFIELDS
It was established in 1984 by an ethnic
group from Sri Lanka, called the
Sinhalese. The Buddhist Maha Vihara
was created as a place of worship
photo JASON LEE
based on the Theravada tradition. The
space includes a pond, Bodhi trees, a
pagoda area, shrine hall, bell tower, a
wisdom room and a Buddhist Institute
where Dhamma classes are conducted
in English and Mandarin.
53
10
CHURCH OF THE
H O LY R O S A R Y,
BRICKFIELDS
Masjid India, Little India in Jalan Tun
Sambanthan is vibrant in colour. It has
to complete the construction works
abundant shops selling sarees, music,
of the church (completed in 1904).
sweets and home appliances. Apart
However, it was damaged during War
from the sweet smelling flower vendors
World 2. Reparations were done 46
on the road side, there are fortune
years after the war and it began to take
telling services, beauty parlors offering
the form of a neo-gothic architectural
threading and restaurants to indulge
style with wings added and pointed
in the local cuisine. Temples within the
arches which are seen in cathedrals and
vicinity are worth a visit.
It took only 18 months for French
missionary, Father Francis Emile Terrien
to complete the construction works of the
church (completed in 1904).
13
STATE CINEPLEX,
SHAH ALAM
STADIUM
14
PETALING JAYA
The Shah Alam stadium comes into
S U LTA N A B D U L A Z I Z
SHAH GOLF CLUB,
SHAH ALAM
Probably one of the oldest theatres
mind when one thinks of soccer. The
Drive through the signature archway of
running in Malaysia, the Lotus Five
spectacular curry-puff shaped stadium
KG SAAS (Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz
Start State Cineplex reminds us of the
which consist of 80, 000 seats and 5,000
Shah). This luxurious club is reflected
beauty of an old movie theatre where
standing spaces is the work of architect,
through its beautiful stained glass
movie posters are hung. It is a building
Hijjas Kasturi. Although it is one of the
largest stadiums in Selangor to date,
windows and chandeliers. Adjacent to
on its own with a restaurant beneath
the cinema.
like the one in Kelana Jaya during a
sports day, it causes massive traffic
jams during soccer seasons.
the clubhouse, there is a sports centre
where squash courts, swimming pool,
gym and shower facilities are. Although
barbecue pits, movie theatre and the
arcade (think Tetris) are no longer
there, it is still a beautiful visit to make
especially when you enjoy a round of
golf through its lush course.
54
As compared to the one in Jalan
missionary, Father Francis Emile Terrien
BRICKFIELDS,
KLANG
VALLEY
LOTUS FIVE STAR
LITTLE INDIA,
BRICKFIELDS
It took only 18 months for French
churches all over Europe.
12
11
15
RAJA TUN
U D A L I B R A R Y,
SHAH ALAM
16
17
SHAH ALAM
GALLERY
LORONG BELAKANG,
SHAH ALAM
It has distinct triangle shaped rooftops
Apart from the little stretch given to the
When books, technology and
and a huge compound. Located right
artist near Pasar Seni, this stretch of
environment are combined, you’d get to
next to a lake surrounded by palm
back road located at section 7 of Shah
enjoy not only the park outside this five-
trees, the Shah Alam Gallery not
Alam had spots reserved for hand-
storey library, but your kids are able to
only showcases artworks but holds
picked artists who won the Laman Seni 7
enjoy the facilities of a reading tree, a
occasional workshops. If you’re lucky
Shah Alam competition. The competition
stage, activity room and creative zones.
enough, you will get to own a copy of a
which was divided into four categories,
Movie lovers and techies are able to
signed catalogue based on the artist you
3D painting, 3D installation, street
enjoy a 6D motion ride cinema, playing
meet. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at
furniture and painting on site – was part
Xbox games or enjoy using one of the
the local handicrafts store outside.
of the programmed of “pengindahan
100 computers in the compound. There
lorong belakang.” It is an initiative of the
is also a gym in the library.
Shah Alam City Council to change the
atmosphere of back roads.
SHAH ALAM,
KLANG
VALLEY
55
P E TA L I N G
JAYA,
KLANG
VALLEY
19
20
18
Wat Chetawan built by local builders and skilled craftsmen
Close to China town, The Front Door café settles on the site
from Thailand, sits on four and a half acres of land in Petaling
BUKIT JALIL
of a heritage building. The cafe’s exterior and bare brick walls
Jaya. The main shrine hall (Vihara Viharn), completed in 1962,
NATIONAL STADIUM
inside have a colonial feel with a concrete walkway that leads
is heavily gilded in gold leaves and decorated with reflective
to the Grocer’s Inn at the rear of the building.
The commonwealth games were held in
bits of glass tiles. The temple consists of a bell tower,
Bukit Jalil National Stadium. Considered
Maitreya Buddha pagoda (laughing Buddha), the Kuan Yin
one of the largest stadiums in the world
pavilion, columbarium and the monk’s kuti. Devotees are able
the stadium has 100, 000 seats. It is also
to receive treatments in the sauna area and enjoy authentic
a well-known venue for concerts.
Thai meals at a food stall.
WAT CHETAWAN,JALAN PANTAI
OFF JALAN GASING
21
22
A campus completely surrounded by 10ha (27 acres) of greenery
South Korean Cinema chain, CGV
and five blocks set around a 2.2ha (5.5 acre) man-made lake.
Cinemas, will open its first Malaysian
The campus consists of anatomy, engineering, wine and
Cultureplex in mid-2015 at Empire City
computer labs, hostel, hotel (Ruemz hotel is run by students),
Mall in Damansara Perdana. A movie
uni-gym, swimming pool and a four-storey library. Other
complex with 20 screens spread across
facilities include the Gallery and critique room and mood court.
seven levels, it has 4DX with motion
NWKA Architects Sdn Bhd was in charge of the architectural
seats and private cinemas with lounge
aspect of the campus. It was completed in 2010 at the
and dining, each with a seating capacity
construction cost of RM450 million.
of 100 to 600.
TAYLOR’S
LAKESIDE CAMPUS,
SUBANG JAYA
56
CGV CINEMAS,
DAMANSARA
PERDANA
THE FRONT DOOR CAFE,
J A L A N S U LTA N
23
LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY
CENTRE, TAMAN TUN
A library, community centre, a multipurpose hall, tennis
and badminton courts are located within the compound
at Athinahapan. Accompanied by their parents, kid’s may
enjoy books and facilities on the ground floor of the twophoto ROBIN YONG
storey building. Apart from that, residents may hang out in
the cafeteria.
24
BUKIT LEMBAH KIARA PARK,
TAMAN TUN
Enjoy nature as you get a good work out. Besides the jogging
tracks (uphill and downhill), the park spots new exercise
facilities. Apart from a pond and various picnic spots (not to
mention beautiful scenery), there is large enough room for
group activities such as Tai Chi at the base of the park. Just
beware of the birds and monkeys when there is food with you!
Find out how you can participate in organised activities such as
photo ROBIN YONG
mountain biking and jungle trekking at www.klmbh.org.
It is a place which broke history. The Union
Jack was lowered and the Malayan flag was
raised here on August 31, 1957. The lush
field includes a flagpole at an impressive
height of 100 meters and is deemed one of
the tallest in the world.
25
KUALA
LU M P U R,
KLANG
VALLEY
MERDEKA SQUARE,
KUALA LUMPUR
It is a place which broke history. The lush field includes a
flagpole at an impressive height of 100 meters and is deemed
one of the tallest in the world. The annual Merdeka Parade is
held here. Located opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad Building,
Merdeka Square is also surrounded by historical buildings
including the Royal Selangor Club, music museum, textile
museum, Kuala Lumpur library and children’s library.
57
26
Z A K K A P I P I T,
CHERAS
27
Looking for a cosy, warm yet
JALAN
YAP AH SHAK,
KUALA LUMPUR
homey and artsy place to buy your
This street is part of the heritage row at
stationaries from? Look no further,
Jalan Doraisamy. It is named after the
the shop located at Taman Connaught
fourth Kapitan of Kuala Lumpur. Also
offers homemade stationaries
known as Yap Chee Ying, the Kapitan
created by local designers. They
who is from the Fui Chui Prefecture
include rubber stamps, notebooks,
had gambling businesses in several
vintage toys, stickers, post cards and
states. He owned 43 tin mines in Kuala
various other arts and crafts.
Lumpur and was also the Selangor state
councilor and juror of Kuala Lumpur
high court.
BRICKFIELDS,
KLANG
VALLEY
28
TAMIL METHODIST CHURCH,
BRICKFIELDS
The church has moved from the junction of Batu Road to
then Jawa Street (now Jalan Tun Perak) and from Malacca
Street to the current location at Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad
in the 1961. The church which doubles up as a kindergarten
and a learning centre for the poor, also offers emergency
assistance regarding citizenship, and other services including
counselling. The Church also offers Telugu and Nepalese
Ministry service.
M P PJ S P O R T S
COMPLEX, KELANA
JAYA
DPAC, DAMANSARA
PERDANA
What makes this performing arts centre
The municipal pool in Kelana Jaya is
unique is its old-school cinema light
one of the largest swimming complexes
box signage with bold black and red
in Selangor. It has two eight-laned
alphabets. The Damansara Performing
swimming pools which measures up to
Arts Centre is located in Empire
50 metres in length. Lockers and shower
Damansara.
facilities are available.
58
30
photo ROBIN YONG
29
31
DECK
Prinsep Street
“A photography venue that’s made up
SINGAPORE
of containers - you just wouldn’t expect
something like this nestled in a concrete
neighbourhood!” – Mavis Ang,
Home & Decor writer.
59
35
THE PROJECTOR
G o l d e n M i l e To w e r
The Projector comprises two
thirds of what was the original
Golden Theatre that was built in
1973. It was known for its Chinese
films in the 1970s and 1980s,
32
“adult” art films in the 1990s and
33
34
PETAIN ROAD
(near Somme Road)
including artists such as Marcel
“There is something very
“It has some of the most
was something that was missing
romantic, old-fashioned and
well-preserved Peranakan
in Singapore, and this seems to
“I love the creative vibe at and
architecturally stunning about
houses, and it’s also a peaceful
have all the right ingredients to
around Lasalle College of
the place. It’s so serene and
street where time seems to stop
grow into something awesome.”
the Arts. Sometimes, I take
tranquil during the day, and
and you can immerse yourself
one of my sons out there for
you have the space to yourself
in a bygone era.”
coffee and a sweet treat at
to reflect and ponder. But
– Lim Yi Ling,
Lowercase cafe, and we’ll just
when the sun sets, it’s vibrant,
Home & Decor designer.
watch everything that goes on
exciting and comes alive.”
around the school grounds.”
– Caroline Chin Geyler,
– Anouk van der El,
founder of Arete Culture.
LASALLE
COLLEGE OF
THE ARTS
McNally Street
CHIJMES
Victoria Street
Bollywood films later on. Today,
it attracts a trendier crowd,
Heijnen: “An arthouse cinema
JALAN
BESAR AREA
“Along Tyrwhitt Road and King
George’s Avenue, there are
many hipster cafes such as
photo ST. ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL
36
photo PHILIPP ALDRUP
founder of Time Capsules.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware,
backpacker hostels and cool
bars. It is vibrant and, yet, not
crowded, making it a good
37
neighbourhood!”
– Kaffy Tan,
“The church is remarkably
we hold small-scale indie art
Home & Decor designer.
beautiful and well-preserved
events such as Originals Sing
for a building of its age. Inside,
(singer-songwriter nights),
there’s a faint scent you can
Bluemonks jazz jam and
find only in old buildings and
Speakeasy (poetry nights)
everything – from the old
here. I also love the gorgeous
wooden benches, stained glass
cafe furniture produced out
windows to hardwood floors –
of upcycled wood from the
is equally well preserved.”
defunct Malay village!”
– Amanda Jayne Lee,
– Marcel Heijnen, artist.
definitely an up-and-coming
Home & Decor writer.
60
38
S T. A N D R E W ’ S
CATHEDRAL
S t . A n d r e w ’s R o a d
weekend destination. It’s
ARTISTRY
Jalan Pinang
“I co-founded this place, and
43
39
LITTLE INDIA
“It’s chaotic, manic, ‘spicy’,
colourful, noisy and untamed;
THE READING
ROOM
Bukit Pasoh Road
C H I N AT O W N
& OUTRAM,
SINGAPORE
“It’s romantic, quiet
and not packed with
there is just so much energy
pretentious people.”
in this place! Whenever I need
– Leyna Poh,
some inspiration, I head to
founder of Mondays Off.
Little India for some amazing
curry and just to absorb all the
happenings around me. The
vignette changes by the minute,
so my senses are challenged
and excited all the time.”
– Caroline Chin Geyler,
founder of Arete Culture.
40
BRAS BASAH
COMPLEX
Bain Street
“This has an interesting
mix of shops under
HDB blocks. It is filled
with the things that
have inspired me since
I was a boy: books,
comics, vinyl records,
stationery and art
supplies.”
41
42
“My mum’s family used to live
“It’s casual, unpretentious and so
in a shophouse here, and she
full of great vibes that it always
was born there, so I feel an
lifts my spirits. It’s definitely a
emotional connection to this
go-to place for my husband and
street and its surroundings.
me, and we love to take out-of-
It’s hard to imagine that the
town friends there.”
Thian Hock Keng temple used
– Angelique Nicolette Teo,
to be just steps away from the
host and spokesman for
sea! Plus, traditional shops
Roche Bobois Singapore.
TELOK AYER
STREET
LUCHA LOCO
Duxton Hill
such as Tan Hock Seng have
been in this area since my
mum was a kid, and now I’m
a customer. I love walking
sense of history.
– Rebeckka Wong,
Home & Decor editor.
photo LUCHA LOCO
around here and feeling that
– Jackson Tan,
co-founder of Phunk.
61
44
45
NEW MAJESTIC
HOTEL
Bukit Pasoh Road
RONIN
Hong Kong Street
shopfront and, on the inside, it
nostalgia, and the ‘war-torn’
is dark and cosy, with a homey
concrete ceiling of the lobby
yet mysterious feel. Its dim
contrasts superbly with the
ambience also evokes
modern designer furniture –
a movie set-like vibe.”
a good expression of old versus
– Nicco Lim, freelance graphic
new. The rooms also have their
designer and interior stylist.
own unique themes, which give a
sense of wonder to every visitor!”
AMOY
Te l o k A y e r S t r e e t
The shophouses that line Everton
“I like the hotel’s concept of
architectural styles that hark
old meets new and East meets
back to the 1930s, when
West, and the idea that you can
Peranakan families built houses
immerse yourself in the history
that blended Chinese, Malay
surrounding Singapore’s early
and European aesthetics. John
Chinese immigrants during
Erdos, founder of his eponymous
your stay here.”
store, especially admires the
– Lim Yi Ling,
conservation works done by
Home & Decor designer.
Richard Ho architects.
Road and Blair Road showcase
48
PARKROYAL
ON PICKERING
Upper Pickering
Street
62
49
THE LIBRARY
Keong Saik Road
photo OPERATION DAGGER
photo NEW MAJESTIC HOTEL
at Mong Design Studio.
47
EVERTON
ROAD &
BLAIR ROAD
46
– Jonathan Lim, interior designer
photo NICCO LIM
“I love its discreet cafe
“Its facade exudes an aura of
50
“A password-only chamber
OPERATION
DAGGER
Ann Siang Hill
accessible through a secret
“The atmosphere of this
“Its ‘hotel-as-garden’ concept
door, the concept of this bar
underground cocktail bar is
caught my eye, and I was
itself is enough to inspire and
very intriguing, with a lab set
impressed by the interplay of
intrigue. Go for the experience
up for creating new beverages.
tastefully selected materials
and linger for the concoctions –
These drinks are designed
in its interiors, which also
the Shrub-A-Dub-Dub, served
by Luke Whearty – a creative
complement its unique facade.”
in a mini tub with a rubber
professional who’s also very
– Jonathan Lim, interior
ducky, is a must-try.”
inspiring in person!”
designer at Mong Design Studio.
– Angela Low,
– Angie Pasley,
Home & Decor editorial intern.
founder of Fred Lives Here.
SOUTH-WEST,
SINGAPORE
photo BOWLAND CAFE
51
DAWSON ESTATE
Queenstown
“If this is the potential
of public housing,
I can’t wait to see
what’s next!” remarks
Home & Decor editor
Rebeckka Wong,
who is in awe of the
estate’s upcoming
“Housing-in-a-Park”
projects, which will
be populated with
many sky gardens and
sky terraces.
REFLECTIONS
KEPPEL BAY
53
“Love it or hate it, whenever I
pass this condo, I always take a
longer look. It seems so out of
place and futuristic compared
52
to its surroundings that it
dominates the space. I think
BOWLAND CAFE
International
Business Park
that’s pretty impressive.”
– Rebeckka Wong,
Home & Decor editor.
“The cafe blends outdoor and
indoor spaces and offers a dining
experience set in a park pavilion
amid green pasture. It’s where I
can bask in nature and sunshine
within the comfort of the cafe.”
– Kimming Yap, managing
director of Creativeans.
54
CANOPY
WALK ON THE
SOUTHERN
RIDGES TRAIL
“It’s a good place for a
morning stroll, as nature
calms me. I also like the
feeling of walking amid
greenery at lofty heights.”
– Don Tan, Home & Decor
associate art director.
63
55
56
“The quiet open water of the
“Being one of those crazy
big pond, a cornucopia of tropical
Dutchies who prefer taking the
trees, hidden winding paths
bike to work, I love my morning
that offer an all-relaxing
commute through this tranquil
space… this is definitely a
neighbourhood. The vibrant mix
precious commodity in frenetic
of boutique cafes, restaurants,
Singapore. You can also spot
hardware stores, hawkers and
monitor lizards, kingfishers and,
design shops make this place
TIONG BAHRU
ESTATE
photo NPARKS
KENT RIDGE
PARK
occasionally, snakes!”
– Jo Harrison, co-founder of
Singapore Trading Post.
a downtown oasis.”
– Anouk van der El,
founder of Time Capsules.
57
WESSEX ESTATE
One-North
Just off Portsdown Road, this is a
serene colonial-style residential
area with charming black-andwhite houses built in the 1940s. It
once accommodated the British
army and is now filled with
eateries. “I love that it’s isolated
up on a hill with greenery all
around it… The surrounding area
is also a good place for a leisurely
drive,” says Don Tan, Home &
Decor associate art director.
59
60
“One of my favorite places when
“This is a 70-year old traditional
I was a child, it was the original
coffee shop which transforms
theme park for the masses. I love
into a trendy Japanese
the depiction of the 10 chambers
restaurant and bar at night! It
of hell and the epic Chinese
combines an old-school mee pok
mythological stories told through
stall with a cool open-concept
large-scale installations.”
yakitori grill and a copper-
– Jackson Tan,
wrapped cocktail bar. Really
co-founder of Phunk.
inspiring and unique!”
“It’s 100% Singapore! I’m
totally fascinated by the Indian
prata uncle communicating in
Hokkien with Chinese aunties,
at how the street vendors ply
their trade, and how the coffee
uncle remembers my usual
order of a kopi siu dai! Cafes,
bars and restaurants are not
even comparable to this sight...
perhaps the market is the only
place I feel at home.”
– Edwin Low,
co-founder of Supermama.
BINCHO AT
HUA BEE
M o h G u a n Te r r a c e
– Chloe Elkerton,
co-founder of E&A Interiors.
64
REDHILL
MARKET
photo CHLOE ELKERTON
HAW
PAR VILLA
Pasir Panjang Road
58
ORCHARD &
R I V E R VA L L E Y ,
SINGAPORE
61
PS CAFE
Palais
Renaissance
Over the years, PS Cafe has
earned itself a reputation as a
fashionable venue for casual
meals. Journey East founder
Anita Sam likes visiting as
“the spaces are designforward”, and Alex Kwan,
principal designer at Museum
Homes, is always inspired
by the ambience. Home &
Decor writer Mavis Ang enjoys
visiting the Palais Renaissance
branch, in particular: “It’s one
of the most romantic places to
brunch, and I love the tall glass
62
EMERALD HILL
“It is one of the most colourful
streets in Singapore, and
has gorgeous Peranakan
architecture with hints of
Chinese baroque and Asian
art deco details. You’ll forget
63
photo NLB
windows here.”
64
LIBRARY@
ORCHARD
Orchard Gateway
SOMERSET
SKATE PARK
“I’m inspired by urban
“Who knew a public
library could look
this good?”
environments such as this,
where graffiti by street artists
are constantly being updated.
Here’s where I do pretty much
that you’re in the bustling
Orchard Road area!”
– Louisa Clare Lim,
all of my thinking, including
– Rebeckka Wong,
Home & Decor editor.
coming up with ideas for the
next line of artist collaborations
Home & Decor writer.
for our furniture.”
– Angie Pasley,
founder of Fred Lives Here.
66
65
TANGLIN
SHOPPING
CENTRE
STRANGE
& DERANGED
Palais Renaissance
“It has an antiquated feel
“A small shop loaded with
bookstores, art galleries and
whimsical, fantastical curiosities
antique shops. And buying
that look as though they came
a toasted sandwich at
right out of a Harry Potter set!”
Steeple’s Deli!”
– Angela Low,
– Jo Harrison, co-founder of
Home & Decor editorial intern.
Singapore Trading Post.
which reminds me of a past
era, and I love browsing its
65
71
PUNGGOL WATERWAY PARK
THE WHITE
RABBIT
Harding Road
“Housed in a garrison chapel
built for the British in the
1940s, this restaurant has
photo GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE
67
“The nature trails within the park’s
tranquil environment makes it
a hidden gem in Singapore as a
temporary escape from urban life.”
– Kimming Yap, managing director of Creativeans.
68
glass and elegant interiors. Its
MARTINI BAR
AT MEZZA9
Scotts Road
decor even has a whimsical
“It has a relaxing atmosphere,
touch, as seen in the al fresco
but with enough visual appeal
terrace and garden.”
to stimulate the senses.”
– Louisa Clare Lim,
– Christopher Guy,
Home & Decor writer.
luxury furniture designer.
beautiful architecture complete
with arched windows, stained
72
photo THE WHITE RABBIT
BISHANANG MO KIO
PARK
Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
69
SCHOOL OF
THE ARTS
SINGAPORE
Bras Basah Road
66
70
73
LAZARUS
ISLAND
“Nature is a great source of
inspiration and Lazarus Island,
“This serene park won the
arguably Singapore’s best-kept
prestigious President’s Design
secret, has the best beach
Award in 2012 for its ability to
in the country – no murky
incorporate nature seamlessly
waters or rowdy tourists.
into this urban residential
Just complete serenity.”
environment. The park’s
– Angela Low,
especially beautiful when the
Home & Decor editorial intern.
SINGAPORE
BOTANIC
GARDENS
Cluny Road
water level is low and you can
“You won’t miss this award-
With more than 150 years
Home & Decor writer.
winning campus. I get such
of history and spanning 74
The pros at 0932 Design
a great sense of space upon
hectares, it’s no wonder that
Consultants feel that it is a
ascending the flight of steps into
the Gardens draw those who
challenge to blend the “old”
the core of the awe-inspiring
are looking to escape the city’s
building. Its interestingly
obsession with new urban
sculpted spaces and finishings
developments. Jackson Tan,
are inspiring.”
one of the founders of Phunk,
– Jonathan Lim,
enjoys evening walks here,
the conserved buildings sit
interior designer at
while Journey East founder
majestically alongside the new
Mong Design Studio.
Anita Sam visits this place to
extension, while the interiors
“wind down and breathe”.
ooze character and charm.
walk right up to the stream,
where there are no barriers.”
– Mavis Ang,
74
CAPELLA HOTEL
Sentosa
with the “new”, and Capella
VENTURE
FURTHER…
hotel is one well-crafted
space that has excelled in
doing that. Subtle and tasteful,
TRY THESE
WALKING TRAILS
75
EXPLORE SINGAPORE’S
HIDDEN GEMS ON YOUR
OWN TWO FEET!
“The best place to feel like you’re
Miss Tam Chiak
Food Tour
QUAYSIDE ISLE
Sentosa
out of Singapore. It is also the
perfect spot to sip on a glass of
Prosecco after dinner, and watch
families walk their dogs
on the wide deck next to where
the yachts are docked.”
– Mavis Ang,
Home & Decor writer.
76
SINGAPORE POLO
CLUB
Mount Pleasant Road
78
photo JESSE HOW
EAST COAST
ROAD
77
HOUSE NO. 1
Pulau Ubin
“This is a little Tudor-style home
Founded during Singapore’s
tucked inside the thick foliage
colonial past, its rustic, old-world
of Pulau Ubin. It takes a long
charm makes it one of SFIC
sweaty bike ride through Ubin to
president Ernie Koh’s favourite
get there, but that little spot of
places. Here, you can enjoy
serenity that looks out into the
equestrian sports, or venture
surf is idyllic and soothing.”
along the jungle trails that are
– Amanda Jayne Lee,
accessible from the club.
Home & Decor writer.
79
80
“The houses on this particular
THE COASTAL
SETTLEMENT
Netheravon Road
EAST COAST
PARK
stretch, which have a colonial-
“The dim lights and intimate
food and have it here. I just
influenced style, are situated on
dining spaces make this
like to be near the sea, as it
what used to be the seashore
restaurant perfect for private,
reminds me of my childhood
before the land reclamation. This
cosy dates. Part of its charm
kampung at Tanjong Rhu,
is why they are raised and built
comes from the vintage
and also my teenage years
just like kampung homes, in order
paraphernalia scattered
with friends renting the
to prevent seawater from entering
throughout the space.
park’s chalets for barbecues
during high tide. I think it’s
Make sure you grab the
with 1980s new wave music
intriguing as it reminds us of how
complimentary bag of local
blasting out loud. Happy days!”
much Singapore has changed.”
biscuits before you leave!”
– Nathan Yong,
– Yew Xin Yi, Home & Decor
– Amanda Jayne Lee,
furniture designer.
senior designer.
Home & Decor writer.
“Sometimes, I’ll pack some
GO ON THE HOME &
DECOR DESIGN TRAIL!
SEE ALL THE PLACES
MAPPED OUT AT:
WWW.TINYURL.COM/
HNDDESIGNTRAIL
Local food blogger
Maureen Ow offers a
three-hour walking
food tour through local
neighbourhoods. Learn
about local customs and
folklore while savouring
traditional delicacies
and visiting authentic
speciality stores.
www.misstamchiak.com/
sgfoodtour
National Parks
Join one of the numerous
free tours provided by the
National Parks and learn
more about the local flora
and fauna. There are
plenty of DIY trails on its
website to check out, too.
www.tinyurl.com/nparksgarden
Thinkscape
If you are looking to take
away a little more than
just general knowledge on
local culture, Thinkscape
is the tour for you. Its
trails will introduce you
to interesting spaces and
people, and are designed
to highlight current issues
affecting the nation.
www.thinkscape.com.sg
Singapore
Footprints
A group of Nanyang
Technological University
students take time out
every weekend to conduct
tours around Singapore
River and through Bugis.
While these are catered
more for tourists, locals
can see Singapore from a
different perspective, too.
The tours are free and no
sign up is necessary!
www.singaporefootprints.com
text LOUISA CLARE LIM & AMANDA JAYNE LEE & NG YI XIANG photography WINSTON CHUANG, VERNON WONG & JASPER YU art direction DON TAN & YEW XIN YI
67
DECORATING
YOUR
BATHROOM
Master the art of selecting bathroom accessories
to create a style based on themes.
PRACTICAL
RESOLUTION
1. Keep dirty or clean laundry
underneath washbasins
with Sprutt Stool and
Storage from Ikea.
2. Keep accessories in
containers such as the Glass
Box from H&M Home.
3. Use Ikea’s Sprutt Towel
Holder to place your brushes and
fresh towels at one side of the
bathroom (Note: Avoid placing
wet towels in the bathroom to
prevent mould). Accessorise your
towel holder with metal baskets
to keep your sink clutter-free.
Start off with the very basics
of minimalism. Make use of
the empty spaces and clutter-free
space around your sink area with
towel holders, baskets and
various other products.
1
68
4. Bring a look of sophistication
with the Metal Tealight
Holder from H&M Home.
2
3
4
BLACK &
WHITE
The trick to making monochrome
work in the bathroom is to
balance them up with shades
of grey and silver.
1. Use the reliable Brabantia’s
Digital Solar-Powered
Bathroom Scale in the
bathroom. Its non-skid
protection caps on the bottom
make it stable to use even on
slippery floors. The weighing
scale is able to weigh up to
160 kilogram. It relies on
artificial and sunlight.
2. Opt for reusable containers
instead of disposable ones
such as the Matt Steel
Fingerprint Proof soap
dispenser from Brabantia.
photo KIMGRES
3. Add texture to perk up
a dual coloured room. The
candle from H&M Home gives
a three-dimensional effect.
1
2
3
4. The packaging of these
shower gel and body lotions
from White Room gives a
consistent monochrome
scheme. They also leave you
invigorated with the fragrance
of Lavender & Eucalyptus,
Rose Frankincense, Balance
and Feeling Fresh.
4
69
Sleek, sharp and stylish,
these accessories
are made for modern
metropolitans who veer
towards contemporary
and minimalist
aesthetics. In order
to perfect that trendy
boutique hotel feel, jazz
up the monochromatic
scheme with metallic
surfaces and towels
sporting bold graphics.
70
BELOW
Matte stainless
steel pump, and
white cotton jar,
both from Howards
Storage World. Dip
black and white
canister, from CB2.
Other items,
stylist’s own.
LEFT
Small storage
basket, from
Howards Storage
World. Gridlock
raw industrial large
basket, from Crate
& Barrel. Citta
houndstooth
bath mat, Missoni
Kieth zigzag bath
towel, and Citadel
bath sheet, all
from Robinsons.
ABOVE
Axor Citterio
shower pipe and
basin mixer,
price upon request,
all from Hansgrohe.
Cohen large
candleholder, and
Grey soap dish,
both from Crate
& Barrel. Rubber
base pump, from
Howards Storage
World. Stainless
steel canister with
lid, and Reflection
hand mirror,
both from CB2.
71
LEFT
Kela velvet cotton
box, and Lalique
gingembre
candle, both from
Robinsons. Stainless
steel soap pump,
from CB2. Scented
candle, from
Strange Associates.
Bird marble plate,
from Crate & Barrel.
72
For something a little more
carefree and quirky, the Middle
Eastern-inspired bohemian
style can be put together easily
using bronze accessories with
ornate detailing, and towels in
rich hues. Thanks to its laissezfaire spirit, this style can also
accommodate an eccentric
collection of curios which you
can use to personalise the
washbasin area.
Axor Urquiola
bathtubs and
Axor shower pipe,
designed by Front,
price upon request,
from Hansgrohe.
Eucalyptus rosemary
dainty diffuser, and
scenting clay earth
diffuser, both from
Mt. Sapola. Silver
mint Jelp cup, from
Crate & Barrel.
Brass flamant box,
Paon brass perro
tray, Pacific oval
mirror tray, Brass
claw magnifier, all
from Robinsons.
ABOVE
Axor Starck Organic
basin mixer and
washbasin, price
upon request, both
from Hansgrohe.
Flamingo soap
dispenser, and
brass poan
dish, both from
Robinsons. Gold
Dodeca tray, from
Strange Associates.
Other items,
stylist’s own.
RIGHT
Axor Starck Organic
floorstanding
bath mixer and
Axor Citterio
bathtub, price upon
request, all from
Hansgrohe. Grey
Fringe bath towel,
and Marimekko
Ruusupuu hand
towel, both from
Crate & Barrel.
Stainless steel
Karpenter towel
hanger divider,
from Mountain
Teak Gallery. Citta
pineapple beach
towel, Reg hand
towel, and Rizon
orange Jacquard
hand towel, all
from Robinsons.
74
LEFT
Axor Urquiola
concealed basin
mixer and
washbasin, price
upon request, both
from Hansgrohe.
Giardino segreto
candle, from
Robinsons.
Vagabond house
tomato pitcher,
Small two-tiered
G&C cake stand,
Decor sea urchin,
and Vagabond
house olive branch
glass bowl, all from
Strange Associates.
Other items,
stylist’s own.
text MAVIS ANG AND NG YI XIANG photography VERNON WONG art direction KAFFY TAN location HANSGROHE
75
ST Y LE
SOAKED
When it comes to helping you unwind
after a long day, the design of your
bathroom and what’s in it, is as
important as the cleansing effect of
water. We’ve rounded up the bestlooking tubs, faucets, washbasins,
showerheads and more.
BATHTUBS
Though spaceconsuming,
bathtubs instantly
up the style
quotient of your
bathroom, lending
it a spa-like vibe.
76
Elegant and
eco-friendly,
this stone
composite
Harmony tub
is inspired by
lotus petals
and designed by
Kelly Hoppen.
Available
at Apaiser.
77
FAUCETS
1. Equipped with a soft-open
technology, the basin mixer with
pop-up waste from Roca’s Lanta
collection has a 360 degree
handle.
2. Having won the Product Design
Awards from Red Dot, Eurodisc
Joy faucet line has bodies inclined
toward the user at a sevendegree angle. The faucets from
Grohe’s Eurodisc Joy line is
equipped with the EcoJoy watersaving technology which lets you
have precise fingertip control over
the water mix. It is also equipped
with AquaGuide mousseur and
Speed Clean technology.
1
3
photo GROHE
3. Available in different heights,
Roca’s faucets from Atlas
collection is equipped with
Cold Start technology and flow
limiters reduce water and energy
consumption.
2
78
photo GROHE
BATHTUBS
1. The rectangular bathtubs from Roca’s Modo
collection are made from a new material called Surfex
which its purpose is to ensure a solid surface. The
bathtub comes with a shelf and a drawer. Suitable to be
placed in private or public places, they are available in
elegant dark mirror or warm city oak surface.
1
“Free-standing baths are
flexible in terms of placement,
but they take up more space.
Built-in baths maximise space,
so they’re perfect for compact
bathrooms. They can also be
complemented with a wallmounted shower. However,
they’re more labour extensive
when it comes to installation
and replacement, as you have
to worry about the frames,
waterproofing, and tiling.”
– Belinda Try, executive director
of Apaiser.
79
WASHBASINS
Need more storage? Vanity-mounted
basins, such as vessel and integral
sinks, are the way to go. Fancy classic,
traditional designs? You’ll love pedestal
washbasins. Stuck with a compact bath?
Wall-mounted washbasins offer the
visual tidiness you seek.
The GSI Pura
wall-mounted
integral washbasin
allows for more
floor and storage
space. Available at
Hemsley.
Skip the conventional basin. This
Italian-made free-standing ceramic
Cup sink by Art Ceram is an art piece in
itself. Available at Ferrara.
A contemporary, round-edged pedestal
washbasin, the Duravit PuraVida is
available at Econflo.
The OXO Passione is a countertop vessel
sink. Available at Hafary.
80
“If you have young
kids or elderly
folks living with
you, always go for
function and safety
first. In such cases,
wall-mounted and
semi-recessed
basins are much
more practical.”
– Luann Leong,
business
development
manager of Ferrara.
SHOWER HEADS
1. The Croma Select Multi hand
shower set from Hansgrohe is
equipped with a clever Select
technology. With the press of a
button, you are able to switch
the type of spray from soft rain
shower, powerful IntenseRain
mode to the pulsating water jet
massage.
2. Equipped with a Cold Start
technology and flow limiters,
Roca’s Raindream saves water
and energy.
3. Also equipped with Select
technology, the Croma Select 180
showerpipe from Hansgrohe has
both overhead and hand shower
in versions of E (square and
rounded corners) and S (round).
Furthermore, it is equipped with
an adjustable shower holder, a
hose and the Hansgrohe Ecostat
Comfort thermostat. It is also
available with a single-lever mixer.
Use shower trays of Stonex
material in either shower or bath
tubs. They are slip-resistant.
Available from Roca.
2
1
3
81
WATER CLOSETS
You not only want your water
closets to look good, but, they
must be functional as well. Here
are a few types of water bidets
available and how you can choose
the right ones based on the toilet
you have.
1
1. The In-tank Meridian from
Roca enables you to achieve a
classic modern-minimalist look.
Its cistern is integrated within
the toilet. Equipped with Soft Air
technology, the toilet flushes
silently.
2. Designed by Gabriele and
Oscar Buratti, W+W2 from Roca
saves space in a water closet by
having a sink connected to the
wall-hung toilet. Waste water
from the sink is used to fill the
toilet cistern.
3. Roca’s wall-hung rimless
toilets made from a patented
phenolic resin called Supralit, not
only extends the lifespan of the
toilets but improves hygiene. Both
the Roca In-Wash smart toilets
and Roca Multiclean smart seats
from their latest Inspira and The
Gap collection have heated seat
function and a new deodorising
system. Both use less water for a
perfect flushing performance.
4. Stylish basins from Roca’s
Inspira collection come in various
shapes including Inspira Round,
Inspira Soft and Inspira Square.
They come with a bidet.
2
ROCA IN-WASH
4
5. Roca’s L90 bidet mixer with
pop-up waste is in a stylish
straight-cut design.
5
3
82
text & coordination ANGELA LOW AND NG YI XIANG
IKEA SPECIAL
I K E A® W A R D R O B E S &
BEDROOM STORAGE
Create an organising system for your new wardrobe. You won’t need
to spend precious time searching for your clothes with IKE A’s PAX
wardrobe and KOMPLEMENT interior organisers.
How do you transfer your clothes and
accessories from the old to the new
wardrobe?
Every wardrobe has a different depth and
size. Display your clothes in such a way that
you can easily spot them. These tips help.
1. Clean out your closet. Get rid of the
clothes you don’t wear to make room for
more clothes in your new wardrobe. This
helps you keep track of what you have.
2. Arrange your clothes based on material,
usage, colour and style.
Out with the old, in with the new, how
do you create an organising system in a
new wardrobe?
1. The size of a room matters. For smaller
rooms, choose space-saving wardrobes
with sliding door. while the ones with
hinged doors let you have a full-view of the
entire interior.
2. Place accessories such as hats or boxes
of shoes at the top compartment and bags
at the bottom space, if not, fill these spaces
with drawers.
3. Install a simple pull-out rail for wire
baskets. Sleek, stylish and spacious, it lets
you keep your clothes and accessories in
different sections of the wardrobe. Plan
your daily outfits using The KOMPLEMENT
Valet Hanger. It lets you hang up to three
pieces of clothing.
4. Use IKEA’s KOMPLEMENT divider
frame at the bottom half of the wardrobe
to create a division of space for your bags,
pants and folded clothes.
5. Sliding doors enable you to save space
while accessing one side of the wardrobe
at a time
© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2015
KPDN/PGK(S)0.5001/3JLD24
Props not included
3. Choose the right storage solutions. Do
you have brooches and scarves, socks and
ties or tiny accessories which are meant to
be kept in drawers? IKEA’s KOMPLEMENT
interior organisers offer various solutions
including the multi-use hanger, drawers
and trays to store jewellery in.
PAX/HASVIK WARDROBE
W150 x D66, H201.2cm,
White / HASVIK white.
RM935
PAX/NEXUS/VIKEDAL
WARDROBE
W200xD60, H236.4cm.
Black-brown / NEXUS black-brown /
VIKEDAL mirror glass.
RM2,340
PAX/TANEM/VIKEDAL
WARDROBE
W200 xD60, H236.4cm, White /
TANEM white / VIKEDAL mirror glass.
RM2,545
PAX/SEKKEN WARDROBE
W150xD66, H236.4cm, White stained
oak effect / SEKKEN frosted glass.
RM2, 245
(Last year’s price RM 2,370)
Enjoy Home Delivery at only RM40 per trip within Klang Valley (normal price is RM75 per trip). Promo is with any purchase of PAX wardrobes and
KOMPLEMENT interior fittings worth RM1,500 and above. Excluding these areas: Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, Kajang, Bangi, Dengkil and Rawang.
Promo valid from 16 March until 14 June 2015. Begin your journey of shelf discovery at IKEA.my/privatelife
* All PAX wardrobes and KOMPLEMENT interior organisers come with a 10-year guarantee.
IKEA ® is at No.2, Jalan PJU 7/2, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan,
TEL: +603-7726-7777.
83
BEDROOM SPECIAL
GOOD NIGHT &
GOOD LUCK
Read on to discover more ways that will
make you always wake on the right side
of the bed.
84
BED
The bed is your most reliable
companion. It embraces you
when you go to sleep at night,
and lets you drop all the burdens
upon your shoulders as you put
them away until tomorrow.
THIS PAGE
photo NUVOLA by J&J Chester
Try leather
finishings in your
bedroom for
timeless style and
durability.
85
photo J&J Chester
1. If space is not a problem, try
investing in a king-sized bed.
It provides more than enough
space for two people, which is
particularly enjoyable if your
partner tends to move around
in their sleep and you need total
silence and stillness to sleep.
RIGHT
3. Go for a soft, neutral palette
as these are timeless and rarely
ever go out of style.
photo Akemi Uchi
ABOVE
2.Just as you dress yourself
according to your moods,
dress your bed to suit your
style. Whether it is wacky and
colourful, soft and elegant,
you are sure to find something
to your taste. While we are on
the subject of bedspreads, the
higher the thread-count, the
softer it will be.
The higher the
threadcount,
the softer the
bedspread.
An understated
palette sometimes
exudes elegance.
TOP LEFT
photo H&M Home
Try a king-sized
bed if space is not
a concern. Think of
all the room you’ll
have!
BOTTOM
RIGHT
photo H&M Home
Choose your
bedspreads
according to your
personal style.
Go for a soft, neutral palette for
a restful bedroom.
86
1. In the absence of a headboard
for your bed, select wallpaper
with a unique design that will
form the centrepiece of your
bedroom. We love this royal
purple one with floral accents
amidst a woody wall panel.
RIGHT
A royal purple
wallpaper acting
as part of a feature
wall. Available at
Goodrich Global
BOTTOM
RIGHT
Wavy patterns
create movement.
Available at
Goodrich Global
BELOW
photo BN Wallcoverings Chacran collection
WALLPAPER
Assuming you’ve gotten over the
paint vs. wallpaper argument
and decided to select wallpaper
options for your bedroom, which
one should you choose?
Get in tune with
nature with these
tree-inspired
prints. Available at
Goodrich Global
photo Momentum III by Harlequin
photo Momentum III by Harlequin
2. Play it safe but stately by
selecting a neutral-hued
wallpaper, but with interesting
accents. Be it waves, random
geometric prints or even a tree
or two, there will be one that you
are bound to be partial to.
87
FANS
We’re fans of fans because they
keep us cool. Modern fans are
smarter and better-looking too.
1.Save electricity and money off
your phone bill by selecting a
fan that runs on the DC motor.
It is more efficient because
unlike an AC motor, which has
an electromagnetic rotor and
stator, the DC motor has a
permanent magnet rotor, thus
using less electricity to power it.
2. Control the airflow of the
environment with a touch of a
button. Program the fan to turn
on or go to sleep after a certain
time.
3. If you have a low ceiling, go
for a fan with a shorter body.
Consequently, if you have a
higher ceiling, you can select
one with a longer body. This
measure ensures that your
ceiling will not look lower than
it should, making the space feel
as wide and open as possible.
TOP
The KDK K15ZSQEY is a smart,
energy saving fan
88
LEFT
Create a dreamy
ambiance by using a
cascading chandelier
or with pendant lights
in different lengths.
RIGHT
photo J&J Chester
Handmade Murano
glass lamps.
BELOW
These serpentine
lamps are sure to
cater to quirky people.
BOTTOM
photo J&J Chester
Lampshades matter.
Choose simple, neutral
designs to match them
with the other pieces
you already have.
LAMPS AND
LIGHTING
Lighting changes everything. It
can lift sombre moods, create
different ambiances and even
encourage inspiration. Bask
your bedroom in an ethereal
glow or make it as bright as day,
it’s your call.
1.Use a cascading chandelier
or a series of pendant lights of
varying lengths to create the
desired look for your bedroom.
2. These standing lamps are
made of Murano glass, and are
sure to please the eye, even
from afar.
4. Yes. Lampshades matter. Select
lampshades with soft, neutral
hues in silk to ensure that they
blend with everything else in
your bedroom, no matter what
decorating style you have.
photo J&J Chester
Photo by Barbara Barry
3. If quirk is your thing, then
these snake-like lamps will
definitely please you. They come
in table or floor lengths and are
sure to add a spark of eclectic
interest into your bedroom.
89
2. Sofa-beds have to have
simple, clean designs because
they perform important dual
functions. Choose one with
a minimalistic design that is
compact, yet elegant so it does
not take up too much space.
Photo by BoConcept
3. If space is a concern, select
a sofa-bed that has concealed
storage.
90
A very impressive
sofa-bed-recliner
hybrid.
BELOW
Choose a sofa-bed
with a minimalistic
design for easy
conversion.
BOTTOM
Get the most
use out of your
sofa-bed by having
one that acts as a
storage unit too.
If your guests have frequent overnight stays at your
house, invest in a sturdy sofa-bed for added
comfort and functionality.
Photo by BoConcept
1. When are sofa-beds more
than just sofa-beds? When they
act as recliners as well. You’ll
want be on it the whole day,
reclining with a good book in
hand or your favourite movie to
watch by day and just sleeping
on it by night.
LEFT
Photo by BoConcept
SOFA-BEDS
Sofa-beds perform dual
functions, as a place to hang
out and to rest. If your guests
have frequent overnight stays
at your house, invest in a sturdy
sofa-bed for added comfort and
functionality. Now the question
is, should you take the sofa-bed
when it comes to bedtime, or
your guests?
LEFT
Photo by Akemi Uchi
Bring light while
maintaining privacy
with light, airy
curtains.
BELOW
Protect your
mattress with one
of these.
BOTTOM
Pretty, white
wicker baskets to
keep your bedroom
organized.
ACCESSORIES
Sometimes, it is the smallest
things that count. They could
be the reason why you return to
your home to escape the perils
you have been through during
the day.
1. Light, airy curtains make for
a room filled with light in the
daytime. They not only give you
privacy that you need, but they
will also let sunlight through.
2. Mattress protectors are
essential if you suffer from
severe allergies. These keep
bedbugs, mites and dust from
entering the mattress itself.
They also keep the mattress
clean by absorbing any liquid
and dissipating them into the air
through wicking.
3. This assortment of white
wicker baskets will keep your
bedroom spick and span.
Photo by Akemi Uchi
Photo by Akemi Uchi
Mattress protectors are essential if you suffer from
severe allergies. These keep bedbugs, mites and
dust from entering the mattress itself.
text HANNY KEE
91
HARVEY NORMAN SPECIAL
SLEEPING
SOLUTIONS
Harvey Norman rolls out innovative sleep solution to help you
unwind and settles you in for a good night’s sleep.
92
To catch a good night’s sleep, you should
adhere to certain habits. They include:
Stick to a sleep routine. The time you sleep
and wake up every day is important to
regulate your body’s internal clock for a
healthier sleep.
Avoid naps in the afternoon and vigorous
exercise, party or games before bedtime.
Instead of relaxing, these activities cause an
adrenaline surge, and possibly stress and
anxiety just as you turn in for bed.
Noise-free bedrooms would prevent
disruptive sleep. Be sure to check out your
bedroom for other light sources that has
the potential to change the condition and
ambience of a room.
Schedule a specific time, preferably
before evening, for your last alcohol
intake, cigarettes and heavy meals to avoid
discomfort before and during bedtime.
Invest in good quality bedding solutions
such as mattresses and pillows.
A bedroom is no longer just a place to sleep,
but it is now a casual multipurpose area
where people set up their workstations, a
reading corner and an entertainment area.
Here are a few innovative sleep solutions for
you to spice up your ordinary bedroom.
Versatile for kids
Parents who want to create a fun bedroom
for their children are able to do so with loft
beds. They are not only space-saving, but
it is easier to allocate a child’s study area,
storage space and play zone.
Finer things in life
No more cramps and back aches for the
older generation. Adjustable beds cater to
DEAL
OF THE
MONTH
ALASKA Children Captain Bed
Usual Price: RM3,809 Special Offer: RM2,666
Save: RM1,143
BADEN Queen-size Adjustable Bed
Usual Price: RM5,509 Special Offer: RM3,856.30
Save: RM1,652.70
Mix A Queen-size Storage Bed
Usual Price: RM3,898 Special Offer: RM2,728
Save: RM1,169
Hilker Royale King-size Mattress
Usual Price: RM25,899 Special Offer: RM18,129
Save: RM7,770
the natural contours and curvatures of our
S-shaped spine to hold a healthier sleeping
position. Unlike a flat mattress, which leaves
your muscles tense, adjustable beds benefit
you by relieving pressure and distributing
proper blood circulation.
For smaller rooms
Want to keep things hidden or store duvets,
extra pillows and everyday items without
taking up more space in your cupboard?
Choose storage beds. The bed base can be
converted into drawers. Some models come
with an additional pull-out bed which doubles
as an extra bed for guests.
*prices are inclusive of GST
Mattress: New technology for better Sleep
A conventional mattress uses a 350 coil spring
system, but the Triple-Decker Coil has 7,000
titanium alloy pocketed coil springs. They
are not only rust-free, lightweight and have a
longer life span, but it gives a better respond.
Designed to fit body contours for the best
stability, firmness, support and comfort, it
senses your body shape, weight and movement
while you sleep. Thus, it adjusts itself to create
a natural spinal alignment. The mattress
comes with a 7-zone pocket spring system that
provides support to the head, neck, shoulder,
back, hips, legs and feet.
HARVEY NORMAN IPC SHOPPING CENTRE +603-7718-5200 | HARVEY NORMAN MID VALLEY +603-2282-2860 | HARVEY NORMAN SUNWAY PYRAMID +603-5622-1300
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HARVEY NORMAN GURNEY PARAGON MALL +604-229-8886
93
FEATURE
ARE THEY
REALLY EQUAL?
OPPOSITE
The Fritz Hansen
Egg Chair by Arne
Jacobsen is one
of the most copied
designs today.
BELOW
photo SPACE FURNITURE
The Asri
Sofa’sdesign is
the culmination of
various South-East
Asian cultural
influences through
the eyes of
designer Jaya
Ibrahim.
94
The core tenant of economics
prescribes that the consumer is
ever-rational. This means that the
consumer will always purchase
the product that has the least cost,
ceteris paribus (all things being
equal). Hence, with this train of
thought, one would assume that
when choosing between two
settees that look more or less the
same, the consumer will certainly
purchase the cheapest one.
However, it must be understood
that not all settees are made
equal, even if they look the same.
Let us take the example of
Herman Miller v. Matt Blatt.
In 2011, Herman Miller, an
American company that had
the sole rights to sell furniture
designed by Charles and Ray
Eames, sued Matt Blatt, an
Australian furniture company
that touted its Eames replicas
as originals. It is safe to say that
the Australian Federal Court
ruled in the favor of Herman
Miller, and Matt Blatt was forced
to stop using Eames’ names in
any of their replicas. Originals
are protected by Intellectual
Property rights, which give
designers a right to protect the
fruits of their imagination and
creativity. When they know that
their designs cannot be easily
copied and manipulated, they
will be at greater ease, and will
henceforth create more and
inherently better designs in the
future. Thus, an original piece
of designer furniture is able to
capture the psyche of its creator,
while the fake can only grasp its
outlook and not its soul.
With the lack of authenticity
also comes with the lack of
quality. A product has a price for
photo SPACE FURNITURE
A look into the age-old question:
Are replicas just as good as the originals?
photo SPACE FURNITURE
ABOVE
The Flos Arco
lamp by Achille
Castiglioni.
Samantha
Cameron most
famously bought
a replica with a
bargain price of
GBP 250, causing
a lot of backlash
from the UK design
industry.
a reason. When buying a highquality, well-designed piece,
it is not only a mere purchase,
it is an investment. A good
piece of furniture should have
a long lifespan which speaks
for its quality. A copy would not
last as long due to the use of
inferior materials during its
production, and thus would
incur even greater costs if it
has to be replaced frequently.
Supple leathers will not split at
the seams like polyurethane,
and dyes might fade when
exposed to strong light and air,
and purported chrome finishes
will dull in time. As a result,
not only will there be a waste
of money, but also resources to
make more of the copies. Ray
Eames, Charles’ wife and design
partner was of the opinion that
furniture that last the longest
was always better than what
looked best.
95
96
photo JANINE
These copies may look exactly like the originals, but they might not
have all the inherent qualities of the originals. Thus, in all truth,
things are not at all equal between original-design
furniture and its copy.
There is also the matter of
morality and conscience when
choosing between an original
and a copy. When an original
piece is bought, the buyer can
be utterly sure that they have
purchased furniture that is utterly
sound, from its features to the
ethics behind it. The royalties
to its designer are being paid,
and the high cost of the product
is justified to ensure superior
quality products are made, which
is then used to justify superior
working conditions for the
employees that produce them
and also materials that originate
from sustainable sources.
When a copy is bought, no
doubt, the hard work of the
designer goes unappreciated;
the materials used to make the
copy are shoddily pieced together
by laborers who work without
rest. Thus, when an original is
bought, the best of everything
that revolves around it is bought
along with it, and with the copy,
the worst. In a quote to the
Independent UK newspaper, the
editor of Elle DÈcor UK, Michelle
Ogundehin said, “My issue with
these copies would be the hidden
costs within them. They might
do the environment a lot of harm
and have unclear labour costs.
Who knows about their working
conditions if the furniture can be
produced at such a cheap price?”
So, we come back to the first
question. There are two settees
that look almost alike. One is
RM3,000 original and the other is
a RM1,000 copy. At first glance,
they are the same, so the buyer
would naturally think to opt for
the copy instead. However, even
with the eye of the economist,
they are not the equal. The
original is made as a result of
matching strength to strength,
while the copy exploits preexisting
conditions in order to make the
most profit. Thus, there can be no
comparison.
When information is freely
distributed, when there is a
free and open market, there
will certainly be thousands and
thousands of copies for every
original piece that has been
designed. These copies may look
exactly like the originals, but they
might not have all the inherent
qualities of the originals. Thus,
in all truth, things are not at all
equal between original-design
furniture and its copy. Their
differences are not only inherent
within the physicality of the piece,
but also within the spirit of its
creation, its value, and perhaps
even the morality surrounding
the production of the piece.
Imitation may be the best
form of flattery, but it will only
ever remain just that. This is
why the rational consumer
should always buy a piece
of original-design furniture,
because not only because it is
the right thing to do, but also
the smart thing.
photo SPACE FURNITURE
RIGHT
A Bikini Wood
Chair from Moroso
LEFT PAGE
A classic design
by Janine
text HANNY KEE
97
FEATURE
BARE MINIMUM
There are no tell-tale signs of flashy design in the works
of these designers. Their individual take on minimalism
produces unique products.
CHARLES KALKAPIAN
WHEN WAR CAME TO HIS HOME COUNTRY, FORMER GRAFFITI ARTIST,
FURNITURE AND PRODUCT DESIGNER, CHARLES KALKAPIAN AND HIS
FAMILY LEFT LEBANON FOR FRANCE. “I WAS BORN IN BEIRUT BUT
MY FAMILY CAME FROM ARMENIA,” THE DESIGNER EXPLAINS.
FROM LEFT
Ah Lan chair for
Darenart; Candy
Boxes for Habitat;
Wall Shadows for
NEMO OMIKRON.
98
Charles, the grandson of a
cabinet maker, is known for the
three dimensional approach
to his minimalistic designs.
This resonates in his brightly
coloured shelves and cabinets,
Cinétismes for BSL Gallery and
Rocky, featured by LaChance.
Some, which are cubic, create an
aesthetically pleasing illusion.
He calls his creation, Rocky, a
bookshelf as a functional painting.
It involves Bistability as part of the
process. It is the invention of an
ambiguous image which shocks
our brain pathways into changing
our visual perception. Charles
elevates this effect with his choice
of colours and shapes.
His pronounced colourblocking skills reflect an artistic
flair. It is not just seen in the
shelves, but his clean-cut “boxed”
Ahlan seats upholstered in
Kvadrat, boasts a contemporary
and cosy look. He pairs muted
tones like grey with a darker
colour to create an interesting
colour contrast.
Each of his designs tells
a story. Influenced by the
calligraphic past of the Middle
East and Europe’s minimalist
present, it is the lifestyle of
Middle Easterns that he tries
to depict through the simple
and graphic, bold but beautiful
lines of his works. Charles
admits, “I was taken with
graffiti’s possibilities but I
became frustrated with its twodimensional character.”
Meanwhile, Charles is still
searching for innovative ways
to create and light graffiti,
his favourite, is one of them.
His Cedar’s folding screen for
example, has a calligraphic
element on the top and its stems
trailing downwards at different
lengths seem to be inspired by
light graffiti.
Creativity is in his genes. “My
father was an art director in an
advertising company in Bahrein
and my mother paints and works
in galleries in the Middle East,”
says Charles.
The designer is currently
working on two private luxury
flats in Paris, a custom gallery
project, new lights for Nemo
Lighting at Euroluce 2015,
furniture for Habitat, high
quality handmade rugs with an
Armenian dealer, exhibitions at a
Collective Fair in New York and a
solo exhibition with Galerie BSL.
FOR MORE INFO RM ATI O N ,
VIS IT WWW.KALPAK I AN . FR
99
MIRON LIOR
“SOMETHING OPENED THE FLOODGATES AND I HAVE BEEN DESIGNING EVER
SINCE,” MIRON LIOR SPEAKS OF THE INTEREST HE DISCOVERED WHEN HE
WAS 25 YEARS OLD. IT WAS HIS GIG AS A DJ THAT MADE HIM QUIT HIS JOB
IN IT AND BEGIN HIS CAREER AS A DESIGNER.
FROM LEFT
SLICE Corner Clock
for FACTURA; MARINA
Chair; A bookshelf
designed by Miron.
100
“I had to design my own DJ
stand as there were not many
options out there.” Miron says.
He made up his mind to study
design in Pratt Institute, New York
City. “New York City has various
industrial design programs. It
is also a home to a very strong
design community, so it was
natural for me to stay and start
a career here after graduation,”
says the designer who lived in
Russia and Israel before his move.
His products speak of the
unique Expressive minimalistic
designs which are not only
sleek and stylish, but take up
little space. Bookshelves and
SLICE corner clock designed
for Faktura, an NYC-based
furniture design company, sets
an example. To the observer, his
designs may be beautiful, but
the designer’s emphasis is on
the solution it brings rather than
their decorative value.
“Books, rugs and artworks
should be the focus of the room,
not furniture. Furniture should
complement the interior in a
subtle way,” Miron asserts.
He has designed numerous
contemporary thin-framed and
open bookshelves, which cleverly
highlight the beauty of books by
exposing their cover and spine.
It comes as no surprise that
reading is Miron’s favourite past
time. He has books in every room
of his apartment and he ensures
they are highly visible and easy
to reach. His award-winning
Conceal Shelf, now produced by
Umbra, was originally designed
for a friend who wanted a few
favourite books in her bedroom.
As a result, it inspired many
people to display their books in
very creative ways.
“I’ve seen it used to put up
columns, patterns and even
whole walls of books. Just
books, on the wall, that is how I
like it.” Miron says. His favourite
place to read is at the kitchen
table. “It’s a very intimate place
where you can have a drink
with your friend, breakfast with
your family or some quiet time
alone with a book and a cup of
tea. It’s the anchor of the whole
apartment.”
FOR MORE INFO RM ATI O N , VI SI T
WWW.MIRON.FO RM AT. CO M
portrait photo Sean Fennesey
DANIEL TO AND EMMA AISTON
THE COLOURS, SHAPES AND MATERIALS OF THEIR WORK SPEAK LOUDER
THAN THEIR PERSONALITIES. AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS,
DANIEL TO AND EMMA AISTON FROM DANIEL EMMA, DESIGN BASED
ON THEIR PHILOSOPHY OF CREATING ‘JUST NICE’ PRODUCTS.
ABOVE
Their Big and Small
series includes
self-produced and
collaborative pieces.
BELOW
Big Mish Mash
armchairs and Pick ‘n’
Mix Table and Bench.
“Our products are much more
exciting than we are!” exclaims
Emma. Their works reinforce the
power of design. They may have
simple clean-cut forms coloured
in pastel hues, but, here at
Daniel Emma, a lamp is not
just any lamp. It may function
like one, but aesthetically, their
Cherry on the Bottom Lamp is a
piece of art that fits perfectly into
any modern home.
Similarly, stationaries,
chairs, mirrors, wall clocks,
radio and various other products
come in minimalistic shapes
of cones, oblongs, triangles,
circles and loops, all of which
dominated our early years as
pre-schoolers.
Adopting a playful concept,
Emma and Daniel’s inventions
include see-through rubberband
balls, shiny metallic brass
paperweights, magnetic sticks,
cork cone and wooden triangles.
“The shapes and forms that
we use in our work are all
necessary to the function of the
piece, it is not in our nature to
add embellishments to the work
we produce; everything has its
place!” says Daniel.
We noticed that the material,
glass, have rarely been explored
with. “We are looking forward to
working with the material,” quips
Emma. “Both of us love working
with metal (brass predominantly)
and resin.” Daniel adds.
The designers admit they
each have an idea that they
have yet to design. Emma wants
to design a board game while
Daniel, a cheese grater. Apart
from their self-produced works,
Daniel Emma collaborated with
HAY, a Danish manufacturer of
contemporary furniture, where
their design of a cork cone pin
board is now produced by Wrong
for Hay.
FOR MORE INFO RM ATI O N ,
VIS IT WWW.DAN I EL- EM M A. CO M
101
CUTU MAZUELOS AND EVA PREGO
WHEN CUTU MAZUELOS AND EVA PREGO FAILED TO RECRUIT THEIR
CLASSMATES FROM IADE IN MADRID TO START A DESIGN STUDIO,
THE DUO DECIDED TO FORM STONE DESIGNS.
The two Spanish designers love
mountain climbing. But it is
Cutu who loves outdoor activities
the most. His love for sports in
general, is reflected through
the bright orange tubes in an
installation they designed as
part of their Line House project.
In collaboration with Japanese
fashion designer, Issey Miyake,
the frame of these furniture
can be used to do stretches and
warm ups.
“We love the fact that
our designs bring a cosy and
comfortable atmosphere
to people,” says Cutu. Both
designers have experimented
with light during their project
designing the Spainalight space
for Tokyo Designer’s Week 2011.
They have brought a professional
yet warm look to a pharmacy
located at the historical side of
Madrid by painting the walls blue
and furnished with colourful thin
metallic display shelves.
“We were incredibly lucky
to be given the opportunity
to create new spaces
and typologies in various
environments. We’ve become
the designers we are today,
because of it,” says Cutu. Team
work is undeniably important.
This concept is emphasised
by the Bee stools. Each stool
depends on one another to be
kept upright. Furthermore, when
combined, its hexagonal seats
form the image of a honeycomb.
102
Also inspired by nature, their
Ginkgo wall panels allow
homeowners to form a pattern
on the wall as they come in
individual pieces. The designers
are not only meticulous over the
smaller details in their designs,
but shapes and colours are
important too. Their minimalistic
and clean-cut designs are
refreshing additions to a home.
The Snowdrop lamps are in
beautiful colours of red, pink,
purple, yellow, turquoise and
green while Daruma, the rocking
coat hanger has a rounded
bottom that allows kids to have
fun with. “We can’t stop thinking
about all the possibilities when
it comes to design. We really
enjoy seeing most of our projects
become a reality and the
results of these designs are just
amazing!” exclaims Eva.
FO R MO R E INFO R MATION,
VISIT WWW.STO NE-DS GNS .C OM
CLOCKWISE
FROM LEFT
Mushroom table and
stools for children;
Bee Stool; Snowdrop
Lamp; SPAINALIGHT
project.
“We love the fact that our designs
bring a cosy and comfortable
atmosphere to people,”
text NG YI XIANG
103
BOOKSHELVES
Before bookshelves were invented, boxes and containers were used to
store scrolls inscribed by monks. These cumbersome 100 feet-long
scrolls, were later made into square-shaped manuscript volumes by
the Romans in the first century. This led to the inventions of different
types of bookshelves by prominent figures. They include Fu Xi in 544,
French cabinet-maker, Charles Andre Boulle and third president of
United States, Thomas Jefferson.
F L AT.C
SYSTEM
The B&B Italia’s
Flat.C System
stores your books,
television and hi-fi
accessories in one
place. Designed by
Antonio Citterio, the
25cm deep shelf
made in lacquered
wood, relies
on crosspieces
connected at the
back for stability.
Available from Space.
104
COMO
BOOKCASE
It looks like a photo
frame. Fill in the empty
spaces of the Como
Bookcase with books
and decorative pieces
to personalise your
room. It is available
in matt charcoal
grey, white and ash
grey. Customisation
is possible with
this bookcase from
BoConcept.
Available from BoConcept
OKA
Bring a sense of originality into your home.
Designer Kazuko Okamoto’s OKA gives you
the option of different sized modules (single or
double bay shelving unit), material (lacquer or
veneer) and colour (satin white, mastic, argile,
elephant, mustard, lavender blue or walnut to
arrange) to create a unique gradient.
Available from Ligne Roset.
OBLIQUE
SHELF
Searching for a classier
way to display your
books? Moooi’s Oblique
Shelf designed by
Marcel Wanders displays
books and magazines
of various sizes and
thickness on a flat
surface. Made from
oak, the shelf functions
like a mood board.
Books are supported
by a wooden paneled
frame underneath each
column of the shelf.
Available from Space.
105
WEB SHELF
Slanted but stable, the Web Shelf designed by
Daniel Libeskind for Poliform is designed with
an arrangement of blocks and voids. To make
things interesting, when placed in the middle
of a room, you have access to books from
both sides. The Web Shelf is made from
Dupont Corain.
Available from Space.
B I L LY B O O K C A S E
Here is a classic bookcase to store your reads.
The white Billy Bookcase from Ikea comes
with a contrasting yellow background. There
are six spaces to fill your books in and they are
large enough to accommodate taller books.
Billy is perfect for the study or children’s room.
Available from Ikea.
BOOKWORM SHELF
You’re a bookworm! Make an official
declaration with the Bookworm Shelf designed
by Ron Arad for Kartell. It not only makes a
good decorative wall piece, but is able to hold
books, toys, CDs and DVDs up to 10kg on
each support. Furthermore, the shelf can be
reshaped into any desirable form without its
toughness and functionality compromised.
Available from Space.
106
TOLBIAC BOOKSHELF
Designed by Grégoire de Lafforest, the Tolbiac
bookshelf stands in a fashionable position. The
stairs-like design on the bottom half of the
shelf can be shifted from the right to the left.
Available from Ligne Roset.
PLANOPHORE
British designers, Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby
were inspired by the original Planophore,
the first stable aeroplane model powered by
twisted rubber bands. Introduced at Milan’s
Salone Del Mobile 2014 by Vitra, their bookshelf,
Planophore, also functions as a room partition.
Position its unique aluminium panels parallel to
the shelf to transform it into a room partition or
perpendicularly as a book shelf.
B I L LY/ OX B E R G B O O K C A S E
Display new books at the top and hide the
older ones at the bottom part of the bookcase.
Ikea’s Billy/Oxberg Bookcase has glass
paneled doors to keep dust away.
Available from Space.
Available from Ikea.
DECORATING YOUR BOOKSHELF
1) To maximise the function of a bookshelf, you may
want to fill it with books before placing various home
decorations. This helps to prevent wastage of space.
2) The book arrangement plays an essential role in
decorating your bookshelf. Arrange them based on
colour if you choose to organise your books vertically.
On the other hand, you are able to add a homey
look to your bookshelf when books are arranged
horizontally and vertically. These books are not only
easy to find but serve as book ends.
3) Limit the number of home decorations. You do not
want to clutter your bookshelf.
4) Come up with a theme and colour scheme for these
home decorations. If you opt to go for a neutral look,
go for beige and yellow. Also choose the ones with
different shapes and textures to give your bookshelf a
unique look.
text NG YI XIANG
107
SIMPLE
PLEASURES
The home of the late Danish architect Finn Juhl is the
epitome of the Danish Modern design approach.
108
OPPOSITE
PAGE
The home consists
of two blocks
standing at rightangles to each
other. The garden
was designed
by landscape
architect Troels
Erstad.
LEFT
The desk is in the
study is called the
Drawing Board and
the chair behind it
the FJ46.
109
RIGHT
The light-filled
living room cum
study. The chair
on the left is the
famous, widelycopied Chieftain
chair, designed by
Juhl in 1949.
Danish architect Finn Juhl
built his house at Kratvaenget
15 in Charlottenlund, north of
Copenhagen in 1942. He designed
both the outside and the interior
of his own home, creating a
coherent, harmonious look.
The house, about 2,200 sqf,
consists of two blocks standing
at right-angles to each other,
joined by an entrance hall which
opens to the garden. One block
houses a large living room and
a small study while the other the
kitchen, dining room, bedrooms
and bathrooms.
Juhl worked with a theory
which he called “from the inside
and out” His idea was that
furniture created the room, and
the room created the façade.
This theory dictated his furniture
design as well as his interior
undertakings.
“Furniture and houses are
of course always designed in
a context. I have rarely built a
house where I didn’t also design
the furniture. It is of course
fundamental that the furniture
is practical. Chairs are not
designed to look at but to sit on,
but of course it makes you happy,
if they are also worth looking at,”
Juhl said in 1982.
Art was Juhl’s main source
of inspiration and played a
predominant role at his home.
He was a keen collector of
paintings as well as sculptures,
carpets and vases. He admired
artists such as Alvar Aalto, Sonja
Ferlov Mancoba, Asger Jorn,
Vilhelm Lundstrøm and Erik
Thommesen.
110
111
OPPOSITE
PAGE
A tea room
adjacent to the
study. A Vilhelm
Lundstrøm still life
hangs on the wall.
Juhl designed the
table in 1968. The
upholstered chairs
are the FJ45 chairs
and the other is
the NV44 chair.
112
ABOVE
The Poet sofa
sits next to the
fireplace. A portrait
of Juhl’s partner
Hanne Wilhelm
Hansen by Vilhelm
Lundstrøm.
RIGHT
A conference table
in the master
bedroom. The
pendant lamp was
designed by Poul
Henningsen.
text WENSHAN PANG photos ONE COLLECTION
113
A
B O L D
M OV E
Large colourful paintings, statement-making
furnishings and hypnotic patterned tiles
come together to create beautiful, dramatic
interiors in this home.
WHO
A bachelor in his
40s and his
two cats
HOME
Three-bedroom
apartment
SIZE
1,650sqf
114
The open-concept
apartment features
bold patterned
tiles from Hafary
throughout the
common areas.
115
The first thing you notice
when you step into James
Kenneth Koh’s home is the
flooring. A sea of patterned tiles,
with lapis blue, eggshell white and
grey tones, takes up the majority
of the flooring in his 1,650sqf
open-concept apartment. In fact,
it covers the living, dining, kitchen,
and study areas.
James, who also designed his
home, says the tiles reminded him
of Peranakan architecture. Being
Peranakan, he used them to
achieve the “modern Peranakan”
theme he had in mind.
Although the flooring is in
itself a show-stealing feature,
James did not stop there. He
introduced more pizzazz in the
form of contemporary furniture
and art with bold designs and
vibrant colour. “I went with
designer furniture,” he says of the
pieces, which come from shops
such as Pomelo, that give each
ABOVE
James runs his
own headhunting
business, as well
as an interior
design studio.
RIGHT
The figurines of
James and his
mum displayed
in a glass bell jar
on a Punt console
from Pomelo are a
fun alternative to
family photos.
FAR RIGHT
The study, where
he often works,
can be closed off
by glass sliding
panels.
OPPOSITE
Dramatic decor
pieces help anchor
the study area,
which is also a
transitional space
leading to the
bedrooms.
116
zone an unconventional edge.
When you consider how
sophisticated and polished the
home looks, it’s surprising to
learn that James doesn’t
have professional training in
interior design.
Although he now runs an
interior design practice with a
business partner, he started
his career in advertising before
running his own headhunting
company. He says: “I’m very
interested in interior design,
so I see this as a paid hobby.”
We find out more about the
renovation, and James’ design
style.
Why did you decide to go for an
open-concept design?
Apartments these days are very
compartmentalised, but I like
open spaces. Whenever I design,
I’ll open up the spaces so that
there is connectivity – you can
117
be in one space and also look
into another to know what’s
happening. From the kitchen, I
can talk to guests who are seated
in the dining or living room.
Do you entertain often?
I have many good friends
who visit often, and that’s the
reason for this 3m-long dining
table! In my previous place,
I didn’t have a table that was big
enough, but now they can all sit
around comfortably.
I’m learning to cook, too.
But my cooking methods are
dependent on my open-concept
space – so it cannot be greasy
or zi char!
118
How did you alter the space to
suit your needs?
I took down quite a few walls. The
kitchen wall near the entrance
was removed to open the kitchen
up to the living room. Since the
living area is long, I created two
sitting areas, which makes the
overall space feel bigger.
For my study, the wall
between the third bedroom and
living room was removed and I
had sliding glass panels installed
in its place, to save space. I also
took in the balcony to create a
bigger living space.
Finally, I enlarged the master
bedroom by incorporating the
adjacent hallway. The new portion
gives me extra wardrobe
space, and I no longer have an
enclosed narrow walkway.
Now, the study is a
transitional space that leads
to the bedrooms.
What ideas did you have for
your home’s design?
My previous home had an
industrial-style concept that was
more grey and black, so I wanted
to steer away from that look. I
went with colour – my own take
on a “modern Peranakan” style.
The Peranakan-inspired tiles
I got from Hafary are the main
element, and they dictate the
colour scheme of the apartment.
ABOVE
The 3m-long
dining table from
Pomelo is able
to accommodate
many guests
comfortably.
LEFT
James has two
cats that he
manages to make
room for in his
stylish abode.
FAR LEFT
A colourful striped
rug in the living
room offers a
daring contrast
to the Peranakaninspired tiles.
OPPOSITE
The artwork in
the dining room
was sourced from
Thailand, and is
made with recycled
tin siding panels.
119
RIGHT
The master
bedroom’s flooring
is finished with
grey hexagonal
tiles with white
grouting for a
graphic look.
BOTTOM
LEFT
James got his
bed, which has
an integrated
bedside table, at
Dream Interiors.
It is designed by
Matthew Hilton.
BOTTOM
RIGHT
Travertine tiles and
sandalwood toned
mosaic adorn the
bathroom, giving
it an elegant,
soothing feel.
How did you make the tiles
work with your decor?
My family and friends were
worried that the tiles would
look very busy! But I laid it
everywhere, except in the
bedrooms and toilets.
Most people use these tiles
for a small area as a feature.
You have to either keep your
furnishings very neutral or just
follow its visual language to
make it look eclectic.
I took a different approach
by clashing the tiles with the
striped rug in the living room and
complementing the flooring with
the yellow tones of the dining
table and chairs.
Tell us about your art collection.
The artwork was brought over
from my previous home.
They’re paintings by mainly
South-east Asian and Chinese
artists, some sourced locally
and others overseas.
When I buy art, I’m always
drawn to faces and portraits –
mostly of women – and fashion.
You don’t have to cover every
wall, but I like to put up larger
pieces that cover a large extent
of the wall. Big paintings are like
statement pieces.
Many small pieces on a wall
may seem cluttered, but if you
like them, you’ll need to balance
them out. For example, put up
three artworks of roughly the
same size on a big wall.
What are some interesting
details in your home?
In the bathroom, I installed
black fittings instead of typical
chrome ones. As a unique touch,
I used leather strips as cabinet
handles and drawer pulls on
the built-in benches below
the windows.
120
text LOUISA CLARE LIM photography WINSTON CHUANG art direction YEW XIN YI
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121
D A R I N G
T O B E
D I F F E R E N T
No major renovation here. This couple
transformed their apartment simply
with decorations!
WHO
A couple and their
bull terrier
HOME
A two-bedroom
condominium unit
SIZE
786sqf
RIGHT
Part steampunk,
part British, and
part classic, the
living room is a
bold combination
of dramatic details
that come together
to form an
eccentric style.
122
123
flowers FLORAL MAGIC
124
ABOVE
The kitchen
cabinets are
fronted by ornate
frame-in-frame
doors that the
homeowner
designed.
OPPOSITE
Despite having to
downsize, Calvin
embraced his love
for decorative
spaces and went
all out in styling
a living room that
has a talking point
at every turn.
Having done up the interiors of local clubs and
bars, homeowner Calvin Ho is no stranger to
design. However, although he has helped done
up the homes of friends, he has ruled out going
professional as he doesn’t like to compromise
when it comes to executing his vision.
For his new home, he toyed with the idea
of creating a space that went along the lines of
“British eccentric”. But his first encounter with
the apartment wasn’t so inspiring. “My wife and
I were shocked when we walked into the space,
as it was so small!” he recalls, having downsized
from a 2,500sqf terrace house to a compact
786sqf unit.
With some ingenuity and furniture imported
mainly from China, Calvin managed to turn this
tiny flat into a dwelling that’s undeniably novel,
through a renovation that took two months and
cost RM90,000 (including furniture).
“When it comes to dressing up small spaces, you
need to do up the walls,” he asserts. “I don’t like
bare walls as the space will feel incomplete.” He
also had no qualms about using distinctive wall
coverings to create an eclectic effect.
The stately living room has wooden planks
bolted onto one wall, lending an old-world
handsomeness to this area. It also enjoys a good
dose of natural light, preventing the dark wood
from looking too oppressive. On the other side,
a brazen design statement is articulated with
framed posters against rococo wallpaper –
even the framed TV screen appears as part of
the collage.
Calvin also laid composite flooring over the
original beige tiles, leaving a finish that mimics
aged wood to give the home a mature feel.
The home’s varying colours and materials
form a unified scene. The customised kitchen
125
Not one for bare spaces, the homeowner unleashed his
creativity and left barely any corner undecorated.
126
ABOVE
Instead of
cramming the
shelves with
numerous
collectibles,
Calvin stuck to a
few to keep the
room looking
neat and tidy.
OPPOSITE
The study room
was given simple
stripes to turn it
into an arresting
space.
features cabinet doors made up of a succession
of ornate frames. This creative design is then
complemented by a backsplash made up of
bronze tiles, as well as a copper sink and tap.
As rose gold nail heads were used on the
living room’s feature wall, Calvin echoed this
visual element throughout the abode. The leather
chesterfield sofa, side table, and coffee table all
feature similar studded details.
The monochrome study room was decorated
in a similar approach, with its strictly black and
white furniture mirroring its striped walls.
The only exception is a curated selection of
Calvin’s figurines (some of his collection can
be found at Hungry Heroes, the superherothemed restaurant that he runs), which stand
out brilliantly against the room’s black and
white theme.
Calvin’s aim was to create a home that
veers away from anything remotely typical,
and he has certainly succeeded: “If you want
that wow effect, you’ve got to be different!”
text MAVIS ANG photography TAN WEI TE art direction DON TAN
127
128
A N
E L E G A N T
E A S E
In this simple, streamlined white
space, it’s the many treasured items
from friends and family that enrich
the interiors with meaning.
WHO
Architectural and
design consultant
Laura Phay
HOME
A four-room flat
SIZE
1,000sqf
LEFT
The all-white
foundation of the
common area sets
a crisp and unifying
base for furniture
and accessories
of varying styles.
Even the seemingly
random ornaments
that have been
collected or gifted
seem perfectly
at home on the
custom-made shelf
above the sofa.
129
130
ABOVE
Floral arrangements
and plenty of
plants pepper the
apartment, softening
the look of the space.
OPPOSITE
Laura brings together
contemporary and
vintage furniture
pieces stylishly in the
living room, which
enjoys plenty of
natural light, thanks
to its tall windows.
For Laura Phay, the most important elements
of her home are the gifts from friends, items
she holds very dear to her heart. “Regardless of
trends, these things will never lose their meaning,”
she explains. Against a clean palette, she allowed
these knick-knacks, as well as a charming mix
of furniture designs, to take precedence.
As the founder of design consultancy
She Designs He Builds, which is behind the
simple yet chic interiors of trendy cafes such
as The Plain and Ronin, Laura is known for her
simple yet refined interior touches. And her
home is treated with the same grace.
What was the basis for the interiors of your home?
When my husband and I returned from Melbourne
in 2010, we didn’t have much to spend on the
home. As we were setting up The Plain cafe,
we kept a lot of the apartment – including the
floor tiles, parquet and bathroom – as it was,
to save money. I just wanted to keep the place
simple and light, and do without visually heavy
built-in cabinets.
Aren’t you afraid that there might not be enough
storage space in the future?
I don’t have the habit of accumulating things.
I think that it’s the result of living overseas
and renting apartments. We also have a spare
bedroom where most of our clothes and clutter
are stored. The kitchen has plenty of storage
space. I’ve installed big, deep drawers rather than
cabinets there, so everything is in plain sight.
What other features of this home are you
particularly proud of?
There was a recess in the living room wall, which
I levelled out and inserted a metal shelf that’s
made with 3mm-thick stainless steel. Displayed
on it are all my favourite things. Most of them
are little gifts from friends, such as a fertility
goddess from my husband’s army friend who’s
a brilliant sculptor.
I think that items like these are so precious,
because it shows the thought that people have
put into gifting it. And I like surrounding myself
with symbols that are dear to me.
131
RIGHT
The couple
favours a
clean palette
that brings
about a
sense of
lightness.
132
133
134
ABOVE
Grafunkt’s AA shelf
was chosen for the
study as its design
echoes the upturned
edge of the living
room’s metal shelf.
OPPOSITE, TOP
The light bulb planter
is a gift from a staff
member of a cafe
Laura designed, and
it’s displayed – along
with sculptures made
by friends, and corals
from the couple’s
beach holidays –
prominently in
the living room.
OPPOSITE,
BOTTOM
Laura loves displaying
knick-knacks, but
she also curates the
selection. This way,
her shelves and desk
are kept from being
cluttered with curios.
What other changes were made during
the renovation?
I wanted the kitchen to look connected
with the rest of the home, so I opened it
up and got the contractor to replace its
original tiles to match the ones in the
common area. I cook very often
in this open kitchen, but as long as I
don’t do heavy cooking or fry garlic, the
smell doesn’t linger in the house.
I also replaced part of the study
room’s walls with full-height glass
panels – I’m so glad they managed to fit
them in the lift!
The oversized lamps are also an unusual
choice for a small home…
Even though the ceilings are not high,
using oversized pendant lights can
actually make the place feel a lot loftier.
I tend to like big gestures that make a
difference.
Do you have furniture pieces that have
a sentimental value?
The armchair, as well as the boomerang
coffee table, are vintage designs from
the 1940s that were passed down from
my grand uncle. We restored them by
laying on a new laminate for the table
and reupholstering the chair.
I also like buying designs that last,
such as the Dish Doctor designed by
Marc Newson, which I’ve had since 2002
and still works well.
135
LEFT
The rugged dining
table and leather
chairs were
imported
from India.
OPPOSITE
Laura spends most
days working in
the home office,
where tile samples
(one of which
is used to hold
some succulents
she’s trying to
revive), project
files and reference
books are neatly
organised.
FAR RIGHT
A bedroom,
which has been
converted into her
office, holds pieces
that have followed
her through the
years, such as
a bench bought
from Taiwan, and a
minimalist mobile
acquired in Sydney
while she was still
a student.
136
text MAVIS ANG photography JASPER YU art direction DON TAN
137
A R AW
APPE AL
A major reconstruction revealed
raw elements that worked to
the advantage of this interior’s
industrial loft style.
WHO
A couple in their
early 30s
HOME
A nine-year-old
condominium
SIZE
1,000sqf
RIGHT
The open living
area’s palette was
kept neutral, but
jazzed up with
a tactile mix of
materials – from
the rich oak
flooring laid in
a herringbone
pattern, to the raw
ceiling beams and
structural pillar.
138
139
140
The best creative ideas often come from pushing the
limit, and these homeowners knew they had found
their match in Mark Yong of PIU Design. They had
many thoughts on what they wanted in a home, and
challenged Mark to come up with the creativity to
execute them. “He’s very open to ideas, and made all
the details work together. Nothing was impossible
for him!” says the husband.
The young couple do not have children, and
were keen to allocate the majority of the apartment
to a large entertainment area and a master
bedroom. This meant knocking down all the walls,
save for the structural pillars, and reconstructing
the layout. The original three bedrooms were
rejigged to become one master bedroom with
a walk-in wardrobe and an adjoining en suite
bathroom, and a study-cum-guest room.
The flat’s false ceiling was also removed,
revealing its original beams. The result is a
spacious, industrial loft-style interior, pulled
together with attention to stylish details.
OPPOSITE
The homeowners
picked an unusual
hue of orange-rust
for their Eames
lounge chair –
a bold choice
that adds a dash
of playfulness to
the industrialstyle interior. A
structural pillar
was chipped away
to reveal its raw
form, then coated
with epoxy to
become a cool
feature wall.
ABOVE
The study-cumguest room is
tucked behind
a sliding door
that has the
appearance of a
nondescript wall
when closed.
RIGHT
A shallow false
ceiling hides
unsightly pipes and
wiring, and creates
a halo lighting
feature with
amber-coloured
LED bulbs.
141
ABOVE
The husband loves
the “seamless usage
of space,” where
he can easily move
from the living or
dining room to the
kitchen to grab a cup
of coffee. With its
textured powdercoated matte black
cabinets, the open
kitchen falls in line
with the rest of the
unit’s raw, modern
aesthetics. A black
sink and Gaggenau
appliances complete
the look.
LEFT
The refrigerator
and washing
machine are hidden
behind kitchen
cabinet doors with
customised handles.
The patterned floor
tiles by Spanish
designer Patricia
Urquiola lend an
eclectic contrast
to the black
furnishings, while
demarcating the
kitchen space.
142
LEFT
Patterned Patricia
Urquiola floor tiles
flow from the kitchen
to the common
bathroom, and are
inlaid in the shower
wall niche, too.
White honeycomb
wall tiles lend
contrast and
a vintage
European vibe.
BELOW
The master
bathroom
boasts a similar
retro influence,
with old-school
patterned
ceramic tiles.
The spacious, industrial
loft-style interior is pulled
together with a tactile mix
of materials and attention
to stylish details.
143
RIGHT &
BELOW
The master
bedroom is simple
and restful, thanks
to basic furniture
pieces. The space
is also accented by
a pair of custommade lamps and
a brightly coloured
painting.
144
text WYN-LYN TAN photography VERNON WONG art direction & styling KAFFY TAN
145
FULL
OF
CHARACTER
At just 506sqf, this cheery apartment is
home not just to Norman and Judy,
but also to Astroboy and Tintin!
WHO
A couple in their 40s
HOME
One-bedroom
condominium unit
SIZE
506sqf
RIGHT
The living area is
raised in order
to accommodate
storage within
the platform. This
great spacesaving solution
does not eat up
precious floor
area.
146
147
Homeowners Norman Ang and
Judy Yeo see the bright side of
living in a small one-bedroom
apartment, after moving from a
five-room flat.
“Apart from having less
cleaning to do, we see each
other a lot more now!” Norman
jokes. They got help, in making
the most of their new 506sqf
apartment, from designer
Carmen Tay of Wolf Woof. To
make the home look more
fun and cheery, the designer
suggested a vivid comic theme
inspired by the Japanese
animation character Astroboy
and Belgian comic strip
character Tintin.
The spaces within this compact home
are played up using interesting wall
finishes, invigorating colours
and a fun theme.
148
RIGHT
Glass panels –
one of which slides
to allow access
into the bedroom
– were installed
to replace a solid
wall. This allows
more light into the
small bedroom,
and makes it
appear larger.
(OPPOSITE)
TOP
Next to the bomb
shelter, a desk
is tucked away in
the entrance foyer
that doubles as a
study. The walls
are decorated with
personalised
graphic stickers.
BELOW, LEFT
The compact open
kitchen bridges the
entrance and living
area. To keep the
area clear, no dining
table is required
in this cosy abode
– “We sit around
anywhere to eat,
often in the patio,”
says Norman.
BELOW,
RIGHT
Carmen specially
designed the
platform to
maximise the
whole raised area
as concealed
storage, which
is made up of
compartments that
open in sections.
149
150
ABOVE, LEFT
As an extension of
the living area, the
patio is furnished
with knick-knacks
and other novelty
decorations that
infuse the space
with character.
ABOVE, RIGHT
At the back
entrance to the
patio, a mobile
bar cart the
homeowners
purchased from
CB2 sits below
wall-mounted
typography
“posters” made
of timber.
OPPOSITE
The semisheltered
patio, located
conveniently
beside the
condominium
pool, is an
inviting gardenlike space thanks
to the faux grass
flooring. “The
best time to relax
out here is in the
evening, when
it’s really breezy!”
says Judy.
Larger-than-life cut-outs and
graphics of the characters,
as well as figurines and
collectibles the couple bought
online and at The Tintin Shop
in Chinatown are displayed in
the space. Soft furnishings with
matching colours and striking
patterns further enhance the
playful look.
Excluding the airy patio, the
interiors are a mere 390sqf!
To make the living area and
bedroom appear larger, Carmen
demolished the separating wall
and installed glass panels in
its place. For storage space,
the designer knew better than
to compromise precious floor
text LOUISA CLARE LIM photography TAN WEI TE art direction YEW XIN YI
area. Instead, she capitalised
on the high ceiling and designed
a platform for the living room.
The surface of the entire raised
area, including the steps, can
be opened in sections, revealing
storage compartments within.
“We store things we hardly use
in the compartments that aren’t
so accessible, like the ones
under the sofa,” says Judy.
The almost all-white canvas
ensures that the apartment is
always naturally bright, and
splashes of comic-book yellow
provide contrast. The renovation
shows that a compact home
can also be big on style and
personality!
151
GST
Are we entering an age
of decreased income and
increased cost of living
with the GST?
NO ESCAPE, NO EXEMPTIONS
All goods and services are taxed under the Malaysian Goods and Services Tax
(GST), so how will this affect our readers?
Background information
Implemented on 1 April 2015, the
Malaysian Goods and Services
Tax (GST) is a new consumption
tax levied upon the provision
of all goods and services in
Malaysia except for a few
exempted and zero-rated items.
Its implementation has aims of
creating a more transparent tax
system, whereby weaknesses
in the taxation system, like
double (even triple, in certain
cases) taxation, tax evasions and
erosions are eradicated as well
as to increase tax compliance
while making it easier to
administer due to its self-policing
properties.
152
The rate of the GST is 6%, and
all entities earning an annual
turnover rate of RM 500,000 must
register for GST compliance with
the Royal Malaysian Customs
Department (RMC). If companies
within this threshold fail to do
so, they will be penalised. All
collections of the GST invoiced by
the company must be remitted
back to the RMC by filing their
GST returns on a monthly or
quarterly basis.
The items that are exempted
from GST are as follows:
financial, public transport, private
education, highway tolls and
bridges, childcare, bereavement,
private healthcare, residential
or agricultural land as well as
supplies made by societies.
On the other hand, there are
also zero-rated items. These are
goods and services that are free
from GST where the expenses
incurred for their purchase
for business purposes can be
claimed as input tax credit,
which can be claimed from RMC.
These items include agricultural
products, essential foods,
unprocessed livestock products,
water used domestically, goods
supplied to Langkawi, Labuan
& Tioman Islands as well as
exported goods and services and
international transport services.
photo ARMANI CASA
Not only homes
themselves will cost
dearer, but also the
furniture and appliances
within them.
The Bad
Although the purchase of
residential property is not
taxable under the GST, the
materials used in construction
are subject to it. This would
mean that the price of properties
will increase as the property
developers cannot claim input
tax credit. Homes might be
dearer to purchase for the mere
reason that they are becoming
more costly to build, and as
a result, property developers
would seek to increase the
prices of the homes they have
built. Property developer, the
Mah Sing Group released
a statement that they have
projected for residential
property prices to increase
at a rate of 3%-4% after GST
implementation.
Interior design services are also
not exempted by the RMC nor do
they have zero-rated status. This
means that the rates charged
by interior designers will also
be taxable so long they are GSTregistered entities. If consumers
choose to hire interior designers
then they will have to ensure
that they are transparent with
their charges and charge the
GST according to the regulations
stipulated by the RMC.
Of course, the prices
of home appliances e.g.:
fans, stoves, ovens, home
entertainment systems as well
as furniture are expected to
increase with the GST. Thus,
the cost of a finished, livable
and decorated home might
increase to a rate between 3%
and 9%.
The GST is levied on
all goods and services
supplied in Malaysia save
for essential items.
All companies with
an annual turnover
rate of RM500, 000
must register for GST
compliance.
Property prices are
expected to increase at
a rate of around 3% - 4%
in 2015, with other home
improvement services
projected to rise 6% in
line with the GST.
153
The Neutral
The rise in property prices should,
in all actuality, create a downturn
in the property market. This is
because buyers will be turned
away from buying new properties
due to increased prices. In an
interview with the Star newspaper
in January 2015, CIMB research
proposed that buyers would
be utilizing a “wait-and-see”
approach in regards to property
for a span of six to nine months
after 1 April 2015. Such behaviour
is usually in line with consumer
behaviour in other countries.
However, the stagnation in
property purchase will naturally
act as an incentive for developers
to make their properties more
attractive to consumers. This
would lead them to seek to add
value in their properties for
prospective buyers. These can
come in the form of waived legal
fees, discounts and even providing
better infrastructure to their
developments.
Using formulae derived from
the statutes provided by the RMC
and Loanstreet.com.my, we are
GOOD NE WS!
Income tax rates will
decrease by 2% in 2015
and the bracket for the
highest income to be taxed
has been increased from
RM 100, 000 to RM 400,
000. This means those with
incomes between RM100,
000 and RM 399, 999
annually will no longer be
paying the highest income
tax rate.
Taxes for cars are
expected to decrease by
4%. Time to get a new car!
Property bought in the
secondary market will not
be taxed. Think pre-owned,
people!
Decreasing crude
oil prices could lead to a
trickle-down effect that will
lead to an overall decrease
in the cost of materials that
might be able to offset the
price increases caused by
the GST.
Item (All Properties under previous
Sales and Services Tax Scheme)
Cost
Final Cost After
Tax Claims
Profit
Margin
Sales
Price
Sales
Tax
Tax
Collected
Total
Collected
Construction
Materials
First Schedule
(eg.: bricks, cement
and floor tiles)
80000
80000
20%
96000
0%
0
96000
Second Schedule
(eg.: Other building
materials)
90000
90000
20%
108000
5%
5400
113400
Construction
209400
209400
50%
314100
0%
0
314100
Developer
314100
314100
50%
471150
0%
0
471150
Cost
Final Cost After
Tax Claims
Profit
Margin
Sales
Price
GST
Tax
Collected
Total
Collected
Construction and
Development
Item (Residential Properties under
Goods and Services Tax Scheme)
Construction
Materials
Standard
Rated Goods
(Non exempted,
non zero-rated)
170000
170000
20%
204000
6%
12240
216240
Construction and
Development
Construction
216240
204000
50%
306000
6%
18360
324360
Developer
324360
324360
50%
486540
0%
0
486540
PRICE INCREASE: 3.27%
154
able to compare the prices of a
residential home in the previous
tax regime with that of the GST’s.
Residential homes are not taxed
in both regimes, but commercial
properties are indeed subjected
to GST.
Also, under both taxes,
developers have to bear tax for
their inputs, but the proportion of
the tax is different as construction
materials like bricks, cement and
floor tiles were under the First
Schedule of items in the previous
Sales and Services Tax scheme
and were exempted from the tax,
while other building materials
were not. Under the GST, all
construction materials are taxed
at 6%.
As can be seen from the tables,
the price increase in residential
properties is 3.27% with the GST
scheme, which is entirely within
the threshold projected by Mah
Sing Group. This figure is actually
an encouraging one, because it is
not as high as several parties had
speculated it to be.
Infographic courtesy of loanstreet.com.my
The Good
There is a silver lining though,
behind all the increases in cost
that seem to come with the GST.
The fact of the matter is that the
dipping price of crude oil will
have also led to the decrease in
the cost of goods and services
in general via the trickle-down
effect. There is a possibility that
this decrease in price is enough to
offset the price increases incurred
by the GST.
Property prices on the
secondary market are not affected
by the GST. This means that
once a person has bought a new
property and decides to sell it
sometime after; the GST will not
be levied upon it even if the result
of the sale exceeds RM500, 000.
Thus, it would be cheaper to buy a
home from the secondary market.
Car prices are expected to enjoy
a small reduction, with the GST
replacing the Sales and Service
Tax, bringing about a 4% decrease
in taxation.
Income tax will see a decrease
from 1% to 3% depending on
income bracket to reduce the tax
burden of taxpayers. Meanwhile,
the highest tax income tax bracket
has been increased from RM100,
000 to RM400, 000, reducing the
percentage of taxpayers paying
the highest income tax rate.
Subsequently, the tax for this
bracket has decreased from 26%
to 24% per the Malaysian Budget
2014.
Last, but not least, consumers
will not need to pay GST for
financial services, which includes
home loans, regardless on
which market the property was
purchased from.
In Closing
The GST is seen to be
another burden upon all
consumers, because it will drive
up the prices of all goods and
services while annual incomes
are not increasing. However, if
consumers are savvy enough,
and understand how this new tax
regime works, there is no doubt
that the effects of the GST can be
minimised. Consumers are also
reminded to be alert and not allow
providers to abuse their ability
to charge increased prices out
of the boundaries set onto them
by the RCM. They should report
any abuse and misuse to the
appropriate authorities.
BE SAV V Y
There will be
unscrupulous parties
that will abuse the
new GST system.
Be wary and do the
appropriate readings
on the rulings so you
do not get caught
unawares in any
transaction.
There might just be silver
lining in those clouds
ABOVE
Go pre-owned, because items
purchased on the secondary
market are GST exempt, like
this table that was formally an
old sewing-machine.
text HANNY KEE TZE HAN
155
TECH 101
TECHNOLOGY
UNLOCKED
With digital locks replacing
mechanical locks, the future
of home security starts at your
door. Here’s a guide to some of
the smartest locks around.
THE ONLY ONE WITH A CAMER A
The Goji Smart Lock (pictured above and left) is the only one in the
market now with a built-in camera which notifies you when someone
is at your door, and shows you who it is. While it does not provide a
live feed, it takes a photo of whoever is at your door and stores it in the
cloud, allowing you to access it anywhere through a mobile app.
Like most new smart locks, it works via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi,
and can be controlled by an app or opened with a physical key.
What’s unique is that the LED screen greets you by name and
can be programmed to let someone in at certain timings.
Pre-orders can be made at www.gojiaccess.com.
MOST POCKET-FRIENDLY
Danalock from Denmark is
the only lock listed here that
can be linked up to a Z-Wave
home automation system.
Don’t fret if you don’t have
Z-Wave, it still works
with Bluetooth.
The lock contains all the
basic functions of a smart
lock; it unlocks the door as
it senses your mobile phone,
can be programmed to open
at certain timings and has
a sleek, simple design.
It’s also the cheapest of
all the locks here, with prices
starting at US$159 (RM580).
Available at www.danalock.com.
156
MOST SLEEK AND ST YLISH
One of the more common digital
lock brands in Singapore, Yale
Security Point and its locks are
trusted and used in many homes.
The Yale YDD324 lock is
reminiscent of hotel key card
scanners, just a lot more chic.
The black mirrored casing
houses an invisible keypad that
activates with a touch. Aside
from the pin code entry, it also
allows entry through a key card
and, if all else fails, a manual
key override.
The lock comes with plenty
of functions – it warns you when
the battery is low, sets off an
alarm if anyone forces the door
open, can be opened with a
remote control, and allows you
to key in fake codes to prevent
your pin from being exposed.
Available at
www.yalesecuritypoint.sg.
EASIEST TO INSTALL
Unlike the other locks, Lockitron is installed on the
inside of your home, which means no one outside
will be aware of your smart lock. Simply fasten
it over your existing lock and your installation
is complete.
The lock is connected to an app, available for
both Android (www.tinyurl.com/LockitronAndroid)
and iOS (www.tinyurl.com/LockitronApple), and
unlocks automatically when it senses your phone.
The same app will send you notifications
when the lock’s motion sensors detect someone
knocking on or unlocking your door.
Lockitron is priced at US$179 (RM645), pre-orders can
be made at www.lockitron.com.
MOST PR ACTICAL
What makes the Kwikset
Kevo Smart Lock so attractive
is that even though the
Bluetooth-enabled lock opens
with a touch of a finger, it still
comes equipped with a good
old-fashioned keyhole.
As you approach the door,
the lock recognises an app on
your smart phone, and turns its
touch sensors on. Simply tap
the lock with your finger and a
blue LED ring lights up before
unlocking your door.
Its partnering app, available
for Android (www.tinyurl.com/
KevoAndroid) and iOS (www.
tinyurl.com/KevoApple), helps you
create eKeys that you can send
to family, friends or anyone you
might need to let into your home
remotely. It can also delete the
same eKeys when needed.
The Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock is
priced at $399 and available at
Equip Design & Supply, #05-09
Plaza Singapura, tel: 6338-3838;
or at Calytron Engineering, 1 Bukit
Batok Street 22, tel: +65-8181-8989.
text AMANDA JAYNE LEE
MOST FUNCTIONS
Samsung’s latest digital lock,
the SHS-P718, is both a lock and
a door handle, making it one of
the most attractive options for
homeowners. The stylish pushpull handle, as opposed to the
traditional lever handle, makes it
easy for them to open the door.
It also makes unlocking the
door a breeze with its various
modes of access. Homeowners
can unlock the door using their
fingerprints, a pin code, an access
card or a mechanical key.
The Samsung SHS-P718 is priced
at $1,150 and available at Hanman
International, #03-157 IMM Building,
tel: +65-6564-4704.
SMART LOCKS AT A GLANCE
Pros
Cons
Convenience:
With the promise of
keyless entry, smart
locks have eliminated
the struggle of digging
through your bag for
your keys while juggling
bags of groceries at the
same time.
New technology:
Smart locks are
still relatively new,
which means not all the
kinks have been worked
out yet. But as more
companies invest in
smart-home technology,
there will be a marked
improvement in
home security.
Remote-access:
Equipped with Wi-Fi
capabilities and eKeys,
smart locks make it
possible to unlock
the door remotely for
deliveries, visitors or
family members at any
time of the day.
Security: Most locks
come equipped with
security notifications
that inform owners
through their phone
when someone enters
or knocks on their door.
Some even take photos.
Price: Most locks
are priced in the
hundreds, making them
unaffordable for some.
Security: Unfortunately,
smart locks are not any
more secure than
regular locks. They may
come with numerous
functions to prevent
unauthorised entry,
but if the smart lock is
physically broken, it is
no different from a
broken mechanical lock.
157
TECH 101
APP
HELP
From measuring your
spaces, colouring
your walls and
keeping your home
safe from intruders,
our top 10 list of free
apps for the home is
worth checking out.
BRIGHT NEST
This app provides tips to
homeowners who need help
cleaning and organising
their home. It offers tutorials
based on your cleaning needs.
For example, if you have a
dishwasher, it will pull out
several articles on them for
you to read. With an in-built
calendar and to-do list, the app
can help you create a handy
timetable for chores.
Available on iOS and Android
DULUX VISUALISER
Getting ready to paint your walls? This innovative app from Dulux is perfect for those who
need a little more than paint swatches to decide on their home’s colour palette. You’ll be
able to view the new paint colours on your actual walls through the screen of your mobile
device, making choosing a palette so much easier and less intimidating!
Available on iOS and Android
ROOM SCAN
Room Scan helps you
draw your home’s floor
plan by “scanning” your
walls. Press your phone
against one wall till it
beeps, then move on to
the next wall and so on
until you’re back at the
first wall. The layout will
appear on your phone
sans doors or windows,
unless you paid for that
function. Still in its early
stages, the layout’s
dimensions will appear
a little warped, but can
be adjusted manually.
Available on iOS
PHOTO
MEASURES LITE
Perfect for furniturehunting homeowners.
Photo Measures Lite
gives you a handy
reference to the
measurements of the
spaces in your home.
Snap a shot of the corner
you’re looking to revamp,
manually measure
spaces and save the
measurements onto the
photo through the app’s
function. You’ll just have
to refer to only one picture
to see if that sofa will fit in
your living room.
Available on iOS and Android
158
MANY THING
Many Thing is a home
security app, but what it
also offers is a live video
feed on a secondary
camera that you leave
running at home. It can
also be controlled by your
primary mobile phone
through the same app.
Available on iOS and Android
SORTLY
A home organisation app,
Sortly helps you catalogue your
belongings. Snap a picture and
add it to a category to keep
track of its location. The app
is great for those who need to
keep stock of their valuables
and those who are moving.
It also helps that the visuals
are bright and cheerful!
FURNISH
Furnish was first known as Ikea Now, an
app that superimposed 3-D images of Ikea
furnishings onto the image of the space
on your phone’s screen. The image can
be adjusted for size, rotated and saved for
further reference. It has since extended its
collection to include Crate and Barrel’s,
among other brands.
Available on iOS and Android
Available on iOS and Android
KRESTA
Test out various window
treatments before purchasing
real ones. Kresta works a little
like a sticker app, in which you
take an image of your window and
superimpose a variety of window
treatments onto it with just one
swipe. But unlike regular sticker
apps, Kresta allows you to adjust
more than just the size of the
window treatments – it also lets
you adjust the angle and colour
of your choice.
MAGIC PL AN
Magic Plan helps you create
accurate layouts of your home
using images of rooms and
virtual rulers to pinpoint corners
and wall edges. The process is
a little tedious at first, especially
with the compulsory tutorial
videos you have to watch, but
the end result is worth it. It also
allows you to add windows and
furniture pieces to your layout.
Available on iOS and Android
Available on iOS and Android
SALIENT EYE
A home security app, Salient
Eye works like a motion
detector in your home. Set
up a spare phone with the
Salient Eye app and leave it
running. If the app detects any
movement, it sends a text and
email alert to your primary
phone with pictures of the
intruder who crossed Salient
Eye’s path.
Available on Android
text AMANDA JAYNE LEE
159
EXPERTS SAY
YOUR RENO &
DECOR QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
rules to determine the size of
your carpet or rug. “Proportion
is key. The design and colour
of the rug plays a part, too.
Decide if the rug is to be the
focal point or just serve as a
complement to the design of
the room.
“If it’s the focal piece, it
can be of any size within the
confines of the living set, going
slightly under some pieces or
beyond the living set.”
Placing the edge of the
rug underneath your sofa, for
example, hides the edge from
view and creates the illusion
of a bigger space.
“As a complementary
piece, the rug should not fight
for attention and it should be
just slightly under the general
living set’s size. It should help
the living set create a sense of
space and not make the room
look cluttered,” says Hadi.
photography DARREN CHANG design FREE SPACE
We answer your renovation
and decorating questions with
help from industry experts.
E-mail questions to
[email protected].
I love the way carpets and
rugs soften a space, but I’m
not sure how to use one in my
living room. Does the carpet
go under the furniture or stop
at the edge? And is there a
general guide to how big
a carpet should be in relation
to the room size?
Carpets and other soft
furnishings are crucial in
infusing a space with cosiness
and texture.
As Hadi Nishaburi of carpet
specialist Jehan Gallery puts
it: “A rug in any room defines
a space. In the living room,
its main role is to bring the
furnishings together, create
harmony in the space and,
in doing so, build the desired
ambience. A rug helps to
demarcate an area and
emphasise the importance
of that space, too.”
He says there are no fixed
160
Decals seem to be a very quick
and easy way to decorate a bare
wall. There are so many designs
available – are smaller repeated
motifs nicer or one big mural?
I don’t want to spend the whole
day putting them up, either.
And how do I maintain them?
Wall decals are indeed a fast
decorating fix for bare walls,
and if you get tired of the design
after a few years, it’s easy to just
remove them! But there are so
many fabulous designs available;
we understand that it might be
difficult to make a choice.
Carmen Tang of Mr Fox
Creative Loft uses wall decals
for her interior projects and
provides some tips on selecting
them: “The size of the decal
really depends on the objective of
your space. As a designer,
my rule of thumb is to always
‘go big or go home’. I’ll customise
bold and original wall decals
for my clients for that dramatic
interior statement.
“However, if your aim is not
to create a feature wall, but to
complement other highlights in
your space – such as designer
furniture or a painting – then it
makes sense to opt for smaller
decals that will serve as a great
backdrop without overpowering
the ‘star’ of the room.”
Ready-made wall decals are
meant to be DIY projects, with
enclosed instructions that make
them easy to apply and remove.
Large customised ones are
slightly trickier as they require
professionals to get the job done,
says Carmen.
Decals are also easy to
maintain. She advises wiping with
a slightly damp cloth and soapy
water to remove dirt, dust, or
other substances that may end
up on your decals. Avoid using
harsh chemicals or abrasive
cleaning agents which may
damage the material.
depend on how tall you are, and
those that are too high can result
in shoulder or neck ache.
“Also, consider the height of
the back and the incline. If you like
to lean back with your feet up (as
I do), then the angle of the incline
should be quite generous and the
chair should be tall enough to
offer head support.”
She designed the Detendez
chair (pictured above) as her
personal reading chair. The shape
of the chair, which encourages
relaxation, offers great neck and
head support, and the incline
encourages one to lean back.
Nikki explains: “I chose a bold
pattern for my chair, which adds
just enough punch to enliven a
neutral room. But in a bright,
colourful space, it is bold enough
to hold its own.”
Go for upholstery in a colour
or pattern you love, so that even if
the rest of your furniture changes,
you’ll never get tired of looking at
the piece. Otherwise, just change
the chair’s upholstery to match
your other pieces.
photography WONG WEI LIANG design PROJECT FILE
photo DESIGN INTERVENTION
I have always wanted a
comfortable reading chair –
one I can spend hours in. Is the
type with “wings” better? If I
change the furniture around
it, which patterns or colours
are versatile enough to match
most furniture pieces?
Spending hours curled up with
a good book certainly requires
the right “tools” for the job. That
would be a good supportive seat.
Wing-back chairs (those
with a “wing” on each side) have
come into fashion again recently,
and contemporary fabrics can
give what is seen as a traditional
design, a modern look. The
“wings” provide head support and
were originally designed to trap
the heat from the fireplace.
Comfort is a completely
personal concept, says Nikki Hunt
of Design Intervention. “When
choosing a reading chair, think
about the position you find most
comfortable and start from there.
“Some people like soft seats,
while others prefer a firm base
to give support. Arm heights will
I don’t have a balcony, but I’d like
to keep plants at home. Which
plants will survive indoors and
where I should place them? For
plants that can grow in both water
or soil – such as money plants –
which would be a better option?
Although all plants need light for
growth, different types require
various levels of light. Not having
a balcony is certainly no barrier to
having houseplants to beautify your
home! We spoke to Hedrick Kwan,
a horticulturist at Plant Visonz, who
says: “Plants that do best indoors
are green leafy plants with little
colour and broad leaves. Plants
with broad leaves live below the
jungle canopy to capture sunlight
filtered down from the trees.”
He suggests philodendrons,
money plants, caladiums,
bromeliads (from the pineapple
family), pandan and Hoyas.
“If there is only artificial light,
stick to green plants with thick
waxy leaves. If there’s natural light,
choose coloured foliage,” he adds.
Money plants are one of
the easiest plants to grow and
propagate. Stick a portion of the
stem in water to let new roots grow
but, after that, Hedrick suggests:
“Don’t grow the plant entirely
in water as that can encourage
mosquito-breeding. Grow it in
gravel with small pebbles, with
the water level below the gravel.
This way, there won’t be exposed
stagnant water.”
161
photography DARREN CHANG
design DWELL INTERIOR DESIGN
You’ll still need a countertop
to work on, and you can build
storage spaces underneath
that, but doors are optional!
For example, homeowner
Christine Choo designed a
basic concrete-and-tile frame
for her kitchen countertop and
left it with open shelving.
Without overhead cabinets,
your kitchen will look brighter
and “lighter”. Use that vertical
space to mount rails for
hanging pots and pans, and
cooking implements. They’ll
be easier to access, too!
photography VERNON WONG
I won’t be using my kitchen
much, and don’t see the point
in building cabinets, which will
cost a lot. What other options
do I have?
We’re so used to seeing the
typical two rows of cabinets
(overhead and under-counter)
in kitchens that we don’t usually
ask ourselves if they’re
even necessary.
Carpentry usually makes
up the bulk of the cost of a
kitchen renovation, and if you
don’t plan to cook that much,
save on costs by building only
what you need.
162
How can I remove stains from
a painted wall, such as marks
made by crayons, markers,
and Blu-Tack?
In a home with young children,
it’s inevitable that your walls will
become convenient canvases for
these budding artists.
“Common marks can be easily
cleaned by wiping with a soft
sponge and a little soap solution,
says Sary Cheong of Dulux. You
can also try removing crayon and
marker stains with baking soda.
Sprinkle the powder on a damp
cloth, and scrub hard at the stain.
Some also swear by toothpaste,
which, like baking powder, acts as
an abrasive to scrub out the stain.
If the marks are on a coloured
wall, carry out a patch test on an
inconspicuous corner to make
sure your chosen method doesn’t
remove paint colour as well.
Blu-Tack that has been left
on a wall for a long time might
stain the surface when oil from
the pliable putty seeps into the
surface, especially if the wall was
painted a long time ago and has
become porous.
To remove these stains, BluTack’s website suggests a citrusbased stain remover. This might
remove the paint as well, and your
wall will need to be repainted.
Why not kid-proof your walls
with washable paints instead,
and avoid the hassle of cleaning?
Both Dulux and Nippon Paints
have paints that protect wall
surfaces and make stains and
marks easy to clean.
If your picture frames aren’t
that heavy, he recommends using
hooks attached with doublesided tape instead, such as 3M’s
Command picture hanging hooks.
There are a range of weight
options available for each hook;
use more than one hook to
hold heavier pieces. Just make
sure you follow the installation
instructions. These hooks can
also be removed cleanly when you
want to move the artworks. 3M
also offers picture-hanging strips
which hold frames using velcro.
“These will give you the
flexibility to rearrange the frames
and remove the hooks or velcro
strips without causing any cracks
to your wall,” says Ken.
text REBECKKA WONG
photography WONG WEI LIANG design 3D CONCEPTWERKE
photography WONG WEI LIANG design W2DA
I have a concrete wall that I
intend to hang lots of framed
photos on, but I’m worried about
the surface cracking when I drill
into it. What can I do to prevent
this from happening?
Photo collages are lovely to have
at home, but won’t do any favours
for your wall with all the holes you
have to drill.
If you’re planning to display
many pictures of various sizes,
it might be difficult to get their
hanging positions right. Drill in
the wrong spot and each mistake
would need to be patched up.
Interior designer Ken Lee of
Space Matters says: “It is hard to
tell if the concrete wall will crack
while drilling.”
I live in a flat, and would
love to get a pendant lamp for
my dining table. As the ceiling
is quite low, what kind of lamp
should I get and how high should
it be hung?
Pendant lamps are great choices
for dining areas. As they come in
many designs, they can also be
used to express the decor theme
you’re after.
As a general rule of thumb,
hang the light about 75cm from
the tabletop; high enough not to
obstruct your view of other diners,
but low enough to light up your
table, says Malathi Balaraman of
Ikea Singapore.
Another way is to have
someone else assist you. Stand
a distance away from the dining
area and have them lower or
raise the light to decide which
height suits the space best. The
size and shape of your table also
matters. “If you have a large table,
hang your light slightly higher so
it casts more light. If you have a
long, rectangular surface, you will
likely need more than one hanging
pendant lamp,” says Malathi.
If you are using the dining table
for studying or working, your light
source should be bright enough to
illuminate the whole surface well.
As for aesthetics, the beauty of
the pendant lamp lies in the slim
profile it offers from the line of the
electrical cable down to the shade.
So when you choose a design,
make sure that it’s not too tall.
You don’t want it to appear as if
it’s stuck to the ceiling!
163
KITCHEN
Making a Mark
You won’t forget whose glass is
whose again with Qualy Bandscape
Glass Marker. These forest-themed
non-slip grip markers are perfect
to be used during family reunions
and parties. They allow you to have
a better grip of your glass. They
come in a set of six designs.
Available from www.dsyr.com
All-knotted-Up
It is both a huge serving dish and
contemporary home decoration. Inspired
by Japanese knotwork, Mizuhiki, Royal
Selangor’s large serving dish has an intricate
pewter detailing running down its side. It
reflects affection, warmth and togetherness.
Personalise this gift for your mother by
engraving a special message on the wooden
surface. The serving dish is from Royal
Selangor’s latest collection, Knot.
Serving Utensils
What’s for lunch? More
importantly, do you have the
right tools to serve lunch? If
you don’t, get a Qualy Sparrow
Server Set. It includes a ladle,
spaghetti server, slotted and
solid spoon. Made from high
quality plastic, the server set
comes in a practical holder
which is in the form of a tree.
Available at Royal Selangor outlets.
Available from
Delima Home’s online store,
www.delimahome.com.my
Te a L i g h t L a n t e r n
Love your tea? The Golden Blessing Tea Gift holds up to 12 tea bags and
four different types of tea for you to choose from. But what is tea without an
extraordinary packaging? Made from Taiwan, the box can be used as an ordinary
lamp or a festive lantern. It is equipped with seven coloured LED lights.
Available from www.corpick.com
164
Silicon Blue
P i n e a p p l e Ta r t s
It is so pretty that you may not want to put your pots on it.
This Delft Blue Trivet looks like it came out of someone’s
cross-stitch work. The everlasting bloom from Jensen +
Co is highly durable as it is made from a flexible silicon
material.
Makes: : 40 pieces
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including jam)
Available from www.corpick.com
Mood Bin
Look out for the new FlipBin from Brabantia. The 30-litre
FlipBin are available in six colour combinations. The attractive
colours include striking White with Yellow rim, soft Mineral
Pink with Red Rim, Anthracite with Blue trimming, warm Red
FlipBin, a fresh Mineral Mint and a pure Matt Steel one. Choose
a bin that goes with your style and mood. Furthermore, you only
need to flip the lid with a finger and watch the bin open to reveal
a colourful inner bucket.
For more information from www.brabantia.com
Ingredients
Paste
Two cans 410g Ayam Brand Pineapple Cubes, drained and finely
blended
100g castor sugar
One cinnamon stick
Dough
150g butter, cold and diced
75g icing sugar
One egg yolk
30ml cold water
One teaspoon vanilla essence
½ teaspoon salt
280g all-purpose flour
50g corn flour
One egg, beaten with a pinch of salt for egg wash
Method
Paste
1. Place blended pineapple, sugar and cinnamon stick into a pot.
Cook by mixing continuously until dry. Set it aside to cool.
Dough
1. Place dry ingredients into a bowl. Blend butter until crumbly.
Add yolk and vanilla essence to produce a smooth textured
dough. Add a little bit of water if the dough is crumbly. Cover
with plastic and have it chilled for 20 minutes.
2. Roll the dough to a ¼ inch thickness in between two plastic
sheets. Stamp the dough to produce the shapes you want and
transfer them into trays lined with baking paper.
Tart
1. Roll a teaspoon of
cooked pineapple paste
into a small ball and
place it into the stamped
dough.
2. Bake in a preheated
oven at 175 Celcius for
15 minutes until golden
brown. Cool them on
wire racks.
Recipe from Ayam Brand. For more information,
visit www.ayambrand.com.my
text NG YI XIANG
165
FIX IT
OUT WITH THE OLD
Arm yourself with a dustpan and our spring cleaning checklist,
and get ready to whip your home into tip-top shape!
Even if you clean your home regularly; once a
year, throw open your windows, let sunlight in and
reorganise your space. Clean out every nook
and cranny you might have overlooked. Here are the
three basic steps of spring cleaning:
Clear clutter: Toss out things you no longer need
and reorganise your space by packing items you
don’t use often into boxes.
Dusting and cleaning: Now that your surfaces are
bare, wipe down every corner to get rid of dust.
Tackle the floors: After dealing with surface clutter,
clear the floor of residual dust and store any small
odds and ends.
ROOM-BY-ROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST
Living Room
Remove curtains and other household
fabrics for washing
Clear storage cabinets and small items
from the television console
Unplug wires and keep consoles and
electronics out of the way when you clean
Dust and wipe all surfaces, including the
ceiling fan
Sweep and mop floor
Reorganise storage space and cables
Kitchen
Clean and clear fridge, including ice trays
Clean all appliances
Empty cabinets and drawers before wiping
them down
Wipe all surfaces
Sweep and mop floor
Reorganise drawers and cabinets
Clean stovetop and burners
Bedroom
Declutter by organising items into boxes
Clear your closet, under the bed, storage
cabinets and shelves
Remove bedding and curtains for washing
Dust and wipe all surfaces, including the
ceiling fan
Sweep and mop floor
Replace bed linen and curtains
Unpack and reorganise your closet,
storage cabinets and shelves
Bathroom
Remove all items from the shower area
and from the vanity counter
Clean your glass and mirrored surfaces first
Clean the tiles, followed by the grouting
Clean the WC and the shower area
Wipe all surfaces clean and let them dry
Replace any holders or soap dishes that
have mould growing on them
Reorganise loose items.
166
text AMANDA JAYNE LEE photography FRENCHESCAR LIM
buying guide
YOUR ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
MALAYSIA
Acacia Fine Fabrics
tel: +603-4252-3378
www.acaciafabrics.com
Aeon Index Living
Sdn. Bhd.
Lot No.LG-30, 31 & 33,
Lower Ground Floor,
IOI City Mall
Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City
Putrajaya
www.indexlivingmall.com.my
A-Jung Electric
Sdn Bhd
Suite E-06-08,
Plaza Mont Kiara,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6201-9101
Alpha
tel: +603-5740-6666
www.alphamalaysia.com
Apex
For store listing, go to
www.apexboutique.com
BoConcept
T112 Bangsar Shopping Centre,
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2011-0178
Bilton Industrial
Products Sdn Bhd
Feruni Ceramiche
12 Jalan 213
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7784-7277
Goodrich Global
M-2-2 Block M
Plaza Damas Phase II
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-6201-5757
Gudang Damansara
S15 Bangsar Shopping
Centre
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2092-2618
Guocera
5th Floor Wisma Kemajuan
No 2 jalan 19/1B
Petaling Jaya
Tel: +603-7958-7922
Harvey Norman
For store listing, go to
www.harveynorman.com.my
Hafele
18 Jalan Juruhebah U1/50,
Glenmarie
Selangor
tel: +603-5569-2526
Hitachi
95 & 95-1, Jalan 1/17
Taman Fadaso,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6257-6327
Suite17.3, Level 17
Menara IMC,
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2031-8751
Bosch
Ikea
Caesarstone
www.caesarstone.com.sg
2 Jalan PJU7/2
Mutiara Damansara
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7726-7777
Deep Living Sdn Bhd
Interfal
www.bosch-home.com.my
C-01-07 & C-01-08
Skypark at One City
Jalan USJ25/1, Subang Jaya
Selangor
Tel: +603-5594-2491
Eastern Decorator
Sdn Bhd WHITE ROOM
(Eastern Decorator
Sdn Bhd)
Suite E-3A, Level 3A,
Corporate Bulding (Block E),
Southgate Centre, No2, Jalan
Dua, Off Jalan Chan Sow Lin,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-9222-3488
Electrolux
tel: 1300-88-1122
No 45 & 47
Jalan SS18/1B
Subang Jaya.
tel: +603-5638-9213
Janine
S112 Bangsar
Shopping Centre
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2094-9530
J & J Chesters
Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Block B-0-1, Megan Avenue
1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2166-4121
KDK
3rd Floor,
No 15 Jalan Tandang
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7785-5011
Kimgres Marketing
Sdn Bhd
MML (Malaysian
Mosaics Sdn Bhd
Kitch
Molecule
Lot 5, Jalan Kilang/Jalan
217
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7783-9811
1A Jalan 205,
Off Jalan Tandang
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7718-7333
Sharp
No 1A Persiaran Kuala
Langat Section 27
Shah Alam
tel: +603-5102-5311
Signature Kitchen
6.49.02 Pavilion KL
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2148-3300
Lot 24 Jalan Teknologi
Taman Sains Selangor 1
Kota Damansara
tel: +603-6286-7000
Muji
Space Furniture
Kitchenaid
tel: +603-7877-5216
5.10.00 Pavilion KL
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2141-0223
Lazzoni
Namu Haus
Stadler FormBlue Orange
Resources Sdn Bhd
G16 Bangunan
Perdagangan D7
800 Jalan Sentul
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +6018-599-8233
154 Jalan Maarof
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603+2201-3323
Legrand
Lot 1888, Jalan KPB7,
Kawasan Perindustrian
Balakong, Selangor
tel: +603-8962-3333
LG
tel: 1800-822-822
www.lg.com
Lightcraft
145 Jalan Sungai Besi
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-9222-2413
Ligne Roset
S3 Pamper Floor
Starhill Gallery
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2710-3388
Linds Furniture
162 Jalan Maarof
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2094-6055
Lorenzo
For store listing, go to
www.lorenzo-international.com
Marco Corporation
(M) Sdn Bhd
2-2nd Floor, Jalan
Segambut,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-4043-3111
Metrojaya
www.metrojaya.com.my
Miele
Menara Kencana Petroleum
Solaris Dutamas
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-6205-3899
3 Jalan Timur
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7932-3999
Nippon Paint
tel: 1800-88-2663
www.nipponpaint.com.my
Niro Ceramic (M)
Sdn Bhd
Lot 2, Persiaran Sultan
Section 15
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-5033-9333
Panasonic
Lot 10, Jalan 13/2
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7953-7600
Rinnai
D2-3-G & D2-3-1,
Block D2, Pusat
Perdagangan Danau 1,
Jalan PJU1A/46,
Ara Damansara
tel: +603-7832-0037
Rubine
Fiamma Tradings Sdn Bhd
WismaFiamma
No. 20, Jalan 7A/62A,
Bandar Menjalara,
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-6279-8888
Pensonic
tel: 1800-881-770
www.pensonic.com
Robinsons
The Gardens Mall
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2089-1188
Samsung
Suite E-09-01,
Level 9 East Wing
ICON Jalan Tun Razak
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2165-0000
3-12 The Intermark Mall
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2166-2212
Storage Systems
15-2-3, Megan Corporate
Park, Block B, Jalan 1/125E,
Taman Desa Petaling,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-9057-7933
Teka
tel: +603-7620-1600
Terracotta Tiles
15 Jalan Pendidik U1/31
Hicom Glenmarie
Shah Alam
tel: +603-5569-4799
Toshiba
Tel: +603-5565-8000
www.toshiba.com.my
White Horse Ceramic
tel: 1800-88-1880
www.whitehorse.com.my
Vanguard Interiors
D1-G/M Jalan Selaman 1
Dataran Palma,
Ampang, Selangor
Tel: +603-4270-3933
Vileda
Freudenberg
Household Products
(M) Sdn Bhd
Level 15-08,
PJX-HM Shah Tower
No16A, Persiaran Barat
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7932-5729
Vluz Concept (M)
Sdn Bhd
40, Desa Sri Hartamas,
Jalan 28/70A,
Kuala Lumpur,
Tel: +603-2300-1665
167
FLASHBACK
photography MYTH STUDIO
2
photography SOO PHYE
1
THE TREND
AGE OLD ANTIQUES
Antiquity adds a little
mystery to your home. With
the right bits and pieces
of furniture and home
decoration paired together,
you can create a very distinct
western or oriental feel.
As we flipped through
our past issues, we realised
how even the most quirky
objects or culturally
different ones can fit
into a space filled with
accessories of a certain
168
period. Of course, there is
always an object lying in
wait to subtly represent
where these items are from
(e.g. an old decorative piece
of a European bus).
It also reflects your
personality. For example,
a brown oak desk with
accessories such as
binoculars lying on top of
fountain pens, brown paper
and (hint!) a globe at the
side, would give off the
text NG YI XIANG
feel of an adventurous and
studious person. To create
an area which stays true to
a particular era requires
a lot of research and time
in sourcing and collecting
these items.
1 Antiques often have very unique
characteristics, giving the room a
worldly, sophisticated feel.
2 Insert decorative pieces such as
an European bus for a subtle hint
ofthe country that inspired the
design.
Marketed by:
Kitch (M) Sdn Bhd (566346-V)
85, Jln Klang Lama, Batu 3, K.L. Tel: 03 7982 8233
Block M-1-6, Plaza Damas, K.L. Tel: 03 6201 2541
Email: [email protected] Web: www.kitch.com.my
BATHROOM
SPECIAL
Taps, washbasins
and showerheads
galore.
places we love
Heritage buildings, beautiful cafes and more
CONTENTS
N OW
The Latest in Design and Decor News
20
14
16
18
H OT S E AT –
GJ CHAIR
ART –
MIMI MASHUD
ART –
IRENE HOFF
Much like all Danish furniture, the
GJ chair features strong, clean
lines and looks effortlessly
modern and stylish.
This illustrator’s work is inspired
by her travels.
This Dutch artist creates fables in
her collages.
24
25
26
PEOPLE –
CHAN MUN INN
CHECK OUT –
B AT T E R Y A C I D C LU B
ART – EYE ON
SINGAPORE
Making every design to
measure is this architect’s
work philosophy.
Clean, minimalist and cool
describes the interior of this café.
Get to know more about
contemporary art from local artists
Donna Ong and Genevieve Chua.
28
4
20
29
TREND – FROZEN
IN FURNITURE
PEOPLE –
MARK YONG
Resin is being used in innovative
ways to play up the natural beauty
of organic material – in the
process, creating pieces akin to art.
Chairman of Singaplural and
marketing director of Ewins.
0
3
CHECK OUT –
C LU B M E AT B A L L S
BW Furniture’s new showroom
doesn’t just feature furniture, It
also includes Club Meatballs, a
restaurant-showroom concept.
PLOUM sofa. Design: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec.
Catalogue: www.ligne-roset.com
Exclusively at Starhill Gallery, S3 Pamper Floor, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel : +603-2710 3388 Fax : +603-2710 3807 Email : [email protected]
Unit G-12, Bangunan Perdagangan D6, No. 801 Jalan Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel / Fax : 018-716 6768
CONTENTS
FE ATURES
50
76
PLACES WE LOVE
STYLE SOAKED
Great design can be found
everywhere if you know where to
look. Here’s a list of places that
never fail to awe.
The design of your bathroom and
what’s in it, is as important as the
cleansing effect of water. We’ve
rounded up the best-looking tubs,
faucets, washbasins, showerheads
and more.
68
PEP UP YOUR
B AT H R O O M
You can’t change the tiles or
sanitaryware in your bathroom on
a whim, but you can enhance the
style with thematic accessories.
68
50
6
CONTENTS
H OM E S
114
122
A BOLD MOVE
Large colourful paintings,
statement-making furnishings
and hypnotic patterned tiles
come together to create
beautiful, dramatic interiors in
this home.
128
DARING TO BE
DIFFERENT
No major renovation here.
This couple transformed
their apartment simply with
decorations.
AN ELEGANT BASE
A RAW APPEAL
In this simple, streamlined white
space, it’s the many treasured
items from friends and family
that enrich the interiors with
meaning.
A major reconstruction revealed
raw elements that worked to
the advantage of this interior’s
industrial loft style.
REGUL ARS
12
EDITOR’S NOTE
167
WHERE TO BUY
168
FLASHBACK
146
FULL OF CHARACTER
At just 506sqf, this cheery
apartment is home not just to
Norman and Judy, but also to
Astroboy and Tintin!
photography TAN WEI TE
art direction YEW XIN YI
8
138
D E S I G N PO R T R A I T.
Ray, seat system designed by Antonio Citterio. www.bebitalia.com
spacefurniture.asia
Singapore 77 Bencoolen St.
Kuala Lumpur Level 3 The Intermark Jalan Tun Razak
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
EDITORIAL
Editor
Elaine Dong
([email protected])
Writer
Ng Yi Xiang
([email protected])
Editorial Assistant
Hanny Kee
([email protected])
C R E AT I V E
Creative Director
Frederick Lim
([email protected])
Senior Graphic Designer
Chang Ming Hin
ADVERTISING
SALES
Advertising Directors
Heng Chip Hian
([email protected])
Simon Ling
([email protected])
Sales Manager
Michelle Yow
([email protected])
Advertising Sales Executive
Jessy Lai
([email protected])
Marketing & Advertising
Operations
Monique Tan
([email protected])
([email protected])
PHOTOGRAPHY
Senior Circulation &
Subscription Manager
Francine Louis
H OM E & D E C O R
SINGAPORE
Chief Executive Officer
Datin Azliza
Ahmad Tajuddin
([email protected])
Senior Consultant
Loo Kit Choong
([email protected])
General Manager, Business
Develpment And New Media
Mohd Faizal Abdul Hadi
([email protected])
Head Of Corporate
Communications
Margaret Sebastian
([email protected])
Senior Human Resources
Manager
Habibah Muhammad
([email protected])
([email protected])
Senior Finance Manager
([email protected])
Assistant Circulation &
Subscription Manager
([email protected])
Edmund Lee
([email protected])
Photographers
Daniel Lai
([email protected])
KK Yong
([email protected])
Patrick Chan
Kenneth Sew
Junior Executive,
Circulation & Subscription
Mohd Fadzli Saleh
([email protected])
([email protected])
Production Manager
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L
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EDITOR’S NOTE
loving
the space
you’re in
This month, the team searched voraciously for
interesting nooks and crannies around Klang
Valley, and we unearthed some gems. Combined
with our colleagues across the causeway, we
present 80 of the best loved places around KL
and Singapore.
We roll out our bathroom special, where
we find the latest in taps, tubs, basins and
more. Perhaps it’s time to give your bathroom a
makeover.
In addition to these great features, we have a
story on how to choose art for your home, as well
as a spotlight on four designers who embrace
minimalism.
Enjoy browsing through the various beautiful
and creative homes, and you may just find the
right idea for your own home renovation.
Have a great month ahead.
Do let us know what you think of our new look.
Drop us a message on our FB page
(www.facebook.com/HomeandDecorMY)
or e-mail us at [email protected].
Check out our blog on
www.homeanddecor.com.my.
We will be uploading content on design, homes,
products and lifestyle daily. Sign up and you can
play around with the thousands of photos we
have on the site, clipping the ones you like to
your very own mood board.
p.68
DECORATING
YOUR BATHROOM
Get the latest on bathroom
fixtures in our special.
ELAINE DONG
EDITOR
12
p.98
BARE MINIMUM
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NOW
Follow
the Rules
Here’s one
wallcovering to rule
them all. The Vintage
Rulers wallpaper,
made up of a photo
collage of old-school
wooden rulers, is
definitely too stylish
for the schoolroom.
It’s designed by
Mr and Mrs Vintage
for Dutch wallpaper
company NLXL.
Vintage Rulers is also
available with a pattern of
smaller rulers. Each roll
(48.7cm by 1000cm) covers
53sqf. NLXL is available
through Dream Interiors.
text REBECKKA WONG photo NLXL
15
NOW
GJ
Chair
Why We Love It
Much like all Danish furniture, the GJ
chair features strong, clean lines and
looks effortlessly modern and stylish.
Lauded for its unique shape, it won first
prize in a design competition organised
by British newspaper Daily Mail in 1963.
The sculptural form, made of two pieces
of moulded plywood, was extremely
complex to manufacture then, so only
300 copies were produced. In 2008,
Lange Production was chosen to
relaunch the pieces.
Who Designed It
Danish furniture designer Grete Jalk was
well known for her bold, curved designs,
many of which were sought after –
not just for commercial purposes,
but also for exhibitions and private
collections. Initially a philosophy and
modern languages student, she picked
up design in 1940 at the Design School for
Women, and continued her education with
the Danish Design School in 1946. Many of
her creations were inspired by Charles
Eames’ moulded plywood pieces.
What It Inspired
Shortly after designing the GJ chair,
Grete created a companion side table,
the GJ nesting table, which was built
in collaboration with cabinet-maker
Poul Jeppesen. Both are now available
through Lange Production.
T H E GJ C H A IR IS MADE BY
L A N G E P R O D U CT IO N AND
AVAILA B L E AT DA N IS H DESIG N,
S IN GA P OR E
16
The GJ Chair
is available in
several types of
wood, including
teak, Oregon
pine and
black-stained
ashwood.
text AMANDA JAYNE LEE photos DANISH DESIGN
NOW
MIMI MASHUD
BASED ON HER
TRAVELS, THIS
ILLUSTRATOR BRINGS
A LOCAL FLAVOR TO
HER COMICS.
FROM LEFT
Kuala Terengganu in 7
Days depicts her travelling
experience to her mother’s
hometown; Feast your
eyes on the local food from
Kuala Terengganu.
18
A pen is mightier than a sword. This is
exceptionally true for a freelance illustrator
who draws her travel experiences using pens
on Moleskin sketchbooks.
“I am from Bandar Baru Bangi,”
Mimi says. “I have a brother who does
3D visualisations and a sister who bakes
cupcakes.” The graduate of Monash
University, Australia has five years working
experience as a multimedia designer (a job
she quit due to her passion for hand-drawing,
doodling and urban sketching).
Albeit having a certain cartoonish element
to her drawings, there are realistic sceneries,
subjects and people with a very refined touch
to it. Her favourite artists, Guy Delisle’s
Jerusalem, Florent Chavouet’s Tokyo on Foot
and Craig Thompson’s Carnet de Voyage
books sparked her idea of a travelogue.
Mimi not only draws, but writes her
own dialogues in the comics detailing her
travels. She loves reading the works of Haruki
Murakami and Lorrie Moore and that on its
own, influenced her writing, dialogue-wise.
Her first book Beijing in 5 Days, reveals
Mimi’s first package tour with her family
of five while the second travelogue Kuala
Terengganu in 7 Days documents her
travel to her mother’s hometown. Although
currently tied up with her freelance
illustration projects to produce her third
travelogue, Mimi says she is planning to go
on a few trips this year. We wonder where
her next destination will be - Langkawi,
Penang, Alor Setar, Selangor, Thailand?
On normal days, you may bump into her
at two of her favourite places. But be
forewarned! Mimi may be heavily armed
with a fresh supply of books, comics and
stationaries from Kinokuniya and Cziplee.
“I can’t stop buying them!” And when she
puts her pen and notebooks aside, Mimi
plays Threes on her iPad and runs in several
marathons. As for now, we await her latest
travelogue with anticipation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, V I SI T
WWW.MIMIMAS H U D .C OM/
“I a m f ro m B a n da r B a r u B a n g i ,” M i m i says .
“I h a ve a bro th e r w h o do e s 3 D v i su a l i sations
a nd a si ste r w h o ba ke s c u pca ke s.”
text NG YI XIANG photos MIMI MASHUD
IRENE
HOFF
This Dutch artist
creates her own fables
in her collage works.
20
“I work in a studio in the middle
of the rice fields. My mind is
calmed by a big fish pond and it is
a place where my creativity works
in full force,” says Dutch artist,
Irene Hoff.
Coming from a farm in North
Holland, Irene currently resides
in Bali with her children. The
artist received a degree in HR
management and her initial move
to Jakarta, Indonesia was due
to her work as a consultant in a
telecommunications company.
Irene extended her stay when
her former boyfriend found a job
in Jakarta. After her split with
him, she moved to Hong Kong
for two years and Vietnam for
five years before settling down
in Bali, a place she loves and
used to have a hard time leaving
when she visited the island from
Jakarta.
“I loved to draw as a child
but my career as an artist begun
coincidentally with a collage I
made for my oldest daughter.
People loved the piece and orders
started coming in,” Irene recalls.
It has been 10 years since. Today,
she produces numerous pop
art and collage works, some of
which are inspired by her children
such as her HEROIC series. She
uses a Playmobil toy as her main
subject.
“The Playmobil toy has a
lot of sentimental value to me. I
used to play with them and now
my kids do too. To be honest, I
still love to play with them,” Irene
says. “I am attracted to the bright
colours and the smaller details
incorporated in a piece of art. You
can only see them if you take a
closer look. I want my pieces of
art to narrate an exciting story.”
In her World of Beast series, Irene
chooses animals as her subjects.
Her collage comprises striking
colours, patterns and motifs to
give it a certain vibrancy, detail
and life. “Once an artwork is
completed, I send the image to
my brother who writes the stories
about these animals. There is
always a moral element behind
the exciting stories he writes,”
she says. They are incorporated
with traditional Eastern and
Western influenced fables which
are suitable for children. “If I could
create my own story, I would
TOP LEFT
Flying like a
dragon.
TOP CENTER
Wow Sunny Rain
RIGHT
Truce
BOTTOM
RIGHT
Hangin in There
create a world where people live
together in harmony.”
The overlapping and placement
of each cut-to-perfection
material seem to belong to a
specific area and in a precise
order. With careful plans and
well-thought out concept, she
keeps everything contained and
neat within a canvas, something
that we least expect in a collage.
Visually, this somehow gives it
an Indonesian and Japanese
touch. Irene further accentuates
a bird’s characteristics through
colours and movements such as
Hanging in There and Flying Like
a Dragon from the World of Beast
collection.
To depict them, Irene uses
acrylic paint with print coated
paper which has patterns she
designed herself. She says
she chose the pop art medium
because, “it simplifies things
and gets rid of the unnecessary
details, yet, it shows the
relevance of what you need to
see.” She intends to give resin a
try. “I think it gives a nice thick
coating, a different feel and
texture to a piece of artwork.”
At a glance, questions come
into mind. Where does her
inspiration come from? What
runs through her mind when
she’s working on her art? Where
does she get her materials? How
did she visualise where each
element should be placed? Does
she sketch them out first?
Inspired by the world and
the challenges faced by human
beings, Irene intends to inspire
people to have the drive to
achieve their own goals through
21
CLOCKWISE
FROM LEFT
REF34
The Other Woman;
Wow Sunny Rain;
PAPGAAI; Duck
Tape; Transparent.
22
her art. “I believe in the law of
attractions and feel that people
should keep believing. I refer to
my kids who have pure dreams
and sense they can do and create
anything they want. I hope that my
paintings can give a bit of power
and happiness to the world.”
Her artworks make good
interior decorations. “A good piece
of art will be the focal point of a
room. Since my art pieces contain
small details, the bigger ones
will look better. It works even if
the room is small. I believe art
gives out good energy boost and
sparks creativity in others to help
them reach their own dreams and
visions.”
Impressed by many talented
artists who are yet to be
discovered in Bali, Irene collects
art together with her business
partner and sells them under the
Art Auxion. “We hope to get these
artists known internationally,”
the artist says. Irene’s significant
accomplishments include her
collaboration with hotel owner,
Melanie Hall to create art pieces
for Luna2 Studiotel in Bali.
Moreover, the artist had her first
solo exhibition with the HEROIC
series at TAKSU Bali. “I am more
confident. I am ready to make
the next step up the ladder and
get my art out of Asia and have
it inspire people. That is already
happening,” she says.
Irene exhibited her art in
countries such as Bali and
Singapore at the beginning of this
year and at the Affordable Art Fair
in London and New York back in
March. “I would first like to keep
going on the road and slowly
spread my art all over the world
so I can touch positively, people’s
lives from a distance.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
VIS IT WWW.IRE NE H OF F.C OM
OR WWW.GONGS ANH O.C OM
text NG YI XIANG photos IRENE HOFF
23
NOW
What distinguishes EDI from its peers?
We wouldn’t consider EDI a “trendy” design
office but instead a design office that tries to
avoid trends. EDI’s main focus is residential
and that there is a need to allow for the
design of each home to develop through time.
Timelessness is something that we try to
achieve.
CHAN MUN INN
ARCHITECT OF
ESSENTIAL DESIGN
INTEGRATED (EDI)
What is your design philosophy?
Made to measure. Each home is different and
is only defined by each owner that uses it. Our
philosophy is always to place homeowners’
needs over design; the design has to work for
them and not the other way around.
Do you have any tips for homeowners when it
comes to decoration/renovation?
Be prepared and honest with yourself on what
you really want and what you really need. There
is a fine line between the needs and the wants
and that each homeowner can go overboard
with the wants. Get help from professionals
and trust them to give you their best advice.
It has been said that architecture is driven
by human’s desire to compete, i.e. bigger
buildings, grander interiors. What is your
thought on this?
Size doesn’t really matter in this case. Bigger
does not mean better when it comes to
design and that a well thought out and crafted
intermediate terrace house can sometimes
provide better spatial qualities than a large
generic bungalow.
What are your views on the interior design
and architecture industry in Malaysia?
The industry is quite mixed with a host of
practices focusing on design “trends” and
constantly chasing that trend. A handful of
designers are starting to understand that design
moves beyond that of the surface materials
and is starting to look at spatial qualities and
composition within the interior spaces.
E SS E NTIAL D E S IGN INTE GR ATED I S AT 5 7
JALAN SS 22/19, DAMANS ARA JAYA, SELAN GO R,
TE L: +603-7727-0199.
LEFT
EDI changed the main
entrance of this house
from the front to the side.
BOTTOM
The J House in Subang
Jaya features a courtyard
that lets in natural light.
O u r philo s o p hy i s a lways to p la ce h o m e ow n e rs’
ne eds over d es i g n; t he d es i g n h a s to wo r k fo r
t h em and no t t he o t her way a ro u n d.”
24
text WENSHAN PANG photos EDI
Founded by two graphic designers and a
collector-cum-curator, Ooi Swiss Tee, Aaron
Tan Song Hau and Foo Hsiang Hsien aspire
to educate people about design through the
mix of German and local products in a shop
located within the café.
Even as items from a designer named
Dieter Rams are featured on a desk in the
front portion of the shop, the small and cosy
shop boasts the best vintage finds of army
clothes, best-selling Braun watches, Lamy
pens, Obsolete & Co.’s vintage stationaries,
design books, authentic Vietnam War
watches from World War II and pieces of
furniture including Eames LAR armchair.
It is a place where Swiss narrates
an interesting story about design to her
customers. “Did you know Jonathan Ives
(Apple’s senior vice president of Design) was
inspired by Braun?” she asks. “We want to
communicate with our customers. We didn’t
want a café where customers would leave
after having a cup of coffee,” says Swiss who
is in charge of retail.
Meanwhile, a trained barista from
Artisan Café, Aaron, mans the espresso
machine under the BAC neon lighting.
He also designs the labels of their coldpressed juices. At BAC, they offer a variety of
homemade pastries and outsourced cakes
and tarts to go with your coffee.
They can be savoured from a choice of
modular seats, a stand-alone long table or
al-fresco. “Our space, which is designed by
SWOT Design Group, is able to accommodate
various workshops and art events. The
modular seatings are removable and on top
of that, we installed railings to hang artwork
easily,” says, Hsiang Hsien.
Situated among a row of shop lots
depicting their concept of the 70’s to the
late 80’s look, Battery Acid Club looks like
a well-designed lab devoid of a signboard
from the outside.
B AT T E R Y
ACID CLUB
BELOW
[From top] a desk
displaying the works of
Dieter Rams; a kitchen
counter; interior of
Battery Acid Club; Passion
Fruit Meringue tart and
Dark Chocolate Mousse
Raspberry tart from
Ling’s Kitchen.
BATTE RY AC ID C LU B IS AT 2 1 , JALAN SS2 1 / 3 4 ,
DAMANS ARA U TAMA, 47400, PETALI N G JAYA,
S E LANGOR (NE AR KAYU ARA),
TE L: +603-7733-9682.
text NG YI XIANG photography DANIEL LAI
25
NOW
DONNA ONG
Besides winning the Best Emerging Artist
Using Installation category at the awards,
37-year-old artist Donna Ong has exhibited
in biennales around the world, and made
a name for herself through intriguing
installations which she creates with
furniture and found objects.
EYE ON
SINGAPORE
How was it like when you started your
career as an artist?
In Goldsmiths College in the UK, where I
studied Fine Art, it was all about how to make
art and how to critique your own art, but they
don’t teach you how to write for grants or how
to get an exhibition. And, unfortunately, I was
very naive about those things.
But it was an enjoyable time as well,
because nobody had seen my artwork before,
and there was a sense of freedom in not
having expectations. Now, when people come
to see my work, there’s a certain fear that
they might say it’s not as good as the last one,
or that it’s not what they expected.
DON’T
UNDERSTAND
CONTEMPORARY
ART? GET TO KNOW
MORE ABOUT IT
FROM TWO OF OUR
FINEST LOCAL
CONTEMPORARY
ARTISTS.
THEY WERE
SHORTLISTED FOR
THE PRESTIGIOUS
PRUDENTIAL EYE
AWARDS 2015,
WHICH RECOGNISES
THE EMERGING
Give us a brief summary of your
art installations.
My early works were always about play and
make-believe. I try to look at children’s games
– for example, pretending that the space
under the table is a cave – and playing them
seriously as an adult.
Now, I build my own environments in my
works, but also include more history in them.
I’m also interested in tropical greenhouses
in the West, and how the Westerners’
fascination with the tropics hasn’t faded.
ART SCENE IN ASIA.
What do you hope your works can achieve?
For people to have a more layered view of life.
So that the next time you see a kid playing
with a doll, you not only remember your own
childhood memories, but also the experience
of viewing my installations. Art is about having
a richer perspective – it’s like experiencing life
with surround sound.
ABOVE
Donna shares that
as a result of living
in Singapore, where
most of her time is
spent indoors, many
of her installations
tend to be confined in
small spaces, too.
RIGHT
One of Donna’s
earlier works
include the eerie but
fascinating Secret
Interiors: Chrysalis
installation, where
dolls are “preserved”
in jars.
26
A r t i s a b o ut h a v i n g a r i c h e r
p ers p ect i ve – i t ’s l i ke ex pe r i e n c i n g
li fe w i t h s ur ro un d so u n d.
What does it mean to be a contemporary
artist in our current times?
It’s really fantastic. There aren’t any barriers
between what can be art, and what is art.
RIGHT
Genevieve’s personal
challenge now is
to show a new way
of viewing things
through abstract
visual elements.
BELOW
Part of her
Ultrasound series,
this piece of artwork
features ultrasound
scans of a reservoir
in Singapore.
It is assumed that contemporary art is
strange and wonderful, and that you can
use any medium.
But the art market is also very much
part of the scene. You have the integrity of
the work, which is what you’d like to make,
but you also need to look at the market,
and make work which can fit into people’s
homes, or can be sold.
A balance needs to be achieved, and in
order to survive and keep on making work,
artists sometimes have to create works
which might not fit with their vision.
I t’s i m po r ta n t to be se l f - a w a re a n d dis ce rning,
a s o u r g e n e ra ti o n i s ove rsti m u l a te d.
Everything also moves at a frenzied pace,
but it doesn’t mean that art has to move
in that speed. For example, I need to be
very clear of what I’m interested in at the
moment, then move on to bigger, better
things in the future. Young artists also need
to understand that people take turns being
in the limelight, and that limelight moves
towards or away from you very quickly.
GENEVIEVE CHUA
Intrigued by the wilderness, Genevieve Chua,
31, is a visual artist who tackles the ideas of
fear and the loss of control in her works.
Since bagging the National Arts Council’s
Young Artist Award in 2009, her works have
evolved to include photography, painting
and installation.
Tell us more about your work at the
Prudential Eye Awards exhibition.
The Cascade Underground & Upper Floors
(pictured top) is a diptych (two separate, but
connected, works) that I did in 2012.
The dots on the work are from an
ultrasound scan of a reservoir in Singapore.
On each piece is a blueprint of a shopping
mall, and the building appears to be
flooded. I was interested in the sense of
vertigo, and hoped to bring across the
feeling of urgency and speed with very
few visual elements. It’s basically a work
that’s made up of dots and lines.
What is your work process like?
As a full-time artist, I cannot just rely on
inspiration, because inspiration comes
on a whim. I generate ideas by creating
a routine. I wake up very early in the
morning, go to the studio at Goodman
Arts Centre, and basically try and work on
different things.
Many of them may fail but, maybe
once a week, I have a breakthrough in
which I find something new to explore,
and I’ll go with that.
What are some qualities an emerging
artist should possess?
It’s important to be self-aware and
discerning, as our generation is
overstimulated, especially by the
Internet.
text MAVIS ANG photography TAN WEI TE art direction YEW XIN YI
What makes a good piece of
contemporary art?
What makes an effective piece – I wouldn’t
say “good” – is if it lingers in your mind
for more than 24 hours. Even if you find
yourself still hating it after a day, it makes
for good conversation.
How should one better appreciate
contemporary art?
Audiences often snap a picture and
move on. But I think it’s important to
look at the artwork as part of the artist’s
whole trajectory. People often forget
that artworks are chronological, and the
artist’s journey can be very textured and
interesting to learn from.
27
NOW
LEFT
The weathered textures
(created from the
burrowing of shipworms)
of the oak mooring poles
in the Venetian canals are
preserved and celebrated
in the Bent Bench by
Italian design firm Alcarol.
Resin and thin pieces of
wood were used to create
the linear structure, so it
looks like a single folded
plank. www.alcarol.com
Frozen In
Furniture
Resin is being used in innovative ways to play
up the natural beauty of organic materials –
in the process, creating pieces akin to art.
LEFT
The Bloom collection of
dining, coffee and side
tables by British Columbiabased MTH Woodworks
puts the focus firmly on
the growth rings of tree
trunks. The cedar and
birch used is salvaged
from Vancouver Island, and
combined with a flat resin
surface, highlighting the
beauty of the wood. www.
mthwoodworks.com
Polish designer
Wiktoria Szawiel
captures the
immaterial qualities
(such as temperature
and light) of Eastern
European landscapes
familiar to her within
physical objects. The
Landscapes Within
collection comprises
a chair, a side table,
stools and vessels,
each with their own
“recipe” of wicker
or rattan cast into
different resins for
a variety of textures
and opacities. www.
wiktoriaszawiel.com
28
text LOUISA CLARE LIM
ABOVE
Souvenir of the Last
Century by Italian art
and design collective
Nucleo makes use of
reclaimed discarded
antique furniture.
These are encased in
amber-toned resin,
embodying a fossil-like
appearance and the
idea of preserving
craftsmanship from the
past. Made exclusively
for Gabrielle Ammann
Gallery in Cologne.
www.nucleo.to
needed. We cannot rely on our former
reputation as original equipment
manufacturers, because we’ll lose out in the
price game – we need something unique in
order to compete,” says Mark, who is chairing
Singaplural’s organising committee this year.
As the anchor event of Singapore Design
Week, Singaplural’s fourth edition will
see design installations, talks, tours and
exhibitions consolidated at a singular venue.
It was also designed to reach out to the
masses and celebrate the beauty of design.
“There’s going to be a real festival
atmosphere down at the site!” Mark quips,
revealing that performance artists, as well as
creative food and beverage vendors, will be
part of the festivity.
He laments that local businesses do
not yet readily invest in design to propel
their businesses to greater heights, such as
those in Japan and South Korea. Yet, he is
optimistic that as the design industry here
matures, it won’t be too long before the
public respects and appreciates the essence
of design.
MARK YONG
CHAIRMAN OF
SINGAPLURAL AND
MARKETING DIRECTOR
OF EWINS
Things are really picking up for the design
scene in the Asean region, Mark Yong
confidently remarks. As the marketing director
of furniture fittings company Ewins, his
work brings him into contact with European
suppliers. They started probing him about
business opportunities within South-east Asia
a couple of years ago, and interest has been
high. At the same time, companies based in
our neighbouring countries are looking to
Singapore as a platform to reach out to the
global audience. “I’m like a matchmaker now,”
he confesses jovially.
That is exactly what Singaplural, a weeklong design event hosted by the Singapore
Furniture Industries Council, which
showcases the different disciplines of design,
aims to do.
“To take Singapore’s design to an
international level, a unique branding is
ABOVE, LEFT
Si n g a po re i s a g o o d
co n du i t fo r A se a n
de si g n e rs a n d th e
g lo ba l a u di e n ce .
text MAVIS ANG photography ZAPHS ZHANG art direction YEW XIN YI
Although Mark
graduated with a
business degree, his
interest lies in design,
especially typography.
BELOW
Formerly the Central
Police Station, this
iconic building on
Beach Road will be
home to Singaplural.
29
NOW
LEFT
The meatball-centric
restaurant features
lighting from EOQ,
tables from Fritz Hansen,
and bar stools from Hay.
BELOW
This stylishly designed
raised platform, which
occupies part of Club BW,
is where some staff work.
BELOW, LEFT
The Club House, which
has hosted wedding
receptions, quiz nights
and yoga classes, can be
booked for free with the
purchase of a food-andbeverage package.
BOTTOM
Designed to resemble a
shipping container, the
facade of the food kiosk
is a nod to the way BW
imports its products.
C LU B M E AT B A L L S
BW Furniture’s new showroom doesn’t just
feature furniture. Its 6,000sqf location is
sectioned into three spaces, Club BW,
Club House and Club Meatballs,
a restaurant-showroom concept designed
by Geila Daughtrey of Rockett Studio.
This gastropub is a joint venture with the
folks behind sandwich cafe Sarnies, and the
mix-and-match menu allows diners to choose
from a selection of meatballs and sauces,
offering up to 125 variations.
From the designer furnishings to the
retro floor tiles inspired by the motifs of old
butcher’s and grocery shops, its interiors
are a visual feast. Walk through the back of
Club Meatballs and you’ll find Club BW, a
cosy office with a meeting room-cum-semiprivate dining area that is a contrast against
the loftiness of the Club House opposite it.
Filled with indoor palm trees and furniture
from the 20 brands under BW, the Club House
functions as a showroom and a public working
area. Simply make a purchase at the food
kiosk to enjoy free usage of the space and its
private office pods.
Previously a lacklustre-looking food
court, the lively space now features eccentric
furniture sculptures by students from the
Lasalle College of the Arts. Putting the space
together was akin to working on a “massive
jigsaw puzzle”, says Geila. With its pieces
aligned, this trendy site is now complete.
C H E C K OU T C LU B ME ATBALL S AT
#01-35 C H INA S QU ARE C E NT RAL,
20 C ROSS S TRE E T, S INGAP ORE,
TE L: +65-6222-8660.
30
text ANGELA LOW photos CI&A PHOTOGRAPHY
New Window View, New Outlook.
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NOW
DEEP LIVING
FURNITURE MADE
FROM THE HEART OF
THE COUNTRY
Not many furniture stores can
boast that all of their products
have been created from
materials sourced from within
the nation, but Deep Living can.
It has made a name for itself
by designing unique pieces of
furniture since 2011.
Nestled in the heart of
Putrajaya’s beautiful new IOI
City Mall, Deep Living’s new
outlet houses a plethora of
quality furniture. Their Creative
Director and Consultant, Blaine
Robert utilises materials that
are available locally and brings
his creative vision to life in their
Shah Alam factory.
You can find plush sofas,
elegant dining tables and cozy
chairs within the doors of Deep
Living. Look a little closer, and
you will be spoilt for choice in
the brightly lit showroom. It
goes to show you that you don’t
need the most exotic materials
to make a house a home. All
you need is a good eye and of
course, quality products.
D E E P LIVING IS LOCATE D AT LOT L2-49,
IOI C ITY MALL, LE BU H IRC , IOI RE S ORT C ITY,
62502 P U TRA JAYA, S E PANG, S E LANGOR
ABOVE
Deep Living offers unique
pieces made from locallyavailable materials.
34
text HANNY KEE photography PATRICK CHAN
BELOW
The Facade.
BOTTOM
It’s not every day when you
see a powder-blue sofa set
that seems to go well with
everything.
Good
Shopping
Time at
HOMEDEC!
ALTHOUGH GST WAS IMPLEMENTED ON 1 APRIL
2015, YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE
PRICE TAG THAT COMES WITH HOME PRODUCTS.
HOMEDEC KEEPS YOUR WORRIES AT BAY AS IT
OFFERS UP TO 60 PERCENT DISCOUNTS.
HOMEDEC gives a whole new meaning to
the GST acronym as it provides shoppers
with a “Good Shopping Time.” Furthermore,
shoppers who want to have a home makeover
or refurbish your homes, can expect valueadded services and complimentary products
from exhibitors.
Besides the shopping experience,
there are three different contests for you to
participate in during the HOMEDEC event.
Stand a chance to bring home cash rewards
and great prizes worth up to RM210, 000 by
participating in the HOMEDEC contest or
RM5,000 when you snap a picture and write
a funny caption about the Cuckoo’s giant
rice cooker. You don’t even have to make any
purchase to win RM6,000 daily cash vouches
sponsored by Alfo Design Sdn Bhd.
So, what are you waiting for? Mark your
calendar. The event starts from 1 May to 4 May
at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. There
will be 380 exhibitors and 1,100 booths to
browse and shop at.
PRE - RE G IS T E R OR FO R MO R E INFO R MAT IO N
V I SI T, W WW. H OM E D E C . C OM.MY O R WWW.
FACEBO OK . C O M / H OM E D E C.EX HIBIT IO N
text NG YI XIANG
36
BALANCE
IN DESIGN
Founded with the happiness and well-being of their
clients in mind, Deep Living strives to bring balance
by introducing exquisite pieces of furniture.
In a small studio of barely 1,200 square-feet,
you find Deep Living, a furniture shop that
mostly sells Italian imports. In 2011, it opened
a second outlet in Georgetown, Penang, and
then a main gallery in One City Mall’s Sky
Park in SubangJaya with a 7,000 square-feet
showroom. Deep Living expanded once more
in February 2015, with its first concept store at
IOI City Mall, Putrajaya
The brainchild of Blaine Robert, Creative
Designer and Design Consultant, Deep Living
is out to bring warmth and excitement to its
clients via quality products, in order to meet
their expectations and provide them the
greatest satisfaction possible.
Deep Living’s acre-long factory in Shah
Alam brings Blaine’s creations to life, using
materials that can be obtained locally. Every
single piece of furniture produced here is
customisable, unique, and is scrutinised
according to the highest quality standards,
where every stage of production is carefully
monitored by Blaine and his team. Nothing
leaves the factory without his stamp of
approval.
There is rhyme and reason towards
Blaine’s stringent standards. He believes that
it is of utmost importance that there is clear
knowledge about the core workings of design
and manufacturing as well as attention to
detail before one is able to create something
fundamentally interesting. “If the inside
doesn’t work, it won’t be able to work on the
outside,” Blaine explained.
“There is very little that we can control in
our lives, but we can do so with our homes. So
long as we pay attention to our surroundings
and fill them with the things we love, we will all
have the balance that all of us are working so
hard to achieve. Finding this balance will give
us peaceful, enriched lives,” he says.
38
Thus, it can be said that Deep Living operates
upon the principles of continuous innovation.
Blaine highly encourages his employees
to be constantly on their toes, to be always
renewing their processes for the better, to
discover any improvements to their designs,
even in the way they manufacture their
pieces. Thus, he believes that the constant
training and improvement of his employees’
skills are highly necessary.
Deep Living does all of this because
they are committed to their clients. The
expression, “We are buying clients, not
selling furniture” was used by Deep Living
to ensure that they cultivate lasting,
meaningful relationships with their clients,
where their expectations are always met
with respect.
ABOVE RIGHT
Comfort meets stylishness
in this plush sofa set.
TOP LEFT
An interesting leather
chair that will make a
great conversation starter.
RIGHT
Simplicity meets
functionality in this
outdoor dining set.
“We are buying clients, not selling
furniture” was used by Deep Living
to ensure that they cultivate lasting,
meaningful relationships with their
clients, where their expectations are
always met with respect.
P LE AS E VIS IT H TTP : //WWW.D E E P LIVING.C O M . M Y
/V1/C ONTACT-U S / FOR A F U LL LIS T OF D E EP LI VI N G
OU TLE TS AND S H OWROOMS .
text HANNY KEE photography PATRICK CHAN
39
NOW
Jotun Global
Tre n d s 2 0 1 5
Jotun released three new colour themes
under their premium Majestic True Beauty
range for the first time in South East Asia. The
launch celebrated Everyday Beauty, Everyday
Simplicity and Everyday Balance. Lisbeth
Larsen, Global Colour Manager for Jotun stated
that the themes were created in order to make
choosing colours for the home an easy process,
while maintaining harmony within the home.
“You can pick a green from one theme and not
worry that the pink from another clashes with
it. No matter what colours you have chosen,
we have ensured that you’ve made the right
choice,” she says.
Larsen recommended blues for the
bedroom to aid relaxation, nuances of red for
the hallway to induce character and light greys
for the living area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, V I SI T HTTP: / /
WWW.JOTU N.C OM/MY/E N/B 2 C/ CO LO URSINS P IRATIONS /GLOBAL-TR EN D S/ I N D EX. ASPX
Fo r A l l o f B a b y ’s N e e d s
Having a newborn is a blessing indeed, a messy blessing, that is. That is
why IKEA has come up with the new Sniglar changing table which comes
with a shelf underneath the table so you can have all of your baby’s
essentials within reach. What happens when your baby grows out of the
table? Just take the changing mat away and you’ll have a new shelf!
IKE A IS LOCATE D AT MU TIARA DAMANS ARA, P E TALIN G JAYA.
M.A.Dness is Coming!
M.A.D Furniture is the brainchild of Matt and Dan, designers who
spent over 10 years in every aspect of the furniture industry across
Asia. They set up M.A.D in 2010 to satisfy their need to design and
develop furniture that is not only useful, but also affordable and
desirable for the modern and the urbane. Their tables and chairs are
now sold in 20 countries worldwide, with operations based in Asia,
including a product development and testing facility cum assembly
plant in Southern China, aptly christened the M.A.D. lab. Their
designs are fresh, innovative and contemporary, ensuring a complete
product experience for all their clients.
V I SI T W W W. Q U E L F U R N IT U R E.CO M
40
Christian Lacroix Nouveaux
Mondes – Nature as a Dream
Enter an undiscovered world where the colours and textures are
intense, where nothing is more spectacular and beautiful than nature
itself. The new Christian Lacroix Maison collection for Designers Guild,
Nouveaux Mondes brings us through dense rainforests teeming with
exotic flora and fauna to the lush greenery of the Caribbean Isles.
Each and every one of the new designs honour nature unspoiled and
untouched through the dreams of a traveller.
Mariposa depicts multicoloured butterflies in all their beauty,
while Canopy bursts with latticed exotic flowers, feathers and foliage.
Barbade is the memory of wicker baskets laden with nature’s
bounties and Pantigre teases with the glimpse of an ethereal
panther, or was it a tiger?
VIS IT WWW.JANINE .C OM.MY
Timeless Beauty with
Liuligongfang
Liuli is the product of an ancient Chinese artform of glass-casting,
where minerals are inserted into molten glass to create multicoloured sculptures of pure beauty. This year, Liuligongfang
brings us a collection synonymous with Chinese culture, wishing
all a long, prosperous life.
L I UL I G ON G FA N G IS
LO CAT E D AT
LOT 2 .0 1 . 0 6
L EV EL 2 FA S H ION
AV ENU E , PAV IL IO N
KUA L A LU M P U R .
A Ro y a l M o t h e r ’s D a y 2 0 1 5
Mother’s Day is the day to tell Mum you love and appreciate
her. Since you are already going to give her a gift that
will be treasured to no end, why not move a step further?
Select any product from Royal Selangor’s large array of
gifts and enjoy a complimentary personalisation service.
Choose from laser or traditional engravings to make your
gifts extra special.
Royal Selangor suggests the Revala Vase with a glass
outer surface and a pewter inner vessel. Engrave your
mother’s initials on glass and make the gift hers in every way.
AVAILABLE AT ROYAL S E LANGOR OU TLE TS .
41
NOW
All New Fabric Collection
* The chair is upholstered with Tulum
Premium brand, Estelle has a variety of new fabric collections
for you to choose from. Her new Acapulco collection includes the
unique, Tulum. The soft and gentle movements of leafs offer a
contemporary look indoors. Choose from a variety of colours such
as soothing Peony, domineering Onyx, sharp and alluring Red and
easy going Denim.
E S TE LLE IS AVAILABLE F ROM ACAC IA FABRIC S . V I SI T
WWW.ACAC IAFABRIC S .C OM
Bring H&M
i n t o Yo u r
Home
Can’t get enough of
H&M? Well, why don’t
you drop by H&M Home
for items that you can
decorate your home
with? Our pick is this
rose gold candlestick.
Not only it has a
beautiful, voluptuous
base, but a sleek,
straight flute to hold
your candles well.
Black, White and Everything
in Between
Here lies the riddle posed by time immemorial: black or
white? Well, with Eiffinger’s new, simply named Black & White
collection, you never have to choose between the two. Just have
them both!
Incorporating various typographical designs, geometric
prints, hound’s-tooth, gingham and even damask prints in
different combinations of black and white, there will surely be
wallpapers from the collection that will match your space.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO WWW.GOOD RI CHGLO B AL. CO M
H &M H O M E IS LO CAT E D AT AVENUE K , JAL AN AMPANG , K UALA LU MP U R.
42
Revolutionise Home
Sound Systems with
Phillips
The lack of space should not be a damper
on the quality of your home’s sound system.
This is why Woox Innovations introduced
the Phillips Fidelio line, featuring Phillips’
Crystal Clear Sound that reproduces
the most minute sound details without
distortion for up to 5 hours of music and 10
hours of movie playback per battery charge.
With its two detachable, wireless
Bluetooth-enabled speakers, the Fidelio B5
soundbar provides a comprehensive and
customisable listening experience, whether
you are watching your favourite TV shows
by day or the latest action film by night. It is
powered by Dolby Digital’s Dolby Pro Logic
II technology, while being protected by a
special cloth covering that resists dust and
accidental liquid spills.
T H E P H ILL IP S F ID E L IO B5 IS AVAIL ABL E AT
A L L H A R V E Y N OR M A N O UT L ET S.
Inject Some
Personality into
Yo u r H o m e
Happiness, surprise and even
anger are all moods and
emotions that surround us as
living, feeling humans. Enter
Aino’s new Idee Haha stools,
which come in not only different
colours, but also expressions.
What does your space feel
like? Is it surprised, angry or
winking at you?
VIS IT WWW.AINO. CO M . M Y
43
NOW
Where Luxury and
Art Collide
Situated in Jakarta’s Kuningan commercial
centre, right next to the Ciputra Artpreneur
Centre that celebrates art and theatre in the
city, Raffles Jakarta increases the company’s
global portfolio of hotel and resorts to 12. The
hotel pays tribute to legendary Indonesian
artist, Hendra Gunawan, where every inch of its
walls is graced by his works. The hotel offers
panoramic views of the city with floor-to-ceiling
windows in each room.
The hotel will also launch its Signature
Spa with six treatment rooms, comprehensive
fitness centre, a Yoga terrace, tennis courts,
swimming pools and a 300m jogging track
on the 14th floor that goes through a Hendra
Gunawan-inspired garden.
V I SI T H T T P : / / WWW. R A F F L ES.CO M/JAK AR TA
K e e p t h e C e n t re o f Yo u r
Home Organised
Ever since its invention, the telly has been the focal point of every living
room to the point that we will be hard put to find any living space without
it in its centre.
Hence, to prevent the central space of the living room organized and
clutter-free, IKEA has released the Hemnes TV storage combination so
that everything will have its own space for DVDs, books and even small
pieces of art.
IKE A IS LOCATE D AT MU TIARA DAMANS ARA, P E TALIN G JAYA.
S p o t l i g h t Tu r n s To I P C
After opening its first store at Ampang Point last July, Spotlight
has now expanded to IPC Shopping Centre. It is a store that caters
to crafty hobbyists of all kinds, from party organisers, passionate
home decorators and avid dressmakers. The IPC store will cover
2000 square metres, housing more than 70000 products ranging
from home furnishings and decor, fabrics, right down to craft and
hobby essentials. ìSprucing up your home will be less stressful
and indeed hassle free,î said General Manager of Marketing for
Spotlight, Jono Gelfand.
SPOT L I G H T IS LO CAT E D AT AMPANG PO INT AND IK ANO POWE R
CENTR E, V IS IT S P OT L IG HT ’ S WEBSIT E WWW.SPOT L IG HT.CO M.MY
44
Where Malaysian
T i m b e r Ta k e s
Centre Stage
Malaysian Timber was the star
of the Malaysian International
Furniture Fair Furniture Design
Competition (MIFF FDC),
sponsored by the Malaysian
Timber Council (MTC) with the
support of nine local timber
manufacturers. The aim of the
competition was to promote
awareness about Malaysian
timber as a versatile, beautiful
and eco-friendly material which
constituted 80% of Malaysian
furniture exports.
Contestants were paired with
the timber manufacturers to
create their entries. Stephanie
Ng impressed the judges by her
simply-designed but well-executed
Malaysian Red Balau chair,
winning RM 10000 and accolades
from the international jury, while
Alice Lee’s multifunctional rattan
cuboid piece and Wan Nur Hanis’
Merpauh-made Infinity Lounge
Chair were the first and secondrunners up.
Samsung does
E v e r y t h i n g f o r Yo u
Doing the laundry is tedious, backbreaking work, which is why the wealthy
hired washerwomen to do all their
laundry for them in the years of yore.
Samsung’s new activedualwashô comes
with a built-in sink with water jets and
a gentle scrubbing surface, providing
a space to pre-treat stubborn spots so
all the washing can be done within the
laundry unit, saving effort and time while
avoiding messes and back pain due to
the sink’s height, which negates the
need to crouch while doing the laundry.
F UR T H ER IN FOR M AT IO N ON T HE CO UNCIL’ S
ACT I V I T IE S CA N B E OB TA INED FR O M WWW.MTC.CO M.MY.
VIS IT WWW.S AMS U NG. CO M / M Y / HO M E.
Happy 40th
Anniversary!
The #Atribute Project was launched
in celebration of Giorgio Armani’s 40th
Anniversary. Share and show the world
your tribute to Giorgio Armani through the
website, www.atribute.armani.com. The
platform is dedicated to Giorgio Armani’s 40
years of existence in the fashion industry. It
consists of forty different themes including,
history, jacket and sketch, for each year
Giorgio Armani existed. Let’s not forget
that the consistency and timelessness of
Armani’s vision are also seen in the elegant
pieces of furniture under his creation of
Armani Casa. Both fashion and furniture
brings a look of sophistication.
VISIT WWW.ATRIBU TE .ARMANI.C OM/IT/ATRIBU TE -TO-H IS TORY
45
NOW
Miele Malaysia Partners With
Erawan Classic Thai & Fusion
Having equipped Erawan Classic Thai and Fusion with top-of-the-line
appliances, Miele unveiled its new partnership with the restaurant by
treating invited guests to an 8 course, Thai-inpsired Omakase menu,
helmed by Chef Korn. Cassandra Teo, General Manager of Miele
Malaysia said, “We are honoured to have this partnership with Chef
Korn and Erawan Classic Thai & Fusion to demonstrate that German
appliances can be used to produce Asian cuisines without a hitch. We
will also continue to support the local culinary scene in the future”.
The new suite of kitchen appliances Miele provided included a coffee
machine, an oven, a steam oven, a combination steam oven, warming
drawers and an induction hob with a total worth of over RM 100,000.
THE M I E L E GA L L E R Y IS LO CAT ED O N T HE G R O UND FLO O R OF ME NARA
SA PUR A K E N CA N A P E T R OL EUM, SO L AR IS DUTAMAS.
LG Asserts Its Position
LG hardly rests on its laurels. That is why it rolled out two new portable
projectors despite being the industry’s top LED projector maker. The
new models released are the Minibeam Pro (PF1500) and the Minibeam
TV (PW800).
The Minibeam Pro is not only highly mobile and light, but takes
mere seconds to set up. They connect wirelessly to any gadget with an
estimated lifespan of 30000 hours. It comes with full HD resolution,
weighing at only 1.5 kg, and is the quintessential mobile cinema for any
film-buff on the go.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VIS IT WWW.LG.C OM/MY.
Save More With Electrolux
Gone are the days when dryers and washes come in separate
machines. With Electrolux’s new Time Manager Series, you get a
machine that does all the washing and drying for you.
The Time Manager series of appliances come with a Time
Manager, Auto Sensor Dry, Leaf Lifter and Water Efficiency
functions to ensure greater energy and water savings, while
laundering your clothes gently to elongate their lifespan.
The series comes in 7kg (EWW12742) and 8kg (EWW12842)
capacities, retailing at RM3120-RM 3240 and RM 3480-RM 3600
respectively.
FO R M O R E IN FO R M AT ION, VISIT WWW.EL ECT R O LUX .CO M.MY
O R CA L L T H E C U S TO M ER HOT L INE AT 1-300-88-1122.
46
Self-cleaning Oven, Anyone?
If you are the kind of person who dislikes dealing with soot and grime,
then you would be highly interested in the Brandt FP1585X 60cm builtin pyrolytic oven. A pyrolytic oven basically heats up to 500°C so that
dirt and food particles will melt off the oven’s walls. After the oven
self-cleans, simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth. It’s that simple! The
FP1585X also comes with 7 cooking functions and quadruple layer glass
panels that remain cool despite the extreme heat within the oven.
B R A N DT M A L AISE IS LO CAT ED AT 17, JAL AN PE ND ID IK U 1/31, H IC OM
G L E N M A R IE INDUST R IAL PAR K , SECT IO N U1 40150 S H AH ALAM
OU R PICKS
Artwork
1. Dark romantic beauty photo art, from BoConcept
2. Mei Ling oil painting, from Kare
3. PJATTERYD, Flora Maia prints from Ikea
1
The Workhorse Phones
are here
Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, new offerings
from the Korean giant that will essentially make running your
business a breeze. Equipped with the powerful Octa-core Exynos
64 bit processor, and a clutter-free, intuitive UI, multi-tasking will
be easier than ever. The new phones are protected by Samsung
KNOX, a real-time security platform that will protect both
devices from any malicious attacks. They are also enterpriseready, supporting many popular IT infrastructures catered to
enterprises. Also, the phones now sport highly efficient batteries,
where a 10-minute charge will power the phone for four hours of
regular usage, greatly increasing their mobility and efficiency as
compared to their predecessors.
V I SI T WWW. S A M S U N G . C O M.MY
48
2
3
FEATURE
80
50
PL ACES
WE LOVE
Malaysia and Singapore have always been closely
intertwined. From architectural and historical
buildings, to beautifully designed spaces,
we find gems in Klang Valley and Singapore.
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they have beautiful silks and trimmings
Market in Kuala Lumpur. The colonial-
is not only a national heritage site, but it is a building filled
for evening dresses and wedding gowns
art decor and architecture of the main
with historical value. Everything from its design, layout, colour,
on the third floor.”
building are simply stunning despite
schemes, furniture to the existing structure and timber
- Gerardine Loggere, Interior decorator
having been turned into a tourist spot.
paneling of the hotel is a great inspiration to me. They were
and owner of Tatum Company.
It is in excellent condition considering
restored elegantly. The Orchid Conservatory is one of my
it was built over a hundred years ago.
favourite rooms. It is a relaxing oasis of calm to have a cup of
Today, it remains a great venue for art,
tea on a hot sunny day!”
design and cultural exploration for
- Nik A Ramli, interior designer and founder of
designers and local people.”
Nik A Ramli Enterprise.
“I love going to the fabric store, Jakel,
“I recommend going to the Central
“I love visiting the Majestic Hotel. Built in 1932, the hotel
- Andrew Chong, founder of
Andrew Chong Design.
“I love visiting the Majestic Hotel. Built in 1932, the
hotel is not only a national heritage site, but it is a
building filled with historical value. Everything from
its design, layout, colour, schemes, furniture to
the existing structure and timber paneling of
the hotel is a great inspiration to me.
photo JASON LEE
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“Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
in Sentul West is one of the most
interesting venues in Kuala Lumpur
by far. It is an amazing building built
alongside the old railway warehouse.
It is really interesting to see how the
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to the existing building. Although
ALPHABET PRESS
AT, BA N G S A R
the main function of the building is a
Although their current workshop is not exactly open
performing arts centre, experiencing the
to the public for visits, one of its co-founders tells
architecture of KLpac is amazing!”
us that a museum is in the works! Alphabet Press
- Andrew Chong, founder of
shares the space with APW (Art Printing Works), an
Andrew Chong Design.
old printing factory.
new architecture has been adapted
BANGSAR,
KLANG
VALLEY
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PULP BY PAPA PALHETA,
BANGSAR
Situated within the APW compound, Pulp conducts workshops
like cupping and fixing coffee machines. The remnant of the
past (Pulp was previously a paper cutting room) lingers on
with a vintage paper-cutting machine. It is reused as a table
where customers test out the taste and aroma of coffee before
photo JASON LEE
purchasing the beans.
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SRI KANDASWAMY
KOVIL,BRICKFIELDS
Over a century old, the Sri Kandaswamy
Kovil has its deities including Sri
Shakthi Vel Peruman and Lord
Shamugar reside in a temple (for
over 80 years) which bares majestic
pillars and richly decorated halls.
It has a sacred garden and two
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ponds including Saravanapoikai and
Skandapuspakarani. The temple is one
of two temples in Malaysia to celebrate
W E I - L I N G G A L L E R Y,
BRICKFIELDS
the Kathirgama Kodiyetram festival.
The Peranakan antique doors beckon
you into the art gallery. Wei-Ling Gallery
occupies a pre-war building which has
vintage shutter doors as windows. In
contrast to its quaint facade, the threestorey high gallery houses various
contemporary art pieces in its 7,000 sqft space. Besides artworks, its ground
floor functions as an antique warehouse.
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BRICKFIELDS,
KLANG
VALLEY
BUDDHIST
MAHA VIHARA,
BRICKFIELDS
It was established in 1984 by an ethnic
group from Sri Lanka, called the
Sinhalese. The Buddhist Maha Vihara
was created as a place of worship
photo JASON LEE
based on the Theravada tradition. The
space includes a pond, Bodhi trees, a
pagoda area, shrine hall, bell tower, a
wisdom room and a Buddhist Institute
where Dhamma classes are conducted
in English and Mandarin.
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CHURCH OF THE
H O LY R O S A R Y,
BRICKFIELDS
Masjid India, Little India in Jalan Tun
Sambanthan is vibrant in colour. It has
to complete the construction works
abundant shops selling sarees, music,
of the church (completed in 1904).
sweets and home appliances. Apart
However, it was damaged during War
from the sweet smelling flower vendors
World 2. Reparations were done 46
on the road side, there are fortune
years after the war and it began to take
telling services, beauty parlors offering
the form of a neo-gothic architectural
threading and restaurants to indulge
style with wings added and pointed
in the local cuisine. Temples within the
arches which are seen in cathedrals and
vicinity are worth a visit.
It took only 18 months for French
missionary, Father Francis Emile Terrien
to complete the construction works of the
church (completed in 1904).
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STATE CINEPLEX,
SHAH ALAM
STADIUM
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PETALING JAYA
The Shah Alam stadium comes into
S U LTA N A B D U L A Z I Z
SHAH GOLF CLUB,
SHAH ALAM
Probably one of the oldest theatres
mind when one thinks of soccer. The
Drive through the signature archway of
running in Malaysia, the Lotus Five
spectacular curry-puff shaped stadium
KG SAAS (Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz
Start State Cineplex reminds us of the
which consist of 80, 000 seats and 5,000
Shah). This luxurious club is reflected
beauty of an old movie theatre where
standing spaces is the work of architect,
through its beautiful stained glass
movie posters are hung. It is a building
Hijjas Kasturi. Although it is one of the
largest stadiums in Selangor to date,
windows and chandeliers. Adjacent to
on its own with a restaurant beneath
the cinema.
like the one in Kelana Jaya during a
sports day, it causes massive traffic
jams during soccer seasons.
the clubhouse, there is a sports centre
where squash courts, swimming pool,
gym and shower facilities are. Although
barbecue pits, movie theatre and the
arcade (think Tetris) are no longer
there, it is still a beautiful visit to make
especially when you enjoy a round of
golf through its lush course.
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As compared to the one in Jalan
missionary, Father Francis Emile Terrien
BRICKFIELDS,
KLANG
VALLEY
LOTUS FIVE STAR
LITTLE INDIA,
BRICKFIELDS
It took only 18 months for French
churches all over Europe.
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RAJA TUN
U D A L I B R A R Y,
SHAH ALAM
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SHAH ALAM
GALLERY
LORONG BELAKANG,
SHAH ALAM
It has distinct triangle shaped rooftops
Apart from the little stretch given to the
When books, technology and
and a huge compound. Located right
artist near Pasar Seni, this stretch of
environment are combined, you’d get to
next to a lake surrounded by palm
back road located at section 7 of Shah
enjoy not only the park outside this five-
trees, the Shah Alam Gallery not
Alam had spots reserved for hand-
storey library, but your kids are able to
only showcases artworks but holds
picked artists who won the Laman Seni 7
enjoy the facilities of a reading tree, a
occasional workshops. If you’re lucky
Shah Alam competition. The competition
stage, activity room and creative zones.
enough, you will get to own a copy of a
which was divided into four categories,
Movie lovers and techies are able to
signed catalogue based on the artist you
3D painting, 3D installation, street
enjoy a 6D motion ride cinema, playing
meet. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at
furniture and painting on site – was part
Xbox games or enjoy using one of the
the local handicrafts store outside.
of the programmed of “pengindahan
100 computers in the compound. There
lorong belakang.” It is an initiative of the
is also a gym in the library.
Shah Alam City Council to change the
atmosphere of back roads.
SHAH ALAM,
KLANG
VALLEY
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P E TA L I N G
JAYA,
KLANG
VALLEY
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Wat Chetawan built by local builders and skilled craftsmen
Close to China town, The Front Door café settles on the site
from Thailand, sits on four and a half acres of land in Petaling
BUKIT JALIL
of a heritage building. The cafe’s exterior and bare brick walls
Jaya. The main shrine hall (Vihara Viharn), completed in 1962,
NATIONAL STADIUM
inside have a colonial feel with a concrete walkway that leads
is heavily gilded in gold leaves and decorated with reflective
to the Grocer’s Inn at the rear of the building.
The commonwealth games were held in
bits of glass tiles. The temple consists of a bell tower,
Bukit Jalil National Stadium. Considered
Maitreya Buddha pagoda (laughing Buddha), the Kuan Yin
one of the largest stadiums in the world
pavilion, columbarium and the monk’s kuti. Devotees are able
the stadium has 100, 000 seats. It is also
to receive treatments in the sauna area and enjoy authentic
a well-known venue for concerts.
Thai meals at a food stall.
WAT CHETAWAN,JALAN PANTAI
OFF JALAN GASING
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A campus completely surrounded by 10ha (27 acres) of greenery
South Korean Cinema chain, CGV
and five blocks set around a 2.2ha (5.5 acre) man-made lake.
Cinemas, will open its first Malaysian
The campus consists of anatomy, engineering, wine and
Cultureplex in mid-2015 at Empire City
computer labs, hostel, hotel (Ruemz hotel is run by students),
Mall in Damansara Perdana. A movie
uni-gym, swimming pool and a four-storey library. Other
complex with 20 screens spread across
facilities include the Gallery and critique room and mood court.
seven levels, it has 4DX with motion
NWKA Architects Sdn Bhd was in charge of the architectural
seats and private cinemas with lounge
aspect of the campus. It was completed in 2010 at the
and dining, each with a seating capacity
construction cost of RM450 million.
of 100 to 600.
TAYLOR’S
LAKESIDE CAMPUS,
SUBANG JAYA
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CGV CINEMAS,
DAMANSARA
PERDANA
THE FRONT DOOR CAFE,
J A L A N S U LTA N
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LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY
CENTRE, TAMAN TUN
A library, community centre, a multipurpose hall, tennis
and badminton courts are located within the compound
at Athinahapan. Accompanied by their parents, kid’s may
enjoy books and facilities on the ground floor of the twophoto ROBIN YONG
storey building. Apart from that, residents may hang out in
the cafeteria.
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BUKIT LEMBAH KIARA PARK,
TAMAN TUN
Enjoy nature as you get a good work out. Besides the jogging
tracks (uphill and downhill), the park spots new exercise
facilities. Apart from a pond and various picnic spots (not to
mention beautiful scenery), there is large enough room for
group activities such as Tai Chi at the base of the park. Just
beware of the birds and monkeys when there is food with you!
Find out how you can participate in organised activities such as
photo ROBIN YONG
mountain biking and jungle trekking at www.klmbh.org.
It is a place which broke history. The Union
Jack was lowered and the Malayan flag was
raised here on August 31, 1957. The lush
field includes a flagpole at an impressive
height of 100 meters and is deemed one of
the tallest in the world.
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KUALA
LU M P U R,
KLANG
VALLEY
MERDEKA SQUARE,
KUALA LUMPUR
It is a place which broke history. The lush field includes a
flagpole at an impressive height of 100 meters and is deemed
one of the tallest in the world. The annual Merdeka Parade is
held here. Located opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad Building,
Merdeka Square is also surrounded by historical buildings
including the Royal Selangor Club, music museum, textile
museum, Kuala Lumpur library and children’s library.
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Z A K K A P I P I T,
CHERAS
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Looking for a cosy, warm yet
JALAN
YAP AH SHAK,
KUALA LUMPUR
homey and artsy place to buy your
This street is part of the heritage row at
stationaries from? Look no further,
Jalan Doraisamy. It is named after the
the shop located at Taman Connaught
fourth Kapitan of Kuala Lumpur. Also
offers homemade stationaries
known as Yap Chee Ying, the Kapitan
created by local designers. They
who is from the Fui Chui Prefecture
include rubber stamps, notebooks,
had gambling businesses in several
vintage toys, stickers, post cards and
states. He owned 43 tin mines in Kuala
various other arts and crafts.
Lumpur and was also the Selangor state
councilor and juror of Kuala Lumpur
high court.
BRICKFIELDS,
KLANG
VALLEY
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TAMIL METHODIST CHURCH,
BRICKFIELDS
The church has moved from the junction of Batu Road to
then Jawa Street (now Jalan Tun Perak) and from Malacca
Street to the current location at Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad
in the 1961. The church which doubles up as a kindergarten
and a learning centre for the poor, also offers emergency
assistance regarding citizenship, and other services including
counselling. The Church also offers Telugu and Nepalese
Ministry service.
M P PJ S P O R T S
COMPLEX, KELANA
JAYA
DPAC, DAMANSARA
PERDANA
What makes this performing arts centre
The municipal pool in Kelana Jaya is
unique is its old-school cinema light
one of the largest swimming complexes
box signage with bold black and red
in Selangor. It has two eight-laned
alphabets. The Damansara Performing
swimming pools which measures up to
Arts Centre is located in Empire
50 metres in length. Lockers and shower
Damansara.
facilities are available.
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photo ROBIN YONG
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DECK
Prinsep Street
“A photography venue that’s made up
SINGAPORE
of containers - you just wouldn’t expect
something like this nestled in a concrete
neighbourhood!” – Mavis Ang,
Home & Decor writer.
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THE PROJECTOR
G o l d e n M i l e To w e r
The Projector comprises two
thirds of what was the original
Golden Theatre that was built in
1973. It was known for its Chinese
films in the 1970s and 1980s,
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“adult” art films in the 1990s and
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PETAIN ROAD
(near Somme Road)
including artists such as Marcel
“There is something very
“It has some of the most
was something that was missing
romantic, old-fashioned and
well-preserved Peranakan
in Singapore, and this seems to
“I love the creative vibe at and
architecturally stunning about
houses, and it’s also a peaceful
have all the right ingredients to
around Lasalle College of
the place. It’s so serene and
street where time seems to stop
grow into something awesome.”
the Arts. Sometimes, I take
tranquil during the day, and
and you can immerse yourself
one of my sons out there for
you have the space to yourself
in a bygone era.”
coffee and a sweet treat at
to reflect and ponder. But
– Lim Yi Ling,
Lowercase cafe, and we’ll just
when the sun sets, it’s vibrant,
Home & Decor designer.
watch everything that goes on
exciting and comes alive.”
around the school grounds.”
– Caroline Chin Geyler,
– Anouk van der El,
founder of Arete Culture.
LASALLE
COLLEGE OF
THE ARTS
McNally Street
CHIJMES
Victoria Street
Bollywood films later on. Today,
it attracts a trendier crowd,
Heijnen: “An arthouse cinema
JALAN
BESAR AREA
“Along Tyrwhitt Road and King
George’s Avenue, there are
many hipster cafes such as
photo ST. ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL
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photo PHILIPP ALDRUP
founder of Time Capsules.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware,
backpacker hostels and cool
bars. It is vibrant and, yet, not
crowded, making it a good
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neighbourhood!”
– Kaffy Tan,
“The church is remarkably
we hold small-scale indie art
Home & Decor designer.
beautiful and well-preserved
events such as Originals Sing
for a building of its age. Inside,
(singer-songwriter nights),
there’s a faint scent you can
Bluemonks jazz jam and
find only in old buildings and
Speakeasy (poetry nights)
everything – from the old
here. I also love the gorgeous
wooden benches, stained glass
cafe furniture produced out
windows to hardwood floors –
of upcycled wood from the
is equally well preserved.”
defunct Malay village!”
– Amanda Jayne Lee,
– Marcel Heijnen, artist.
definitely an up-and-coming
Home & Decor writer.
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S T. A N D R E W ’ S
CATHEDRAL
S t . A n d r e w ’s R o a d
weekend destination. It’s
ARTISTRY
Jalan Pinang
“I co-founded this place, and
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LITTLE INDIA
“It’s chaotic, manic, ‘spicy’,
colourful, noisy and untamed;
THE READING
ROOM
Bukit Pasoh Road
C H I N AT O W N
& OUTRAM,
SINGAPORE
“It’s romantic, quiet
and not packed with
there is just so much energy
pretentious people.”
in this place! Whenever I need
– Leyna Poh,
some inspiration, I head to
founder of Mondays Off.
Little India for some amazing
curry and just to absorb all the
happenings around me. The
vignette changes by the minute,
so my senses are challenged
and excited all the time.”
– Caroline Chin Geyler,
founder of Arete Culture.
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BRAS BASAH
COMPLEX
Bain Street
“This has an interesting
mix of shops under
HDB blocks. It is filled
with the things that
have inspired me since
I was a boy: books,
comics, vinyl records,
stationery and art
supplies.”
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“My mum’s family used to live
“It’s casual, unpretentious and so
in a shophouse here, and she
full of great vibes that it always
was born there, so I feel an
lifts my spirits. It’s definitely a
emotional connection to this
go-to place for my husband and
street and its surroundings.
me, and we love to take out-of-
It’s hard to imagine that the
town friends there.”
Thian Hock Keng temple used
– Angelique Nicolette Teo,
to be just steps away from the
host and spokesman for
sea! Plus, traditional shops
Roche Bobois Singapore.
TELOK AYER
STREET
LUCHA LOCO
Duxton Hill
such as Tan Hock Seng have
been in this area since my
mum was a kid, and now I’m
a customer. I love walking
sense of history.
– Rebeckka Wong,
Home & Decor editor.
photo LUCHA LOCO
around here and feeling that
– Jackson Tan,
co-founder of Phunk.
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NEW MAJESTIC
HOTEL
Bukit Pasoh Road
RONIN
Hong Kong Street
shopfront and, on the inside, it
nostalgia, and the ‘war-torn’
is dark and cosy, with a homey
concrete ceiling of the lobby
yet mysterious feel. Its dim
contrasts superbly with the
ambience also evokes
modern designer furniture –
a movie set-like vibe.”
a good expression of old versus
– Nicco Lim, freelance graphic
new. The rooms also have their
designer and interior stylist.
own unique themes, which give a
sense of wonder to every visitor!”
AMOY
Te l o k A y e r S t r e e t
The shophouses that line Everton
“I like the hotel’s concept of
architectural styles that hark
old meets new and East meets
back to the 1930s, when
West, and the idea that you can
Peranakan families built houses
immerse yourself in the history
that blended Chinese, Malay
surrounding Singapore’s early
and European aesthetics. John
Chinese immigrants during
Erdos, founder of his eponymous
your stay here.”
store, especially admires the
– Lim Yi Ling,
conservation works done by
Home & Decor designer.
Richard Ho architects.
Road and Blair Road showcase
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PARKROYAL
ON PICKERING
Upper Pickering
Street
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THE LIBRARY
Keong Saik Road
photo OPERATION DAGGER
photo NEW MAJESTIC HOTEL
at Mong Design Studio.
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EVERTON
ROAD &
BLAIR ROAD
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– Jonathan Lim, interior designer
photo NICCO LIM
“I love its discreet cafe
“Its facade exudes an aura of
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“A password-only chamber
OPERATION
DAGGER
Ann Siang Hill
accessible through a secret
“The atmosphere of this
“Its ‘hotel-as-garden’ concept
door, the concept of this bar
underground cocktail bar is
caught my eye, and I was
itself is enough to inspire and
very intriguing, with a lab set
impressed by the interplay of
intrigue. Go for the experience
up for creating new beverages.
tastefully selected materials
and linger for the concoctions –
These drinks are designed
in its interiors, which also
the Shrub-A-Dub-Dub, served
by Luke Whearty – a creative
complement its unique facade.”
in a mini tub with a rubber
professional who’s also very
– Jonathan Lim, interior
ducky, is a must-try.”
inspiring in person!”
designer at Mong Design Studio.
– Angela Low,
– Angie Pasley,
Home & Decor editorial intern.
founder of Fred Lives Here.
SOUTH-WEST,
SINGAPORE
photo BOWLAND CAFE
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DAWSON ESTATE
Queenstown
“If this is the potential
of public housing,
I can’t wait to see
what’s next!” remarks
Home & Decor editor
Rebeckka Wong,
who is in awe of the
estate’s upcoming
“Housing-in-a-Park”
projects, which will
be populated with
many sky gardens and
sky terraces.
REFLECTIONS
KEPPEL BAY
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“Love it or hate it, whenever I
pass this condo, I always take a
longer look. It seems so out of
place and futuristic compared
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to its surroundings that it
dominates the space. I think
BOWLAND CAFE
International
Business Park
that’s pretty impressive.”
– Rebeckka Wong,
Home & Decor editor.
“The cafe blends outdoor and
indoor spaces and offers a dining
experience set in a park pavilion
amid green pasture. It’s where I
can bask in nature and sunshine
within the comfort of the cafe.”
– Kimming Yap, managing
director of Creativeans.
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CANOPY
WALK ON THE
SOUTHERN
RIDGES TRAIL
“It’s a good place for a
morning stroll, as nature
calms me. I also like the
feeling of walking amid
greenery at lofty heights.”
– Don Tan, Home & Decor
associate art director.
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“The quiet open water of the
“Being one of those crazy
big pond, a cornucopia of tropical
Dutchies who prefer taking the
trees, hidden winding paths
bike to work, I love my morning
that offer an all-relaxing
commute through this tranquil
space… this is definitely a
neighbourhood. The vibrant mix
precious commodity in frenetic
of boutique cafes, restaurants,
Singapore. You can also spot
hardware stores, hawkers and
monitor lizards, kingfishers and,
design shops make this place
TIONG BAHRU
ESTATE
photo NPARKS
KENT RIDGE
PARK
occasionally, snakes!”
– Jo Harrison, co-founder of
Singapore Trading Post.
a downtown oasis.”
– Anouk van der El,
founder of Time Capsules.
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WESSEX ESTATE
One-North
Just off Portsdown Road, this is a
serene colonial-style residential
area with charming black-andwhite houses built in the 1940s. It
once accommodated the British
army and is now filled with
eateries. “I love that it’s isolated
up on a hill with greenery all
around it… The surrounding area
is also a good place for a leisurely
drive,” says Don Tan, Home &
Decor associate art director.
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“One of my favorite places when
“This is a 70-year old traditional
I was a child, it was the original
coffee shop which transforms
theme park for the masses. I love
into a trendy Japanese
the depiction of the 10 chambers
restaurant and bar at night! It
of hell and the epic Chinese
combines an old-school mee pok
mythological stories told through
stall with a cool open-concept
large-scale installations.”
yakitori grill and a copper-
– Jackson Tan,
wrapped cocktail bar. Really
co-founder of Phunk.
inspiring and unique!”
“It’s 100% Singapore! I’m
totally fascinated by the Indian
prata uncle communicating in
Hokkien with Chinese aunties,
at how the street vendors ply
their trade, and how the coffee
uncle remembers my usual
order of a kopi siu dai! Cafes,
bars and restaurants are not
even comparable to this sight...
perhaps the market is the only
place I feel at home.”
– Edwin Low,
co-founder of Supermama.
BINCHO AT
HUA BEE
M o h G u a n Te r r a c e
– Chloe Elkerton,
co-founder of E&A Interiors.
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REDHILL
MARKET
photo CHLOE ELKERTON
HAW
PAR VILLA
Pasir Panjang Road
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ORCHARD &
R I V E R VA L L E Y ,
SINGAPORE
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PS CAFE
Palais
Renaissance
Over the years, PS Cafe has
earned itself a reputation as a
fashionable venue for casual
meals. Journey East founder
Anita Sam likes visiting as
“the spaces are designforward”, and Alex Kwan,
principal designer at Museum
Homes, is always inspired
by the ambience. Home &
Decor writer Mavis Ang enjoys
visiting the Palais Renaissance
branch, in particular: “It’s one
of the most romantic places to
brunch, and I love the tall glass
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EMERALD HILL
“It is one of the most colourful
streets in Singapore, and
has gorgeous Peranakan
architecture with hints of
Chinese baroque and Asian
art deco details. You’ll forget
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photo NLB
windows here.”
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LIBRARY@
ORCHARD
Orchard Gateway
SOMERSET
SKATE PARK
“I’m inspired by urban
“Who knew a public
library could look
this good?”
environments such as this,
where graffiti by street artists
are constantly being updated.
Here’s where I do pretty much
that you’re in the bustling
Orchard Road area!”
– Louisa Clare Lim,
all of my thinking, including
– Rebeckka Wong,
Home & Decor editor.
coming up with ideas for the
next line of artist collaborations
Home & Decor writer.
for our furniture.”
– Angie Pasley,
founder of Fred Lives Here.
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TANGLIN
SHOPPING
CENTRE
STRANGE
& DERANGED
Palais Renaissance
“It has an antiquated feel
“A small shop loaded with
bookstores, art galleries and
whimsical, fantastical curiosities
antique shops. And buying
that look as though they came
a toasted sandwich at
right out of a Harry Potter set!”
Steeple’s Deli!”
– Angela Low,
– Jo Harrison, co-founder of
Home & Decor editorial intern.
Singapore Trading Post.
which reminds me of a past
era, and I love browsing its
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PUNGGOL WATERWAY PARK
THE WHITE
RABBIT
Harding Road
“Housed in a garrison chapel
built for the British in the
1940s, this restaurant has
photo GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE
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“The nature trails within the park’s
tranquil environment makes it
a hidden gem in Singapore as a
temporary escape from urban life.”
– Kimming Yap, managing director of Creativeans.
68
glass and elegant interiors. Its
MARTINI BAR
AT MEZZA9
Scotts Road
decor even has a whimsical
“It has a relaxing atmosphere,
touch, as seen in the al fresco
but with enough visual appeal
terrace and garden.”
to stimulate the senses.”
– Louisa Clare Lim,
– Christopher Guy,
Home & Decor writer.
luxury furniture designer.
beautiful architecture complete
with arched windows, stained
72
photo THE WHITE RABBIT
BISHANANG MO KIO
PARK
Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
69
SCHOOL OF
THE ARTS
SINGAPORE
Bras Basah Road
66
70
73
LAZARUS
ISLAND
“Nature is a great source of
inspiration and Lazarus Island,
“This serene park won the
arguably Singapore’s best-kept
prestigious President’s Design
secret, has the best beach
Award in 2012 for its ability to
in the country – no murky
incorporate nature seamlessly
waters or rowdy tourists.
into this urban residential
Just complete serenity.”
environment. The park’s
– Angela Low,
especially beautiful when the
Home & Decor editorial intern.
SINGAPORE
BOTANIC
GARDENS
Cluny Road
water level is low and you can
“You won’t miss this award-
With more than 150 years
Home & Decor writer.
winning campus. I get such
of history and spanning 74
The pros at 0932 Design
a great sense of space upon
hectares, it’s no wonder that
Consultants feel that it is a
ascending the flight of steps into
the Gardens draw those who
challenge to blend the “old”
the core of the awe-inspiring
are looking to escape the city’s
building. Its interestingly
obsession with new urban
sculpted spaces and finishings
developments. Jackson Tan,
are inspiring.”
one of the founders of Phunk,
– Jonathan Lim,
enjoys evening walks here,
the conserved buildings sit
interior designer at
while Journey East founder
majestically alongside the new
Mong Design Studio.
Anita Sam visits this place to
extension, while the interiors
“wind down and breathe”.
ooze character and charm.
walk right up to the stream,
where there are no barriers.”
– Mavis Ang,
74
CAPELLA HOTEL
Sentosa
with the “new”, and Capella
VENTURE
FURTHER…
hotel is one well-crafted
space that has excelled in
doing that. Subtle and tasteful,
TRY THESE
WALKING TRAILS
75
EXPLORE SINGAPORE’S
HIDDEN GEMS ON YOUR
OWN TWO FEET!
“The best place to feel like you’re
Miss Tam Chiak
Food Tour
QUAYSIDE ISLE
Sentosa
out of Singapore. It is also the
perfect spot to sip on a glass of
Prosecco after dinner, and watch
families walk their dogs
on the wide deck next to where
the yachts are docked.”
– Mavis Ang,
Home & Decor writer.
76
SINGAPORE POLO
CLUB
Mount Pleasant Road
78
photo JESSE HOW
EAST COAST
ROAD
77
HOUSE NO. 1
Pulau Ubin
“This is a little Tudor-style home
Founded during Singapore’s
tucked inside the thick foliage
colonial past, its rustic, old-world
of Pulau Ubin. It takes a long
charm makes it one of SFIC
sweaty bike ride through Ubin to
president Ernie Koh’s favourite
get there, but that little spot of
places. Here, you can enjoy
serenity that looks out into the
equestrian sports, or venture
surf is idyllic and soothing.”
along the jungle trails that are
– Amanda Jayne Lee,
accessible from the club.
Home & Decor writer.
79
80
“The houses on this particular
THE COASTAL
SETTLEMENT
Netheravon Road
EAST COAST
PARK
stretch, which have a colonial-
“The dim lights and intimate
food and have it here. I just
influenced style, are situated on
dining spaces make this
like to be near the sea, as it
what used to be the seashore
restaurant perfect for private,
reminds me of my childhood
before the land reclamation. This
cosy dates. Part of its charm
kampung at Tanjong Rhu,
is why they are raised and built
comes from the vintage
and also my teenage years
just like kampung homes, in order
paraphernalia scattered
with friends renting the
to prevent seawater from entering
throughout the space.
park’s chalets for barbecues
during high tide. I think it’s
Make sure you grab the
with 1980s new wave music
intriguing as it reminds us of how
complimentary bag of local
blasting out loud. Happy days!”
much Singapore has changed.”
biscuits before you leave!”
– Nathan Yong,
– Yew Xin Yi, Home & Decor
– Amanda Jayne Lee,
furniture designer.
senior designer.
Home & Decor writer.
“Sometimes, I’ll pack some
GO ON THE HOME &
DECOR DESIGN TRAIL!
SEE ALL THE PLACES
MAPPED OUT AT:
WWW.TINYURL.COM/
HNDDESIGNTRAIL
Local food blogger
Maureen Ow offers a
three-hour walking
food tour through local
neighbourhoods. Learn
about local customs and
folklore while savouring
traditional delicacies
and visiting authentic
speciality stores.
www.misstamchiak.com/
sgfoodtour
National Parks
Join one of the numerous
free tours provided by the
National Parks and learn
more about the local flora
and fauna. There are
plenty of DIY trails on its
website to check out, too.
www.tinyurl.com/nparksgarden
Thinkscape
If you are looking to take
away a little more than
just general knowledge on
local culture, Thinkscape
is the tour for you. Its
trails will introduce you
to interesting spaces and
people, and are designed
to highlight current issues
affecting the nation.
www.thinkscape.com.sg
Singapore
Footprints
A group of Nanyang
Technological University
students take time out
every weekend to conduct
tours around Singapore
River and through Bugis.
While these are catered
more for tourists, locals
can see Singapore from a
different perspective, too.
The tours are free and no
sign up is necessary!
www.singaporefootprints.com
text LOUISA CLARE LIM & AMANDA JAYNE LEE & NG YI XIANG photography WINSTON CHUANG, VERNON WONG & JASPER YU art direction DON TAN & YEW XIN YI
67
DECORATING
YOUR
BATHROOM
Master the art of selecting bathroom accessories
to create a style based on themes.
PRACTICAL
RESOLUTION
1. Keep dirty or clean laundry
underneath washbasins
with Sprutt Stool and
Storage from Ikea.
2. Keep accessories in
containers such as the Glass
Box from H&M Home.
3. Use Ikea’s Sprutt Towel
Holder to place your brushes and
fresh towels at one side of the
bathroom (Note: Avoid placing
wet towels in the bathroom to
prevent mould). Accessorise your
towel holder with metal baskets
to keep your sink clutter-free.
Start off with the very basics
of minimalism. Make use of
the empty spaces and clutter-free
space around your sink area with
towel holders, baskets and
various other products.
1
68
4. Bring a look of sophistication
with the Metal Tealight
Holder from H&M Home.
2
3
4
BLACK &
WHITE
The trick to making monochrome
work in the bathroom is to
balance them up with shades
of grey and silver.
1. Use the reliable Brabantia’s
Digital Solar-Powered
Bathroom Scale in the
bathroom. Its non-skid
protection caps on the bottom
make it stable to use even on
slippery floors. The weighing
scale is able to weigh up to
160 kilogram. It relies on
artificial and sunlight.
2. Opt for reusable containers
instead of disposable ones
such as the Matt Steel
Fingerprint Proof soap
dispenser from Brabantia.
photo KIMGRES
3. Add texture to perk up
a dual coloured room. The
candle from H&M Home gives
a three-dimensional effect.
1
2
3
4. The packaging of these
shower gel and body lotions
from White Room gives a
consistent monochrome
scheme. They also leave you
invigorated with the fragrance
of Lavender & Eucalyptus,
Rose Frankincense, Balance
and Feeling Fresh.
4
69
Sleek, sharp and stylish,
these accessories
are made for modern
metropolitans who veer
towards contemporary
and minimalist
aesthetics. In order
to perfect that trendy
boutique hotel feel, jazz
up the monochromatic
scheme with metallic
surfaces and towels
sporting bold graphics.
70
BELOW
Matte stainless
steel pump, and
white cotton jar,
both from Howards
Storage World. Dip
black and white
canister, from CB2.
Other items,
stylist’s own.
LEFT
Small storage
basket, from
Howards Storage
World. Gridlock
raw industrial large
basket, from Crate
& Barrel. Citta
houndstooth
bath mat, Missoni
Kieth zigzag bath
towel, and Citadel
bath sheet, all
from Robinsons.
ABOVE
Axor Citterio
shower pipe and
basin mixer,
price upon request,
all from Hansgrohe.
Cohen large
candleholder, and
Grey soap dish,
both from Crate
& Barrel. Rubber
base pump, from
Howards Storage
World. Stainless
steel canister with
lid, and Reflection
hand mirror,
both from CB2.
71
LEFT
Kela velvet cotton
box, and Lalique
gingembre
candle, both from
Robinsons. Stainless
steel soap pump,
from CB2. Scented
candle, from
Strange Associates.
Bird marble plate,
from Crate & Barrel.
72
For something a little more
carefree and quirky, the Middle
Eastern-inspired bohemian
style can be put together easily
using bronze accessories with
ornate detailing, and towels in
rich hues. Thanks to its laissezfaire spirit, this style can also
accommodate an eccentric
collection of curios which you
can use to personalise the
washbasin area.
Axor Urquiola
bathtubs and
Axor shower pipe,
designed by Front,
price upon request,
from Hansgrohe.
Eucalyptus rosemary
dainty diffuser, and
scenting clay earth
diffuser, both from
Mt. Sapola. Silver
mint Jelp cup, from
Crate & Barrel.
Brass flamant box,
Paon brass perro
tray, Pacific oval
mirror tray, Brass
claw magnifier, all
from Robinsons.
ABOVE
Axor Starck Organic
basin mixer and
washbasin, price
upon request, both
from Hansgrohe.
Flamingo soap
dispenser, and
brass poan
dish, both from
Robinsons. Gold
Dodeca tray, from
Strange Associates.
Other items,
stylist’s own.
RIGHT
Axor Starck Organic
floorstanding
bath mixer and
Axor Citterio
bathtub, price upon
request, all from
Hansgrohe. Grey
Fringe bath towel,
and Marimekko
Ruusupuu hand
towel, both from
Crate & Barrel.
Stainless steel
Karpenter towel
hanger divider,
from Mountain
Teak Gallery. Citta
pineapple beach
towel, Reg hand
towel, and Rizon
orange Jacquard
hand towel, all
from Robinsons.
74
LEFT
Axor Urquiola
concealed basin
mixer and
washbasin, price
upon request, both
from Hansgrohe.
Giardino segreto
candle, from
Robinsons.
Vagabond house
tomato pitcher,
Small two-tiered
G&C cake stand,
Decor sea urchin,
and Vagabond
house olive branch
glass bowl, all from
Strange Associates.
Other items,
stylist’s own.
text MAVIS ANG AND NG YI XIANG photography VERNON WONG art direction KAFFY TAN location HANSGROHE
75
ST Y LE
SOAKED
When it comes to helping you unwind
after a long day, the design of your
bathroom and what’s in it, is as
important as the cleansing effect of
water. We’ve rounded up the bestlooking tubs, faucets, washbasins,
showerheads and more.
BATHTUBS
Though spaceconsuming,
bathtubs instantly
up the style
quotient of your
bathroom, lending
it a spa-like vibe.
76
Elegant and
eco-friendly,
this stone
composite
Harmony tub
is inspired by
lotus petals
and designed by
Kelly Hoppen.
Available
at Apaiser.
77
FAUCETS
1. Equipped with a soft-open
technology, the basin mixer with
pop-up waste from Roca’s Lanta
collection has a 360 degree
handle.
2. Having won the Product Design
Awards from Red Dot, Eurodisc
Joy faucet line has bodies inclined
toward the user at a sevendegree angle. The faucets from
Grohe’s Eurodisc Joy line is
equipped with the EcoJoy watersaving technology which lets you
have precise fingertip control over
the water mix. It is also equipped
with AquaGuide mousseur and
Speed Clean technology.
1
3
photo GROHE
3. Available in different heights,
Roca’s faucets from Atlas
collection is equipped with
Cold Start technology and flow
limiters reduce water and energy
consumption.
2
78
photo GROHE
BATHTUBS
1. The rectangular bathtubs from Roca’s Modo
collection are made from a new material called Surfex
which its purpose is to ensure a solid surface. The
bathtub comes with a shelf and a drawer. Suitable to be
placed in private or public places, they are available in
elegant dark mirror or warm city oak surface.
1
“Free-standing baths are
flexible in terms of placement,
but they take up more space.
Built-in baths maximise space,
so they’re perfect for compact
bathrooms. They can also be
complemented with a wallmounted shower. However,
they’re more labour extensive
when it comes to installation
and replacement, as you have
to worry about the frames,
waterproofing, and tiling.”
– Belinda Try, executive director
of Apaiser.
79
WASHBASINS
Need more storage? Vanity-mounted
basins, such as vessel and integral
sinks, are the way to go. Fancy classic,
traditional designs? You’ll love pedestal
washbasins. Stuck with a compact bath?
Wall-mounted washbasins offer the
visual tidiness you seek.
The GSI Pura
wall-mounted
integral washbasin
allows for more
floor and storage
space. Available at
Hemsley.
Skip the conventional basin. This
Italian-made free-standing ceramic
Cup sink by Art Ceram is an art piece in
itself. Available at Ferrara.
A contemporary, round-edged pedestal
washbasin, the Duravit PuraVida is
available at Econflo.
The OXO Passione is a countertop vessel
sink. Available at Hafary.
80
“If you have young
kids or elderly
folks living with
you, always go for
function and safety
first. In such cases,
wall-mounted and
semi-recessed
basins are much
more practical.”
– Luann Leong,
business
development
manager of Ferrara.
SHOWER HEADS
1. The Croma Select Multi hand
shower set from Hansgrohe is
equipped with a clever Select
technology. With the press of a
button, you are able to switch
the type of spray from soft rain
shower, powerful IntenseRain
mode to the pulsating water jet
massage.
2. Equipped with a Cold Start
technology and flow limiters,
Roca’s Raindream saves water
and energy.
3. Also equipped with Select
technology, the Croma Select 180
showerpipe from Hansgrohe has
both overhead and hand shower
in versions of E (square and
rounded corners) and S (round).
Furthermore, it is equipped with
an adjustable shower holder, a
hose and the Hansgrohe Ecostat
Comfort thermostat. It is also
available with a single-lever mixer.
Use shower trays of Stonex
material in either shower or bath
tubs. They are slip-resistant.
Available from Roca.
2
1
3
81
WATER CLOSETS
You not only want your water
closets to look good, but, they
must be functional as well. Here
are a few types of water bidets
available and how you can choose
the right ones based on the toilet
you have.
1
1. The In-tank Meridian from
Roca enables you to achieve a
classic modern-minimalist look.
Its cistern is integrated within
the toilet. Equipped with Soft Air
technology, the toilet flushes
silently.
2. Designed by Gabriele and
Oscar Buratti, W+W2 from Roca
saves space in a water closet by
having a sink connected to the
wall-hung toilet. Waste water
from the sink is used to fill the
toilet cistern.
3. Roca’s wall-hung rimless
toilets made from a patented
phenolic resin called Supralit, not
only extends the lifespan of the
toilets but improves hygiene. Both
the Roca In-Wash smart toilets
and Roca Multiclean smart seats
from their latest Inspira and The
Gap collection have heated seat
function and a new deodorising
system. Both use less water for a
perfect flushing performance.
4. Stylish basins from Roca’s
Inspira collection come in various
shapes including Inspira Round,
Inspira Soft and Inspira Square.
They come with a bidet.
2
ROCA IN-WASH
4
5. Roca’s L90 bidet mixer with
pop-up waste is in a stylish
straight-cut design.
5
3
82
text & coordination ANGELA LOW AND NG YI XIANG
IKEA SPECIAL
I K E A® W A R D R O B E S &
BEDROOM STORAGE
Create an organising system for your new wardrobe. You won’t need
to spend precious time searching for your clothes with IKE A’s PAX
wardrobe and KOMPLEMENT interior organisers.
How do you transfer your clothes and
accessories from the old to the new
wardrobe?
Every wardrobe has a different depth and
size. Display your clothes in such a way that
you can easily spot them. These tips help.
1. Clean out your closet. Get rid of the
clothes you don’t wear to make room for
more clothes in your new wardrobe. This
helps you keep track of what you have.
2. Arrange your clothes based on material,
usage, colour and style.
Out with the old, in with the new, how
do you create an organising system in a
new wardrobe?
1. The size of a room matters. For smaller
rooms, choose space-saving wardrobes
with sliding door. while the ones with
hinged doors let you have a full-view of the
entire interior.
2. Place accessories such as hats or boxes
of shoes at the top compartment and bags
at the bottom space, if not, fill these spaces
with drawers.
3. Install a simple pull-out rail for wire
baskets. Sleek, stylish and spacious, it lets
you keep your clothes and accessories in
different sections of the wardrobe. Plan
your daily outfits using The KOMPLEMENT
Valet Hanger. It lets you hang up to three
pieces of clothing.
4. Use IKEA’s KOMPLEMENT divider
frame at the bottom half of the wardrobe
to create a division of space for your bags,
pants and folded clothes.
5. Sliding doors enable you to save space
while accessing one side of the wardrobe
at a time
© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2015
KPDN/PGK(S)0.5001/3JLD24
Props not included
3. Choose the right storage solutions. Do
you have brooches and scarves, socks and
ties or tiny accessories which are meant to
be kept in drawers? IKEA’s KOMPLEMENT
interior organisers offer various solutions
including the multi-use hanger, drawers
and trays to store jewellery in.
PAX/HASVIK WARDROBE
W150 x D66, H201.2cm,
White / HASVIK white.
RM935
PAX/NEXUS/VIKEDAL
WARDROBE
W200xD60, H236.4cm.
Black-brown / NEXUS black-brown /
VIKEDAL mirror glass.
RM2,340
PAX/TANEM/VIKEDAL
WARDROBE
W200 xD60, H236.4cm, White /
TANEM white / VIKEDAL mirror glass.
RM2,545
PAX/SEKKEN WARDROBE
W150xD66, H236.4cm, White stained
oak effect / SEKKEN frosted glass.
RM2, 245
(Last year’s price RM 2,370)
Enjoy Home Delivery at only RM40 per trip within Klang Valley (normal price is RM75 per trip). Promo is with any purchase of PAX wardrobes and
KOMPLEMENT interior fittings worth RM1,500 and above. Excluding these areas: Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, Kajang, Bangi, Dengkil and Rawang.
Promo valid from 16 March until 14 June 2015. Begin your journey of shelf discovery at IKEA.my/privatelife
* All PAX wardrobes and KOMPLEMENT interior organisers come with a 10-year guarantee.
IKEA ® is at No.2, Jalan PJU 7/2, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan,
TEL: +603-7726-7777.
83
BEDROOM SPECIAL
GOOD NIGHT &
GOOD LUCK
Read on to discover more ways that will
make you always wake on the right side
of the bed.
84
BED
The bed is your most reliable
companion. It embraces you
when you go to sleep at night,
and lets you drop all the burdens
upon your shoulders as you put
them away until tomorrow.
THIS PAGE
photo NUVOLA by J&J Chester
Try leather
finishings in your
bedroom for
timeless style and
durability.
85
photo J&J Chester
1. If space is not a problem, try
investing in a king-sized bed.
It provides more than enough
space for two people, which is
particularly enjoyable if your
partner tends to move around
in their sleep and you need total
silence and stillness to sleep.
RIGHT
3. Go for a soft, neutral palette
as these are timeless and rarely
ever go out of style.
photo Akemi Uchi
ABOVE
2.Just as you dress yourself
according to your moods,
dress your bed to suit your
style. Whether it is wacky and
colourful, soft and elegant,
you are sure to find something
to your taste. While we are on
the subject of bedspreads, the
higher the thread-count, the
softer it will be.
The higher the
threadcount,
the softer the
bedspread.
An understated
palette sometimes
exudes elegance.
TOP LEFT
photo H&M Home
Try a king-sized
bed if space is not
a concern. Think of
all the room you’ll
have!
BOTTOM
RIGHT
photo H&M Home
Choose your
bedspreads
according to your
personal style.
Go for a soft, neutral palette for
a restful bedroom.
86
1. In the absence of a headboard
for your bed, select wallpaper
with a unique design that will
form the centrepiece of your
bedroom. We love this royal
purple one with floral accents
amidst a woody wall panel.
RIGHT
A royal purple
wallpaper acting
as part of a feature
wall. Available at
Goodrich Global
BOTTOM
RIGHT
Wavy patterns
create movement.
Available at
Goodrich Global
BELOW
photo BN Wallcoverings Chacran collection
WALLPAPER
Assuming you’ve gotten over the
paint vs. wallpaper argument
and decided to select wallpaper
options for your bedroom, which
one should you choose?
Get in tune with
nature with these
tree-inspired
prints. Available at
Goodrich Global
photo Momentum III by Harlequin
photo Momentum III by Harlequin
2. Play it safe but stately by
selecting a neutral-hued
wallpaper, but with interesting
accents. Be it waves, random
geometric prints or even a tree
or two, there will be one that you
are bound to be partial to.
87
FANS
We’re fans of fans because they
keep us cool. Modern fans are
smarter and better-looking too.
1.Save electricity and money off
your phone bill by selecting a
fan that runs on the DC motor.
It is more efficient because
unlike an AC motor, which has
an electromagnetic rotor and
stator, the DC motor has a
permanent magnet rotor, thus
using less electricity to power it.
2. Control the airflow of the
environment with a touch of a
button. Program the fan to turn
on or go to sleep after a certain
time.
3. If you have a low ceiling, go
for a fan with a shorter body.
Consequently, if you have a
higher ceiling, you can select
one with a longer body. This
measure ensures that your
ceiling will not look lower than
it should, making the space feel
as wide and open as possible.
TOP
The KDK K15ZSQEY is a smart,
energy saving fan
88
LEFT
Create a dreamy
ambiance by using a
cascading chandelier
or with pendant lights
in different lengths.
RIGHT
photo J&J Chester
Handmade Murano
glass lamps.
BELOW
These serpentine
lamps are sure to
cater to quirky people.
BOTTOM
photo J&J Chester
Lampshades matter.
Choose simple, neutral
designs to match them
with the other pieces
you already have.
LAMPS AND
LIGHTING
Lighting changes everything. It
can lift sombre moods, create
different ambiances and even
encourage inspiration. Bask
your bedroom in an ethereal
glow or make it as bright as day,
it’s your call.
1.Use a cascading chandelier
or a series of pendant lights of
varying lengths to create the
desired look for your bedroom.
2. These standing lamps are
made of Murano glass, and are
sure to please the eye, even
from afar.
4. Yes. Lampshades matter. Select
lampshades with soft, neutral
hues in silk to ensure that they
blend with everything else in
your bedroom, no matter what
decorating style you have.
photo J&J Chester
Photo by Barbara Barry
3. If quirk is your thing, then
these snake-like lamps will
definitely please you. They come
in table or floor lengths and are
sure to add a spark of eclectic
interest into your bedroom.
89
2. Sofa-beds have to have
simple, clean designs because
they perform important dual
functions. Choose one with
a minimalistic design that is
compact, yet elegant so it does
not take up too much space.
Photo by BoConcept
3. If space is a concern, select
a sofa-bed that has concealed
storage.
90
A very impressive
sofa-bed-recliner
hybrid.
BELOW
Choose a sofa-bed
with a minimalistic
design for easy
conversion.
BOTTOM
Get the most
use out of your
sofa-bed by having
one that acts as a
storage unit too.
If your guests have frequent overnight stays at your
house, invest in a sturdy sofa-bed for added
comfort and functionality.
Photo by BoConcept
1. When are sofa-beds more
than just sofa-beds? When they
act as recliners as well. You’ll
want be on it the whole day,
reclining with a good book in
hand or your favourite movie to
watch by day and just sleeping
on it by night.
LEFT
Photo by BoConcept
SOFA-BEDS
Sofa-beds perform dual
functions, as a place to hang
out and to rest. If your guests
have frequent overnight stays
at your house, invest in a sturdy
sofa-bed for added comfort and
functionality. Now the question
is, should you take the sofa-bed
when it comes to bedtime, or
your guests?
LEFT
Photo by Akemi Uchi
Bring light while
maintaining privacy
with light, airy
curtains.
BELOW
Protect your
mattress with one
of these.
BOTTOM
Pretty, white
wicker baskets to
keep your bedroom
organized.
ACCESSORIES
Sometimes, it is the smallest
things that count. They could
be the reason why you return to
your home to escape the perils
you have been through during
the day.
1. Light, airy curtains make for
a room filled with light in the
daytime. They not only give you
privacy that you need, but they
will also let sunlight through.
2. Mattress protectors are
essential if you suffer from
severe allergies. These keep
bedbugs, mites and dust from
entering the mattress itself.
They also keep the mattress
clean by absorbing any liquid
and dissipating them into the air
through wicking.
3. This assortment of white
wicker baskets will keep your
bedroom spick and span.
Photo by Akemi Uchi
Photo by Akemi Uchi
Mattress protectors are essential if you suffer from
severe allergies. These keep bedbugs, mites and
dust from entering the mattress itself.
text HANNY KEE
91
HARVEY NORMAN SPECIAL
SLEEPING
SOLUTIONS
Harvey Norman rolls out innovative sleep solution to help you
unwind and settles you in for a good night’s sleep.
92
To catch a good night’s sleep, you should
adhere to certain habits. They include:
Stick to a sleep routine. The time you sleep
and wake up every day is important to
regulate your body’s internal clock for a
healthier sleep.
Avoid naps in the afternoon and vigorous
exercise, party or games before bedtime.
Instead of relaxing, these activities cause an
adrenaline surge, and possibly stress and
anxiety just as you turn in for bed.
Noise-free bedrooms would prevent
disruptive sleep. Be sure to check out your
bedroom for other light sources that has
the potential to change the condition and
ambience of a room.
Schedule a specific time, preferably
before evening, for your last alcohol
intake, cigarettes and heavy meals to avoid
discomfort before and during bedtime.
Invest in good quality bedding solutions
such as mattresses and pillows.
A bedroom is no longer just a place to sleep,
but it is now a casual multipurpose area
where people set up their workstations, a
reading corner and an entertainment area.
Here are a few innovative sleep solutions for
you to spice up your ordinary bedroom.
Versatile for kids
Parents who want to create a fun bedroom
for their children are able to do so with loft
beds. They are not only space-saving, but
it is easier to allocate a child’s study area,
storage space and play zone.
Finer things in life
No more cramps and back aches for the
older generation. Adjustable beds cater to
DEAL
OF THE
MONTH
ALASKA Children Captain Bed
Usual Price: RM3,809 Special Offer: RM2,666
Save: RM1,143
BADEN Queen-size Adjustable Bed
Usual Price: RM5,509 Special Offer: RM3,856.30
Save: RM1,652.70
Mix A Queen-size Storage Bed
Usual Price: RM3,898 Special Offer: RM2,728
Save: RM1,169
Hilker Royale King-size Mattress
Usual Price: RM25,899 Special Offer: RM18,129
Save: RM7,770
the natural contours and curvatures of our
S-shaped spine to hold a healthier sleeping
position. Unlike a flat mattress, which leaves
your muscles tense, adjustable beds benefit
you by relieving pressure and distributing
proper blood circulation.
For smaller rooms
Want to keep things hidden or store duvets,
extra pillows and everyday items without
taking up more space in your cupboard?
Choose storage beds. The bed base can be
converted into drawers. Some models come
with an additional pull-out bed which doubles
as an extra bed for guests.
*prices are inclusive of GST
Mattress: New technology for better Sleep
A conventional mattress uses a 350 coil spring
system, but the Triple-Decker Coil has 7,000
titanium alloy pocketed coil springs. They
are not only rust-free, lightweight and have a
longer life span, but it gives a better respond.
Designed to fit body contours for the best
stability, firmness, support and comfort, it
senses your body shape, weight and movement
while you sleep. Thus, it adjusts itself to create
a natural spinal alignment. The mattress
comes with a 7-zone pocket spring system that
provides support to the head, neck, shoulder,
back, hips, legs and feet.
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93
FEATURE
ARE THEY
REALLY EQUAL?
OPPOSITE
The Fritz Hansen
Egg Chair by Arne
Jacobsen is one
of the most copied
designs today.
BELOW
photo SPACE FURNITURE
The Asri
Sofa’sdesign is
the culmination of
various South-East
Asian cultural
influences through
the eyes of
designer Jaya
Ibrahim.
94
The core tenant of economics
prescribes that the consumer is
ever-rational. This means that the
consumer will always purchase
the product that has the least cost,
ceteris paribus (all things being
equal). Hence, with this train of
thought, one would assume that
when choosing between two
settees that look more or less the
same, the consumer will certainly
purchase the cheapest one.
However, it must be understood
that not all settees are made
equal, even if they look the same.
Let us take the example of
Herman Miller v. Matt Blatt.
In 2011, Herman Miller, an
American company that had
the sole rights to sell furniture
designed by Charles and Ray
Eames, sued Matt Blatt, an
Australian furniture company
that touted its Eames replicas
as originals. It is safe to say that
the Australian Federal Court
ruled in the favor of Herman
Miller, and Matt Blatt was forced
to stop using Eames’ names in
any of their replicas. Originals
are protected by Intellectual
Property rights, which give
designers a right to protect the
fruits of their imagination and
creativity. When they know that
their designs cannot be easily
copied and manipulated, they
will be at greater ease, and will
henceforth create more and
inherently better designs in the
future. Thus, an original piece
of designer furniture is able to
capture the psyche of its creator,
while the fake can only grasp its
outlook and not its soul.
With the lack of authenticity
also comes with the lack of
quality. A product has a price for
photo SPACE FURNITURE
A look into the age-old question:
Are replicas just as good as the originals?
photo SPACE FURNITURE
ABOVE
The Flos Arco
lamp by Achille
Castiglioni.
Samantha
Cameron most
famously bought
a replica with a
bargain price of
GBP 250, causing
a lot of backlash
from the UK design
industry.
a reason. When buying a highquality, well-designed piece,
it is not only a mere purchase,
it is an investment. A good
piece of furniture should have
a long lifespan which speaks
for its quality. A copy would not
last as long due to the use of
inferior materials during its
production, and thus would
incur even greater costs if it
has to be replaced frequently.
Supple leathers will not split at
the seams like polyurethane,
and dyes might fade when
exposed to strong light and air,
and purported chrome finishes
will dull in time. As a result,
not only will there be a waste
of money, but also resources to
make more of the copies. Ray
Eames, Charles’ wife and design
partner was of the opinion that
furniture that last the longest
was always better than what
looked best.
95
96
photo JANINE
These copies may look exactly like the originals, but they might not
have all the inherent qualities of the originals. Thus, in all truth,
things are not at all equal between original-design
furniture and its copy.
There is also the matter of
morality and conscience when
choosing between an original
and a copy. When an original
piece is bought, the buyer can
be utterly sure that they have
purchased furniture that is utterly
sound, from its features to the
ethics behind it. The royalties
to its designer are being paid,
and the high cost of the product
is justified to ensure superior
quality products are made, which
is then used to justify superior
working conditions for the
employees that produce them
and also materials that originate
from sustainable sources.
When a copy is bought, no
doubt, the hard work of the
designer goes unappreciated;
the materials used to make the
copy are shoddily pieced together
by laborers who work without
rest. Thus, when an original is
bought, the best of everything
that revolves around it is bought
along with it, and with the copy,
the worst. In a quote to the
Independent UK newspaper, the
editor of Elle DÈcor UK, Michelle
Ogundehin said, “My issue with
these copies would be the hidden
costs within them. They might
do the environment a lot of harm
and have unclear labour costs.
Who knows about their working
conditions if the furniture can be
produced at such a cheap price?”
So, we come back to the first
question. There are two settees
that look almost alike. One is
RM3,000 original and the other is
a RM1,000 copy. At first glance,
they are the same, so the buyer
would naturally think to opt for
the copy instead. However, even
with the eye of the economist,
they are not the equal. The
original is made as a result of
matching strength to strength,
while the copy exploits preexisting
conditions in order to make the
most profit. Thus, there can be no
comparison.
When information is freely
distributed, when there is a
free and open market, there
will certainly be thousands and
thousands of copies for every
original piece that has been
designed. These copies may look
exactly like the originals, but they
might not have all the inherent
qualities of the originals. Thus,
in all truth, things are not at all
equal between original-design
furniture and its copy. Their
differences are not only inherent
within the physicality of the piece,
but also within the spirit of its
creation, its value, and perhaps
even the morality surrounding
the production of the piece.
Imitation may be the best
form of flattery, but it will only
ever remain just that. This is
why the rational consumer
should always buy a piece
of original-design furniture,
because not only because it is
the right thing to do, but also
the smart thing.
photo SPACE FURNITURE
RIGHT
A Bikini Wood
Chair from Moroso
LEFT PAGE
A classic design
by Janine
text HANNY KEE
97
FEATURE
BARE MINIMUM
There are no tell-tale signs of flashy design in the works
of these designers. Their individual take on minimalism
produces unique products.
CHARLES KALKAPIAN
WHEN WAR CAME TO HIS HOME COUNTRY, FORMER GRAFFITI ARTIST,
FURNITURE AND PRODUCT DESIGNER, CHARLES KALKAPIAN AND HIS
FAMILY LEFT LEBANON FOR FRANCE. “I WAS BORN IN BEIRUT BUT
MY FAMILY CAME FROM ARMENIA,” THE DESIGNER EXPLAINS.
FROM LEFT
Ah Lan chair for
Darenart; Candy
Boxes for Habitat;
Wall Shadows for
NEMO OMIKRON.
98
Charles, the grandson of a
cabinet maker, is known for the
three dimensional approach
to his minimalistic designs.
This resonates in his brightly
coloured shelves and cabinets,
Cinétismes for BSL Gallery and
Rocky, featured by LaChance.
Some, which are cubic, create an
aesthetically pleasing illusion.
He calls his creation, Rocky, a
bookshelf as a functional painting.
It involves Bistability as part of the
process. It is the invention of an
ambiguous image which shocks
our brain pathways into changing
our visual perception. Charles
elevates this effect with his choice
of colours and shapes.
His pronounced colourblocking skills reflect an artistic
flair. It is not just seen in the
shelves, but his clean-cut “boxed”
Ahlan seats upholstered in
Kvadrat, boasts a contemporary
and cosy look. He pairs muted
tones like grey with a darker
colour to create an interesting
colour contrast.
Each of his designs tells
a story. Influenced by the
calligraphic past of the Middle
East and Europe’s minimalist
present, it is the lifestyle of
Middle Easterns that he tries
to depict through the simple
and graphic, bold but beautiful
lines of his works. Charles
admits, “I was taken with
graffiti’s possibilities but I
became frustrated with its twodimensional character.”
Meanwhile, Charles is still
searching for innovative ways
to create and light graffiti,
his favourite, is one of them.
His Cedar’s folding screen for
example, has a calligraphic
element on the top and its stems
trailing downwards at different
lengths seem to be inspired by
light graffiti.
Creativity is in his genes. “My
father was an art director in an
advertising company in Bahrein
and my mother paints and works
in galleries in the Middle East,”
says Charles.
The designer is currently
working on two private luxury
flats in Paris, a custom gallery
project, new lights for Nemo
Lighting at Euroluce 2015,
furniture for Habitat, high
quality handmade rugs with an
Armenian dealer, exhibitions at a
Collective Fair in New York and a
solo exhibition with Galerie BSL.
FOR MORE INFO RM ATI O N ,
VIS IT WWW.KALPAK I AN . FR
99
MIRON LIOR
“SOMETHING OPENED THE FLOODGATES AND I HAVE BEEN DESIGNING EVER
SINCE,” MIRON LIOR SPEAKS OF THE INTEREST HE DISCOVERED WHEN HE
WAS 25 YEARS OLD. IT WAS HIS GIG AS A DJ THAT MADE HIM QUIT HIS JOB
IN IT AND BEGIN HIS CAREER AS A DESIGNER.
FROM LEFT
SLICE Corner Clock
for FACTURA; MARINA
Chair; A bookshelf
designed by Miron.
100
“I had to design my own DJ
stand as there were not many
options out there.” Miron says.
He made up his mind to study
design in Pratt Institute, New York
City. “New York City has various
industrial design programs. It
is also a home to a very strong
design community, so it was
natural for me to stay and start
a career here after graduation,”
says the designer who lived in
Russia and Israel before his move.
His products speak of the
unique Expressive minimalistic
designs which are not only
sleek and stylish, but take up
little space. Bookshelves and
SLICE corner clock designed
for Faktura, an NYC-based
furniture design company, sets
an example. To the observer, his
designs may be beautiful, but
the designer’s emphasis is on
the solution it brings rather than
their decorative value.
“Books, rugs and artworks
should be the focus of the room,
not furniture. Furniture should
complement the interior in a
subtle way,” Miron asserts.
He has designed numerous
contemporary thin-framed and
open bookshelves, which cleverly
highlight the beauty of books by
exposing their cover and spine.
It comes as no surprise that
reading is Miron’s favourite past
time. He has books in every room
of his apartment and he ensures
they are highly visible and easy
to reach. His award-winning
Conceal Shelf, now produced by
Umbra, was originally designed
for a friend who wanted a few
favourite books in her bedroom.
As a result, it inspired many
people to display their books in
very creative ways.
“I’ve seen it used to put up
columns, patterns and even
whole walls of books. Just
books, on the wall, that is how I
like it.” Miron says. His favourite
place to read is at the kitchen
table. “It’s a very intimate place
where you can have a drink
with your friend, breakfast with
your family or some quiet time
alone with a book and a cup of
tea. It’s the anchor of the whole
apartment.”
FOR MORE INFO RM ATI O N , VI SI T
WWW.MIRON.FO RM AT. CO M
portrait photo Sean Fennesey
DANIEL TO AND EMMA AISTON
THE COLOURS, SHAPES AND MATERIALS OF THEIR WORK SPEAK LOUDER
THAN THEIR PERSONALITIES. AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS,
DANIEL TO AND EMMA AISTON FROM DANIEL EMMA, DESIGN BASED
ON THEIR PHILOSOPHY OF CREATING ‘JUST NICE’ PRODUCTS.
ABOVE
Their Big and Small
series includes
self-produced and
collaborative pieces.
BELOW
Big Mish Mash
armchairs and Pick ‘n’
Mix Table and Bench.
“Our products are much more
exciting than we are!” exclaims
Emma. Their works reinforce the
power of design. They may have
simple clean-cut forms coloured
in pastel hues, but, here at
Daniel Emma, a lamp is not
just any lamp. It may function
like one, but aesthetically, their
Cherry on the Bottom Lamp is a
piece of art that fits perfectly into
any modern home.
Similarly, stationaries,
chairs, mirrors, wall clocks,
radio and various other products
come in minimalistic shapes
of cones, oblongs, triangles,
circles and loops, all of which
dominated our early years as
pre-schoolers.
Adopting a playful concept,
Emma and Daniel’s inventions
include see-through rubberband
balls, shiny metallic brass
paperweights, magnetic sticks,
cork cone and wooden triangles.
“The shapes and forms that
we use in our work are all
necessary to the function of the
piece, it is not in our nature to
add embellishments to the work
we produce; everything has its
place!” says Daniel.
We noticed that the material,
glass, have rarely been explored
with. “We are looking forward to
working with the material,” quips
Emma. “Both of us love working
with metal (brass predominantly)
and resin.” Daniel adds.
The designers admit they
each have an idea that they
have yet to design. Emma wants
to design a board game while
Daniel, a cheese grater. Apart
from their self-produced works,
Daniel Emma collaborated with
HAY, a Danish manufacturer of
contemporary furniture, where
their design of a cork cone pin
board is now produced by Wrong
for Hay.
FOR MORE INFO RM ATI O N ,
VIS IT WWW.DAN I EL- EM M A. CO M
101
CUTU MAZUELOS AND EVA PREGO
WHEN CUTU MAZUELOS AND EVA PREGO FAILED TO RECRUIT THEIR
CLASSMATES FROM IADE IN MADRID TO START A DESIGN STUDIO,
THE DUO DECIDED TO FORM STONE DESIGNS.
The two Spanish designers love
mountain climbing. But it is
Cutu who loves outdoor activities
the most. His love for sports in
general, is reflected through
the bright orange tubes in an
installation they designed as
part of their Line House project.
In collaboration with Japanese
fashion designer, Issey Miyake,
the frame of these furniture
can be used to do stretches and
warm ups.
“We love the fact that
our designs bring a cosy and
comfortable atmosphere
to people,” says Cutu. Both
designers have experimented
with light during their project
designing the Spainalight space
for Tokyo Designer’s Week 2011.
They have brought a professional
yet warm look to a pharmacy
located at the historical side of
Madrid by painting the walls blue
and furnished with colourful thin
metallic display shelves.
“We were incredibly lucky
to be given the opportunity
to create new spaces
and typologies in various
environments. We’ve become
the designers we are today,
because of it,” says Cutu. Team
work is undeniably important.
This concept is emphasised
by the Bee stools. Each stool
depends on one another to be
kept upright. Furthermore, when
combined, its hexagonal seats
form the image of a honeycomb.
102
Also inspired by nature, their
Ginkgo wall panels allow
homeowners to form a pattern
on the wall as they come in
individual pieces. The designers
are not only meticulous over the
smaller details in their designs,
but shapes and colours are
important too. Their minimalistic
and clean-cut designs are
refreshing additions to a home.
The Snowdrop lamps are in
beautiful colours of red, pink,
purple, yellow, turquoise and
green while Daruma, the rocking
coat hanger has a rounded
bottom that allows kids to have
fun with. “We can’t stop thinking
about all the possibilities when
it comes to design. We really
enjoy seeing most of our projects
become a reality and the
results of these designs are just
amazing!” exclaims Eva.
FO R MO R E INFO R MATION,
VISIT WWW.STO NE-DS GNS .C OM
CLOCKWISE
FROM LEFT
Mushroom table and
stools for children;
Bee Stool; Snowdrop
Lamp; SPAINALIGHT
project.
“We love the fact that our designs
bring a cosy and comfortable
atmosphere to people,”
text NG YI XIANG
103
BOOKSHELVES
Before bookshelves were invented, boxes and containers were used to
store scrolls inscribed by monks. These cumbersome 100 feet-long
scrolls, were later made into square-shaped manuscript volumes by
the Romans in the first century. This led to the inventions of different
types of bookshelves by prominent figures. They include Fu Xi in 544,
French cabinet-maker, Charles Andre Boulle and third president of
United States, Thomas Jefferson.
F L AT.C
SYSTEM
The B&B Italia’s
Flat.C System
stores your books,
television and hi-fi
accessories in one
place. Designed by
Antonio Citterio, the
25cm deep shelf
made in lacquered
wood, relies
on crosspieces
connected at the
back for stability.
Available from Space.
104
COMO
BOOKCASE
It looks like a photo
frame. Fill in the empty
spaces of the Como
Bookcase with books
and decorative pieces
to personalise your
room. It is available
in matt charcoal
grey, white and ash
grey. Customisation
is possible with
this bookcase from
BoConcept.
Available from BoConcept
OKA
Bring a sense of originality into your home.
Designer Kazuko Okamoto’s OKA gives you
the option of different sized modules (single or
double bay shelving unit), material (lacquer or
veneer) and colour (satin white, mastic, argile,
elephant, mustard, lavender blue or walnut to
arrange) to create a unique gradient.
Available from Ligne Roset.
OBLIQUE
SHELF
Searching for a classier
way to display your
books? Moooi’s Oblique
Shelf designed by
Marcel Wanders displays
books and magazines
of various sizes and
thickness on a flat
surface. Made from
oak, the shelf functions
like a mood board.
Books are supported
by a wooden paneled
frame underneath each
column of the shelf.
Available from Space.
105
WEB SHELF
Slanted but stable, the Web Shelf designed by
Daniel Libeskind for Poliform is designed with
an arrangement of blocks and voids. To make
things interesting, when placed in the middle
of a room, you have access to books from
both sides. The Web Shelf is made from
Dupont Corain.
Available from Space.
B I L LY B O O K C A S E
Here is a classic bookcase to store your reads.
The white Billy Bookcase from Ikea comes
with a contrasting yellow background. There
are six spaces to fill your books in and they are
large enough to accommodate taller books.
Billy is perfect for the study or children’s room.
Available from Ikea.
BOOKWORM SHELF
You’re a bookworm! Make an official
declaration with the Bookworm Shelf designed
by Ron Arad for Kartell. It not only makes a
good decorative wall piece, but is able to hold
books, toys, CDs and DVDs up to 10kg on
each support. Furthermore, the shelf can be
reshaped into any desirable form without its
toughness and functionality compromised.
Available from Space.
106
TOLBIAC BOOKSHELF
Designed by Grégoire de Lafforest, the Tolbiac
bookshelf stands in a fashionable position. The
stairs-like design on the bottom half of the
shelf can be shifted from the right to the left.
Available from Ligne Roset.
PLANOPHORE
British designers, Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby
were inspired by the original Planophore,
the first stable aeroplane model powered by
twisted rubber bands. Introduced at Milan’s
Salone Del Mobile 2014 by Vitra, their bookshelf,
Planophore, also functions as a room partition.
Position its unique aluminium panels parallel to
the shelf to transform it into a room partition or
perpendicularly as a book shelf.
B I L LY/ OX B E R G B O O K C A S E
Display new books at the top and hide the
older ones at the bottom part of the bookcase.
Ikea’s Billy/Oxberg Bookcase has glass
paneled doors to keep dust away.
Available from Space.
Available from Ikea.
DECORATING YOUR BOOKSHELF
1) To maximise the function of a bookshelf, you may
want to fill it with books before placing various home
decorations. This helps to prevent wastage of space.
2) The book arrangement plays an essential role in
decorating your bookshelf. Arrange them based on
colour if you choose to organise your books vertically.
On the other hand, you are able to add a homey
look to your bookshelf when books are arranged
horizontally and vertically. These books are not only
easy to find but serve as book ends.
3) Limit the number of home decorations. You do not
want to clutter your bookshelf.
4) Come up with a theme and colour scheme for these
home decorations. If you opt to go for a neutral look,
go for beige and yellow. Also choose the ones with
different shapes and textures to give your bookshelf a
unique look.
text NG YI XIANG
107
SIMPLE
PLEASURES
The home of the late Danish architect Finn Juhl is the
epitome of the Danish Modern design approach.
108
OPPOSITE
PAGE
The home consists
of two blocks
standing at rightangles to each
other. The garden
was designed
by landscape
architect Troels
Erstad.
LEFT
The desk is in the
study is called the
Drawing Board and
the chair behind it
the FJ46.
109
RIGHT
The light-filled
living room cum
study. The chair
on the left is the
famous, widelycopied Chieftain
chair, designed by
Juhl in 1949.
Danish architect Finn Juhl
built his house at Kratvaenget
15 in Charlottenlund, north of
Copenhagen in 1942. He designed
both the outside and the interior
of his own home, creating a
coherent, harmonious look.
The house, about 2,200 sqf,
consists of two blocks standing
at right-angles to each other,
joined by an entrance hall which
opens to the garden. One block
houses a large living room and
a small study while the other the
kitchen, dining room, bedrooms
and bathrooms.
Juhl worked with a theory
which he called “from the inside
and out” His idea was that
furniture created the room, and
the room created the façade.
This theory dictated his furniture
design as well as his interior
undertakings.
“Furniture and houses are
of course always designed in
a context. I have rarely built a
house where I didn’t also design
the furniture. It is of course
fundamental that the furniture
is practical. Chairs are not
designed to look at but to sit on,
but of course it makes you happy,
if they are also worth looking at,”
Juhl said in 1982.
Art was Juhl’s main source
of inspiration and played a
predominant role at his home.
He was a keen collector of
paintings as well as sculptures,
carpets and vases. He admired
artists such as Alvar Aalto, Sonja
Ferlov Mancoba, Asger Jorn,
Vilhelm Lundstrøm and Erik
Thommesen.
110
111
OPPOSITE
PAGE
A tea room
adjacent to the
study. A Vilhelm
Lundstrøm still life
hangs on the wall.
Juhl designed the
table in 1968. The
upholstered chairs
are the FJ45 chairs
and the other is
the NV44 chair.
112
ABOVE
The Poet sofa
sits next to the
fireplace. A portrait
of Juhl’s partner
Hanne Wilhelm
Hansen by Vilhelm
Lundstrøm.
RIGHT
A conference table
in the master
bedroom. The
pendant lamp was
designed by Poul
Henningsen.
text WENSHAN PANG photos ONE COLLECTION
113
A
B O L D
M OV E
Large colourful paintings, statement-making
furnishings and hypnotic patterned tiles
come together to create beautiful, dramatic
interiors in this home.
WHO
A bachelor in his
40s and his
two cats
HOME
Three-bedroom
apartment
SIZE
1,650sqf
114
The open-concept
apartment features
bold patterned
tiles from Hafary
throughout the
common areas.
115
The first thing you notice
when you step into James
Kenneth Koh’s home is the
flooring. A sea of patterned tiles,
with lapis blue, eggshell white and
grey tones, takes up the majority
of the flooring in his 1,650sqf
open-concept apartment. In fact,
it covers the living, dining, kitchen,
and study areas.
James, who also designed his
home, says the tiles reminded him
of Peranakan architecture. Being
Peranakan, he used them to
achieve the “modern Peranakan”
theme he had in mind.
Although the flooring is in
itself a show-stealing feature,
James did not stop there. He
introduced more pizzazz in the
form of contemporary furniture
and art with bold designs and
vibrant colour. “I went with
designer furniture,” he says of the
pieces, which come from shops
such as Pomelo, that give each
ABOVE
James runs his
own headhunting
business, as well
as an interior
design studio.
RIGHT
The figurines of
James and his
mum displayed
in a glass bell jar
on a Punt console
from Pomelo are a
fun alternative to
family photos.
FAR RIGHT
The study, where
he often works,
can be closed off
by glass sliding
panels.
OPPOSITE
Dramatic decor
pieces help anchor
the study area,
which is also a
transitional space
leading to the
bedrooms.
116
zone an unconventional edge.
When you consider how
sophisticated and polished the
home looks, it’s surprising to
learn that James doesn’t
have professional training in
interior design.
Although he now runs an
interior design practice with a
business partner, he started
his career in advertising before
running his own headhunting
company. He says: “I’m very
interested in interior design,
so I see this as a paid hobby.”
We find out more about the
renovation, and James’ design
style.
Why did you decide to go for an
open-concept design?
Apartments these days are very
compartmentalised, but I like
open spaces. Whenever I design,
I’ll open up the spaces so that
there is connectivity – you can
117
be in one space and also look
into another to know what’s
happening. From the kitchen, I
can talk to guests who are seated
in the dining or living room.
Do you entertain often?
I have many good friends
who visit often, and that’s the
reason for this 3m-long dining
table! In my previous place,
I didn’t have a table that was big
enough, but now they can all sit
around comfortably.
I’m learning to cook, too.
But my cooking methods are
dependent on my open-concept
space – so it cannot be greasy
or zi char!
118
How did you alter the space to
suit your needs?
I took down quite a few walls. The
kitchen wall near the entrance
was removed to open the kitchen
up to the living room. Since the
living area is long, I created two
sitting areas, which makes the
overall space feel bigger.
For my study, the wall
between the third bedroom and
living room was removed and I
had sliding glass panels installed
in its place, to save space. I also
took in the balcony to create a
bigger living space.
Finally, I enlarged the master
bedroom by incorporating the
adjacent hallway. The new portion
gives me extra wardrobe
space, and I no longer have an
enclosed narrow walkway.
Now, the study is a
transitional space that leads
to the bedrooms.
What ideas did you have for
your home’s design?
My previous home had an
industrial-style concept that was
more grey and black, so I wanted
to steer away from that look. I
went with colour – my own take
on a “modern Peranakan” style.
The Peranakan-inspired tiles
I got from Hafary are the main
element, and they dictate the
colour scheme of the apartment.
ABOVE
The 3m-long
dining table from
Pomelo is able
to accommodate
many guests
comfortably.
LEFT
James has two
cats that he
manages to make
room for in his
stylish abode.
FAR LEFT
A colourful striped
rug in the living
room offers a
daring contrast
to the Peranakaninspired tiles.
OPPOSITE
The artwork in
the dining room
was sourced from
Thailand, and is
made with recycled
tin siding panels.
119
RIGHT
The master
bedroom’s flooring
is finished with
grey hexagonal
tiles with white
grouting for a
graphic look.
BOTTOM
LEFT
James got his
bed, which has
an integrated
bedside table, at
Dream Interiors.
It is designed by
Matthew Hilton.
BOTTOM
RIGHT
Travertine tiles and
sandalwood toned
mosaic adorn the
bathroom, giving
it an elegant,
soothing feel.
How did you make the tiles
work with your decor?
My family and friends were
worried that the tiles would
look very busy! But I laid it
everywhere, except in the
bedrooms and toilets.
Most people use these tiles
for a small area as a feature.
You have to either keep your
furnishings very neutral or just
follow its visual language to
make it look eclectic.
I took a different approach
by clashing the tiles with the
striped rug in the living room and
complementing the flooring with
the yellow tones of the dining
table and chairs.
Tell us about your art collection.
The artwork was brought over
from my previous home.
They’re paintings by mainly
South-east Asian and Chinese
artists, some sourced locally
and others overseas.
When I buy art, I’m always
drawn to faces and portraits –
mostly of women – and fashion.
You don’t have to cover every
wall, but I like to put up larger
pieces that cover a large extent
of the wall. Big paintings are like
statement pieces.
Many small pieces on a wall
may seem cluttered, but if you
like them, you’ll need to balance
them out. For example, put up
three artworks of roughly the
same size on a big wall.
What are some interesting
details in your home?
In the bathroom, I installed
black fittings instead of typical
chrome ones. As a unique touch,
I used leather strips as cabinet
handles and drawer pulls on
the built-in benches below
the windows.
120
text LOUISA CLARE LIM photography WINSTON CHUANG art direction YEW XIN YI
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Please visit http://www.bosch-home.com.my or contact Jason Ooi at
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121
D A R I N G
T O B E
D I F F E R E N T
No major renovation here. This couple
transformed their apartment simply
with decorations!
WHO
A couple and their
bull terrier
HOME
A two-bedroom
condominium unit
SIZE
786sqf
RIGHT
Part steampunk,
part British, and
part classic, the
living room is a
bold combination
of dramatic details
that come together
to form an
eccentric style.
122
123
flowers FLORAL MAGIC
124
ABOVE
The kitchen
cabinets are
fronted by ornate
frame-in-frame
doors that the
homeowner
designed.
OPPOSITE
Despite having to
downsize, Calvin
embraced his love
for decorative
spaces and went
all out in styling
a living room that
has a talking point
at every turn.
Having done up the interiors of local clubs and
bars, homeowner Calvin Ho is no stranger to
design. However, although he has helped done
up the homes of friends, he has ruled out going
professional as he doesn’t like to compromise
when it comes to executing his vision.
For his new home, he toyed with the idea
of creating a space that went along the lines of
“British eccentric”. But his first encounter with
the apartment wasn’t so inspiring. “My wife and
I were shocked when we walked into the space,
as it was so small!” he recalls, having downsized
from a 2,500sqf terrace house to a compact
786sqf unit.
With some ingenuity and furniture imported
mainly from China, Calvin managed to turn this
tiny flat into a dwelling that’s undeniably novel,
through a renovation that took two months and
cost RM90,000 (including furniture).
“When it comes to dressing up small spaces, you
need to do up the walls,” he asserts. “I don’t like
bare walls as the space will feel incomplete.” He
also had no qualms about using distinctive wall
coverings to create an eclectic effect.
The stately living room has wooden planks
bolted onto one wall, lending an old-world
handsomeness to this area. It also enjoys a good
dose of natural light, preventing the dark wood
from looking too oppressive. On the other side,
a brazen design statement is articulated with
framed posters against rococo wallpaper –
even the framed TV screen appears as part of
the collage.
Calvin also laid composite flooring over the
original beige tiles, leaving a finish that mimics
aged wood to give the home a mature feel.
The home’s varying colours and materials
form a unified scene. The customised kitchen
125
Not one for bare spaces, the homeowner unleashed his
creativity and left barely any corner undecorated.
126
ABOVE
Instead of
cramming the
shelves with
numerous
collectibles,
Calvin stuck to a
few to keep the
room looking
neat and tidy.
OPPOSITE
The study room
was given simple
stripes to turn it
into an arresting
space.
features cabinet doors made up of a succession
of ornate frames. This creative design is then
complemented by a backsplash made up of
bronze tiles, as well as a copper sink and tap.
As rose gold nail heads were used on the
living room’s feature wall, Calvin echoed this
visual element throughout the abode. The leather
chesterfield sofa, side table, and coffee table all
feature similar studded details.
The monochrome study room was decorated
in a similar approach, with its strictly black and
white furniture mirroring its striped walls.
The only exception is a curated selection of
Calvin’s figurines (some of his collection can
be found at Hungry Heroes, the superherothemed restaurant that he runs), which stand
out brilliantly against the room’s black and
white theme.
Calvin’s aim was to create a home that
veers away from anything remotely typical,
and he has certainly succeeded: “If you want
that wow effect, you’ve got to be different!”
text MAVIS ANG photography TAN WEI TE art direction DON TAN
127
128
A N
E L E G A N T
E A S E
In this simple, streamlined white
space, it’s the many treasured items
from friends and family that enrich
the interiors with meaning.
WHO
Architectural and
design consultant
Laura Phay
HOME
A four-room flat
SIZE
1,000sqf
LEFT
The all-white
foundation of the
common area sets
a crisp and unifying
base for furniture
and accessories
of varying styles.
Even the seemingly
random ornaments
that have been
collected or gifted
seem perfectly
at home on the
custom-made shelf
above the sofa.
129
130
ABOVE
Floral arrangements
and plenty of
plants pepper the
apartment, softening
the look of the space.
OPPOSITE
Laura brings together
contemporary and
vintage furniture
pieces stylishly in the
living room, which
enjoys plenty of
natural light, thanks
to its tall windows.
For Laura Phay, the most important elements
of her home are the gifts from friends, items
she holds very dear to her heart. “Regardless of
trends, these things will never lose their meaning,”
she explains. Against a clean palette, she allowed
these knick-knacks, as well as a charming mix
of furniture designs, to take precedence.
As the founder of design consultancy
She Designs He Builds, which is behind the
simple yet chic interiors of trendy cafes such
as The Plain and Ronin, Laura is known for her
simple yet refined interior touches. And her
home is treated with the same grace.
What was the basis for the interiors of your home?
When my husband and I returned from Melbourne
in 2010, we didn’t have much to spend on the
home. As we were setting up The Plain cafe,
we kept a lot of the apartment – including the
floor tiles, parquet and bathroom – as it was,
to save money. I just wanted to keep the place
simple and light, and do without visually heavy
built-in cabinets.
Aren’t you afraid that there might not be enough
storage space in the future?
I don’t have the habit of accumulating things.
I think that it’s the result of living overseas
and renting apartments. We also have a spare
bedroom where most of our clothes and clutter
are stored. The kitchen has plenty of storage
space. I’ve installed big, deep drawers rather than
cabinets there, so everything is in plain sight.
What other features of this home are you
particularly proud of?
There was a recess in the living room wall, which
I levelled out and inserted a metal shelf that’s
made with 3mm-thick stainless steel. Displayed
on it are all my favourite things. Most of them
are little gifts from friends, such as a fertility
goddess from my husband’s army friend who’s
a brilliant sculptor.
I think that items like these are so precious,
because it shows the thought that people have
put into gifting it. And I like surrounding myself
with symbols that are dear to me.
131
RIGHT
The couple
favours a
clean palette
that brings
about a
sense of
lightness.
132
133
134
ABOVE
Grafunkt’s AA shelf
was chosen for the
study as its design
echoes the upturned
edge of the living
room’s metal shelf.
OPPOSITE, TOP
The light bulb planter
is a gift from a staff
member of a cafe
Laura designed, and
it’s displayed – along
with sculptures made
by friends, and corals
from the couple’s
beach holidays –
prominently in
the living room.
OPPOSITE,
BOTTOM
Laura loves displaying
knick-knacks, but
she also curates the
selection. This way,
her shelves and desk
are kept from being
cluttered with curios.
What other changes were made during
the renovation?
I wanted the kitchen to look connected
with the rest of the home, so I opened it
up and got the contractor to replace its
original tiles to match the ones in the
common area. I cook very often
in this open kitchen, but as long as I
don’t do heavy cooking or fry garlic, the
smell doesn’t linger in the house.
I also replaced part of the study
room’s walls with full-height glass
panels – I’m so glad they managed to fit
them in the lift!
The oversized lamps are also an unusual
choice for a small home…
Even though the ceilings are not high,
using oversized pendant lights can
actually make the place feel a lot loftier.
I tend to like big gestures that make a
difference.
Do you have furniture pieces that have
a sentimental value?
The armchair, as well as the boomerang
coffee table, are vintage designs from
the 1940s that were passed down from
my grand uncle. We restored them by
laying on a new laminate for the table
and reupholstering the chair.
I also like buying designs that last,
such as the Dish Doctor designed by
Marc Newson, which I’ve had since 2002
and still works well.
135
LEFT
The rugged dining
table and leather
chairs were
imported
from India.
OPPOSITE
Laura spends most
days working in
the home office,
where tile samples
(one of which
is used to hold
some succulents
she’s trying to
revive), project
files and reference
books are neatly
organised.
FAR RIGHT
A bedroom,
which has been
converted into her
office, holds pieces
that have followed
her through the
years, such as
a bench bought
from Taiwan, and a
minimalist mobile
acquired in Sydney
while she was still
a student.
136
text MAVIS ANG photography JASPER YU art direction DON TAN
137
A R AW
APPE AL
A major reconstruction revealed
raw elements that worked to
the advantage of this interior’s
industrial loft style.
WHO
A couple in their
early 30s
HOME
A nine-year-old
condominium
SIZE
1,000sqf
RIGHT
The open living
area’s palette was
kept neutral, but
jazzed up with
a tactile mix of
materials – from
the rich oak
flooring laid in
a herringbone
pattern, to the raw
ceiling beams and
structural pillar.
138
139
140
The best creative ideas often come from pushing the
limit, and these homeowners knew they had found
their match in Mark Yong of PIU Design. They had
many thoughts on what they wanted in a home, and
challenged Mark to come up with the creativity to
execute them. “He’s very open to ideas, and made all
the details work together. Nothing was impossible
for him!” says the husband.
The young couple do not have children, and
were keen to allocate the majority of the apartment
to a large entertainment area and a master
bedroom. This meant knocking down all the walls,
save for the structural pillars, and reconstructing
the layout. The original three bedrooms were
rejigged to become one master bedroom with
a walk-in wardrobe and an adjoining en suite
bathroom, and a study-cum-guest room.
The flat’s false ceiling was also removed,
revealing its original beams. The result is a
spacious, industrial loft-style interior, pulled
together with attention to stylish details.
OPPOSITE
The homeowners
picked an unusual
hue of orange-rust
for their Eames
lounge chair –
a bold choice
that adds a dash
of playfulness to
the industrialstyle interior. A
structural pillar
was chipped away
to reveal its raw
form, then coated
with epoxy to
become a cool
feature wall.
ABOVE
The study-cumguest room is
tucked behind
a sliding door
that has the
appearance of a
nondescript wall
when closed.
RIGHT
A shallow false
ceiling hides
unsightly pipes and
wiring, and creates
a halo lighting
feature with
amber-coloured
LED bulbs.
141
ABOVE
The husband loves
the “seamless usage
of space,” where
he can easily move
from the living or
dining room to the
kitchen to grab a cup
of coffee. With its
textured powdercoated matte black
cabinets, the open
kitchen falls in line
with the rest of the
unit’s raw, modern
aesthetics. A black
sink and Gaggenau
appliances complete
the look.
LEFT
The refrigerator
and washing
machine are hidden
behind kitchen
cabinet doors with
customised handles.
The patterned floor
tiles by Spanish
designer Patricia
Urquiola lend an
eclectic contrast
to the black
furnishings, while
demarcating the
kitchen space.
142
LEFT
Patterned Patricia
Urquiola floor tiles
flow from the kitchen
to the common
bathroom, and are
inlaid in the shower
wall niche, too.
White honeycomb
wall tiles lend
contrast and
a vintage
European vibe.
BELOW
The master
bathroom
boasts a similar
retro influence,
with old-school
patterned
ceramic tiles.
The spacious, industrial
loft-style interior is pulled
together with a tactile mix
of materials and attention
to stylish details.
143
RIGHT &
BELOW
The master
bedroom is simple
and restful, thanks
to basic furniture
pieces. The space
is also accented by
a pair of custommade lamps and
a brightly coloured
painting.
144
text WYN-LYN TAN photography VERNON WONG art direction & styling KAFFY TAN
145
FULL
OF
CHARACTER
At just 506sqf, this cheery apartment is
home not just to Norman and Judy,
but also to Astroboy and Tintin!
WHO
A couple in their 40s
HOME
One-bedroom
condominium unit
SIZE
506sqf
RIGHT
The living area is
raised in order
to accommodate
storage within
the platform. This
great spacesaving solution
does not eat up
precious floor
area.
146
147
Homeowners Norman Ang and
Judy Yeo see the bright side of
living in a small one-bedroom
apartment, after moving from a
five-room flat.
“Apart from having less
cleaning to do, we see each
other a lot more now!” Norman
jokes. They got help, in making
the most of their new 506sqf
apartment, from designer
Carmen Tay of Wolf Woof. To
make the home look more
fun and cheery, the designer
suggested a vivid comic theme
inspired by the Japanese
animation character Astroboy
and Belgian comic strip
character Tintin.
The spaces within this compact home
are played up using interesting wall
finishes, invigorating colours
and a fun theme.
148
RIGHT
Glass panels –
one of which slides
to allow access
into the bedroom
– were installed
to replace a solid
wall. This allows
more light into the
small bedroom,
and makes it
appear larger.
(OPPOSITE)
TOP
Next to the bomb
shelter, a desk
is tucked away in
the entrance foyer
that doubles as a
study. The walls
are decorated with
personalised
graphic stickers.
BELOW, LEFT
The compact open
kitchen bridges the
entrance and living
area. To keep the
area clear, no dining
table is required
in this cosy abode
– “We sit around
anywhere to eat,
often in the patio,”
says Norman.
BELOW,
RIGHT
Carmen specially
designed the
platform to
maximise the
whole raised area
as concealed
storage, which
is made up of
compartments that
open in sections.
149
150
ABOVE, LEFT
As an extension of
the living area, the
patio is furnished
with knick-knacks
and other novelty
decorations that
infuse the space
with character.
ABOVE, RIGHT
At the back
entrance to the
patio, a mobile
bar cart the
homeowners
purchased from
CB2 sits below
wall-mounted
typography
“posters” made
of timber.
OPPOSITE
The semisheltered
patio, located
conveniently
beside the
condominium
pool, is an
inviting gardenlike space thanks
to the faux grass
flooring. “The
best time to relax
out here is in the
evening, when
it’s really breezy!”
says Judy.
Larger-than-life cut-outs and
graphics of the characters,
as well as figurines and
collectibles the couple bought
online and at The Tintin Shop
in Chinatown are displayed in
the space. Soft furnishings with
matching colours and striking
patterns further enhance the
playful look.
Excluding the airy patio, the
interiors are a mere 390sqf!
To make the living area and
bedroom appear larger, Carmen
demolished the separating wall
and installed glass panels in
its place. For storage space,
the designer knew better than
to compromise precious floor
text LOUISA CLARE LIM photography TAN WEI TE art direction YEW XIN YI
area. Instead, she capitalised
on the high ceiling and designed
a platform for the living room.
The surface of the entire raised
area, including the steps, can
be opened in sections, revealing
storage compartments within.
“We store things we hardly use
in the compartments that aren’t
so accessible, like the ones
under the sofa,” says Judy.
The almost all-white canvas
ensures that the apartment is
always naturally bright, and
splashes of comic-book yellow
provide contrast. The renovation
shows that a compact home
can also be big on style and
personality!
151
GST
Are we entering an age
of decreased income and
increased cost of living
with the GST?
NO ESCAPE, NO EXEMPTIONS
All goods and services are taxed under the Malaysian Goods and Services Tax
(GST), so how will this affect our readers?
Background information
Implemented on 1 April 2015, the
Malaysian Goods and Services
Tax (GST) is a new consumption
tax levied upon the provision
of all goods and services in
Malaysia except for a few
exempted and zero-rated items.
Its implementation has aims of
creating a more transparent tax
system, whereby weaknesses
in the taxation system, like
double (even triple, in certain
cases) taxation, tax evasions and
erosions are eradicated as well
as to increase tax compliance
while making it easier to
administer due to its self-policing
properties.
152
The rate of the GST is 6%, and
all entities earning an annual
turnover rate of RM 500,000 must
register for GST compliance with
the Royal Malaysian Customs
Department (RMC). If companies
within this threshold fail to do
so, they will be penalised. All
collections of the GST invoiced by
the company must be remitted
back to the RMC by filing their
GST returns on a monthly or
quarterly basis.
The items that are exempted
from GST are as follows:
financial, public transport, private
education, highway tolls and
bridges, childcare, bereavement,
private healthcare, residential
or agricultural land as well as
supplies made by societies.
On the other hand, there are
also zero-rated items. These are
goods and services that are free
from GST where the expenses
incurred for their purchase
for business purposes can be
claimed as input tax credit,
which can be claimed from RMC.
These items include agricultural
products, essential foods,
unprocessed livestock products,
water used domestically, goods
supplied to Langkawi, Labuan
& Tioman Islands as well as
exported goods and services and
international transport services.
photo ARMANI CASA
Not only homes
themselves will cost
dearer, but also the
furniture and appliances
within them.
The Bad
Although the purchase of
residential property is not
taxable under the GST, the
materials used in construction
are subject to it. This would
mean that the price of properties
will increase as the property
developers cannot claim input
tax credit. Homes might be
dearer to purchase for the mere
reason that they are becoming
more costly to build, and as
a result, property developers
would seek to increase the
prices of the homes they have
built. Property developer, the
Mah Sing Group released
a statement that they have
projected for residential
property prices to increase
at a rate of 3%-4% after GST
implementation.
Interior design services are also
not exempted by the RMC nor do
they have zero-rated status. This
means that the rates charged
by interior designers will also
be taxable so long they are GSTregistered entities. If consumers
choose to hire interior designers
then they will have to ensure
that they are transparent with
their charges and charge the
GST according to the regulations
stipulated by the RMC.
Of course, the prices
of home appliances e.g.:
fans, stoves, ovens, home
entertainment systems as well
as furniture are expected to
increase with the GST. Thus,
the cost of a finished, livable
and decorated home might
increase to a rate between 3%
and 9%.
The GST is levied on
all goods and services
supplied in Malaysia save
for essential items.
All companies with
an annual turnover
rate of RM500, 000
must register for GST
compliance.
Property prices are
expected to increase at
a rate of around 3% - 4%
in 2015, with other home
improvement services
projected to rise 6% in
line with the GST.
153
The Neutral
The rise in property prices should,
in all actuality, create a downturn
in the property market. This is
because buyers will be turned
away from buying new properties
due to increased prices. In an
interview with the Star newspaper
in January 2015, CIMB research
proposed that buyers would
be utilizing a “wait-and-see”
approach in regards to property
for a span of six to nine months
after 1 April 2015. Such behaviour
is usually in line with consumer
behaviour in other countries.
However, the stagnation in
property purchase will naturally
act as an incentive for developers
to make their properties more
attractive to consumers. This
would lead them to seek to add
value in their properties for
prospective buyers. These can
come in the form of waived legal
fees, discounts and even providing
better infrastructure to their
developments.
Using formulae derived from
the statutes provided by the RMC
and Loanstreet.com.my, we are
GOOD NE WS!
Income tax rates will
decrease by 2% in 2015
and the bracket for the
highest income to be taxed
has been increased from
RM 100, 000 to RM 400,
000. This means those with
incomes between RM100,
000 and RM 399, 999
annually will no longer be
paying the highest income
tax rate.
Taxes for cars are
expected to decrease by
4%. Time to get a new car!
Property bought in the
secondary market will not
be taxed. Think pre-owned,
people!
Decreasing crude
oil prices could lead to a
trickle-down effect that will
lead to an overall decrease
in the cost of materials that
might be able to offset the
price increases caused by
the GST.
Item (All Properties under previous
Sales and Services Tax Scheme)
Cost
Final Cost After
Tax Claims
Profit
Margin
Sales
Price
Sales
Tax
Tax
Collected
Total
Collected
Construction
Materials
First Schedule
(eg.: bricks, cement
and floor tiles)
80000
80000
20%
96000
0%
0
96000
Second Schedule
(eg.: Other building
materials)
90000
90000
20%
108000
5%
5400
113400
Construction
209400
209400
50%
314100
0%
0
314100
Developer
314100
314100
50%
471150
0%
0
471150
Cost
Final Cost After
Tax Claims
Profit
Margin
Sales
Price
GST
Tax
Collected
Total
Collected
Construction and
Development
Item (Residential Properties under
Goods and Services Tax Scheme)
Construction
Materials
Standard
Rated Goods
(Non exempted,
non zero-rated)
170000
170000
20%
204000
6%
12240
216240
Construction and
Development
Construction
216240
204000
50%
306000
6%
18360
324360
Developer
324360
324360
50%
486540
0%
0
486540
PRICE INCREASE: 3.27%
154
able to compare the prices of a
residential home in the previous
tax regime with that of the GST’s.
Residential homes are not taxed
in both regimes, but commercial
properties are indeed subjected
to GST.
Also, under both taxes,
developers have to bear tax for
their inputs, but the proportion of
the tax is different as construction
materials like bricks, cement and
floor tiles were under the First
Schedule of items in the previous
Sales and Services Tax scheme
and were exempted from the tax,
while other building materials
were not. Under the GST, all
construction materials are taxed
at 6%.
As can be seen from the tables,
the price increase in residential
properties is 3.27% with the GST
scheme, which is entirely within
the threshold projected by Mah
Sing Group. This figure is actually
an encouraging one, because it is
not as high as several parties had
speculated it to be.
Infographic courtesy of loanstreet.com.my
The Good
There is a silver lining though,
behind all the increases in cost
that seem to come with the GST.
The fact of the matter is that the
dipping price of crude oil will
have also led to the decrease in
the cost of goods and services
in general via the trickle-down
effect. There is a possibility that
this decrease in price is enough to
offset the price increases incurred
by the GST.
Property prices on the
secondary market are not affected
by the GST. This means that
once a person has bought a new
property and decides to sell it
sometime after; the GST will not
be levied upon it even if the result
of the sale exceeds RM500, 000.
Thus, it would be cheaper to buy a
home from the secondary market.
Car prices are expected to enjoy
a small reduction, with the GST
replacing the Sales and Service
Tax, bringing about a 4% decrease
in taxation.
Income tax will see a decrease
from 1% to 3% depending on
income bracket to reduce the tax
burden of taxpayers. Meanwhile,
the highest tax income tax bracket
has been increased from RM100,
000 to RM400, 000, reducing the
percentage of taxpayers paying
the highest income tax rate.
Subsequently, the tax for this
bracket has decreased from 26%
to 24% per the Malaysian Budget
2014.
Last, but not least, consumers
will not need to pay GST for
financial services, which includes
home loans, regardless on
which market the property was
purchased from.
In Closing
The GST is seen to be
another burden upon all
consumers, because it will drive
up the prices of all goods and
services while annual incomes
are not increasing. However, if
consumers are savvy enough,
and understand how this new tax
regime works, there is no doubt
that the effects of the GST can be
minimised. Consumers are also
reminded to be alert and not allow
providers to abuse their ability
to charge increased prices out
of the boundaries set onto them
by the RCM. They should report
any abuse and misuse to the
appropriate authorities.
BE SAV V Y
There will be
unscrupulous parties
that will abuse the
new GST system.
Be wary and do the
appropriate readings
on the rulings so you
do not get caught
unawares in any
transaction.
There might just be silver
lining in those clouds
ABOVE
Go pre-owned, because items
purchased on the secondary
market are GST exempt, like
this table that was formally an
old sewing-machine.
text HANNY KEE TZE HAN
155
TECH 101
TECHNOLOGY
UNLOCKED
With digital locks replacing
mechanical locks, the future
of home security starts at your
door. Here’s a guide to some of
the smartest locks around.
THE ONLY ONE WITH A CAMER A
The Goji Smart Lock (pictured above and left) is the only one in the
market now with a built-in camera which notifies you when someone
is at your door, and shows you who it is. While it does not provide a
live feed, it takes a photo of whoever is at your door and stores it in the
cloud, allowing you to access it anywhere through a mobile app.
Like most new smart locks, it works via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi,
and can be controlled by an app or opened with a physical key.
What’s unique is that the LED screen greets you by name and
can be programmed to let someone in at certain timings.
Pre-orders can be made at www.gojiaccess.com.
MOST POCKET-FRIENDLY
Danalock from Denmark is
the only lock listed here that
can be linked up to a Z-Wave
home automation system.
Don’t fret if you don’t have
Z-Wave, it still works
with Bluetooth.
The lock contains all the
basic functions of a smart
lock; it unlocks the door as
it senses your mobile phone,
can be programmed to open
at certain timings and has
a sleek, simple design.
It’s also the cheapest of
all the locks here, with prices
starting at US$159 (RM580).
Available at www.danalock.com.
156
MOST SLEEK AND ST YLISH
One of the more common digital
lock brands in Singapore, Yale
Security Point and its locks are
trusted and used in many homes.
The Yale YDD324 lock is
reminiscent of hotel key card
scanners, just a lot more chic.
The black mirrored casing
houses an invisible keypad that
activates with a touch. Aside
from the pin code entry, it also
allows entry through a key card
and, if all else fails, a manual
key override.
The lock comes with plenty
of functions – it warns you when
the battery is low, sets off an
alarm if anyone forces the door
open, can be opened with a
remote control, and allows you
to key in fake codes to prevent
your pin from being exposed.
Available at
www.yalesecuritypoint.sg.
EASIEST TO INSTALL
Unlike the other locks, Lockitron is installed on the
inside of your home, which means no one outside
will be aware of your smart lock. Simply fasten
it over your existing lock and your installation
is complete.
The lock is connected to an app, available for
both Android (www.tinyurl.com/LockitronAndroid)
and iOS (www.tinyurl.com/LockitronApple), and
unlocks automatically when it senses your phone.
The same app will send you notifications
when the lock’s motion sensors detect someone
knocking on or unlocking your door.
Lockitron is priced at US$179 (RM645), pre-orders can
be made at www.lockitron.com.
MOST PR ACTICAL
What makes the Kwikset
Kevo Smart Lock so attractive
is that even though the
Bluetooth-enabled lock opens
with a touch of a finger, it still
comes equipped with a good
old-fashioned keyhole.
As you approach the door,
the lock recognises an app on
your smart phone, and turns its
touch sensors on. Simply tap
the lock with your finger and a
blue LED ring lights up before
unlocking your door.
Its partnering app, available
for Android (www.tinyurl.com/
KevoAndroid) and iOS (www.
tinyurl.com/KevoApple), helps you
create eKeys that you can send
to family, friends or anyone you
might need to let into your home
remotely. It can also delete the
same eKeys when needed.
The Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock is
priced at $399 and available at
Equip Design & Supply, #05-09
Plaza Singapura, tel: 6338-3838;
or at Calytron Engineering, 1 Bukit
Batok Street 22, tel: +65-8181-8989.
text AMANDA JAYNE LEE
MOST FUNCTIONS
Samsung’s latest digital lock,
the SHS-P718, is both a lock and
a door handle, making it one of
the most attractive options for
homeowners. The stylish pushpull handle, as opposed to the
traditional lever handle, makes it
easy for them to open the door.
It also makes unlocking the
door a breeze with its various
modes of access. Homeowners
can unlock the door using their
fingerprints, a pin code, an access
card or a mechanical key.
The Samsung SHS-P718 is priced
at $1,150 and available at Hanman
International, #03-157 IMM Building,
tel: +65-6564-4704.
SMART LOCKS AT A GLANCE
Pros
Cons
Convenience:
With the promise of
keyless entry, smart
locks have eliminated
the struggle of digging
through your bag for
your keys while juggling
bags of groceries at the
same time.
New technology:
Smart locks are
still relatively new,
which means not all the
kinks have been worked
out yet. But as more
companies invest in
smart-home technology,
there will be a marked
improvement in
home security.
Remote-access:
Equipped with Wi-Fi
capabilities and eKeys,
smart locks make it
possible to unlock
the door remotely for
deliveries, visitors or
family members at any
time of the day.
Security: Most locks
come equipped with
security notifications
that inform owners
through their phone
when someone enters
or knocks on their door.
Some even take photos.
Price: Most locks
are priced in the
hundreds, making them
unaffordable for some.
Security: Unfortunately,
smart locks are not any
more secure than
regular locks. They may
come with numerous
functions to prevent
unauthorised entry,
but if the smart lock is
physically broken, it is
no different from a
broken mechanical lock.
157
TECH 101
APP
HELP
From measuring your
spaces, colouring
your walls and
keeping your home
safe from intruders,
our top 10 list of free
apps for the home is
worth checking out.
BRIGHT NEST
This app provides tips to
homeowners who need help
cleaning and organising
their home. It offers tutorials
based on your cleaning needs.
For example, if you have a
dishwasher, it will pull out
several articles on them for
you to read. With an in-built
calendar and to-do list, the app
can help you create a handy
timetable for chores.
Available on iOS and Android
DULUX VISUALISER
Getting ready to paint your walls? This innovative app from Dulux is perfect for those who
need a little more than paint swatches to decide on their home’s colour palette. You’ll be
able to view the new paint colours on your actual walls through the screen of your mobile
device, making choosing a palette so much easier and less intimidating!
Available on iOS and Android
ROOM SCAN
Room Scan helps you
draw your home’s floor
plan by “scanning” your
walls. Press your phone
against one wall till it
beeps, then move on to
the next wall and so on
until you’re back at the
first wall. The layout will
appear on your phone
sans doors or windows,
unless you paid for that
function. Still in its early
stages, the layout’s
dimensions will appear
a little warped, but can
be adjusted manually.
Available on iOS
PHOTO
MEASURES LITE
Perfect for furniturehunting homeowners.
Photo Measures Lite
gives you a handy
reference to the
measurements of the
spaces in your home.
Snap a shot of the corner
you’re looking to revamp,
manually measure
spaces and save the
measurements onto the
photo through the app’s
function. You’ll just have
to refer to only one picture
to see if that sofa will fit in
your living room.
Available on iOS and Android
158
MANY THING
Many Thing is a home
security app, but what it
also offers is a live video
feed on a secondary
camera that you leave
running at home. It can
also be controlled by your
primary mobile phone
through the same app.
Available on iOS and Android
SORTLY
A home organisation app,
Sortly helps you catalogue your
belongings. Snap a picture and
add it to a category to keep
track of its location. The app
is great for those who need to
keep stock of their valuables
and those who are moving.
It also helps that the visuals
are bright and cheerful!
FURNISH
Furnish was first known as Ikea Now, an
app that superimposed 3-D images of Ikea
furnishings onto the image of the space
on your phone’s screen. The image can
be adjusted for size, rotated and saved for
further reference. It has since extended its
collection to include Crate and Barrel’s,
among other brands.
Available on iOS and Android
Available on iOS and Android
KRESTA
Test out various window
treatments before purchasing
real ones. Kresta works a little
like a sticker app, in which you
take an image of your window and
superimpose a variety of window
treatments onto it with just one
swipe. But unlike regular sticker
apps, Kresta allows you to adjust
more than just the size of the
window treatments – it also lets
you adjust the angle and colour
of your choice.
MAGIC PL AN
Magic Plan helps you create
accurate layouts of your home
using images of rooms and
virtual rulers to pinpoint corners
and wall edges. The process is
a little tedious at first, especially
with the compulsory tutorial
videos you have to watch, but
the end result is worth it. It also
allows you to add windows and
furniture pieces to your layout.
Available on iOS and Android
Available on iOS and Android
SALIENT EYE
A home security app, Salient
Eye works like a motion
detector in your home. Set
up a spare phone with the
Salient Eye app and leave it
running. If the app detects any
movement, it sends a text and
email alert to your primary
phone with pictures of the
intruder who crossed Salient
Eye’s path.
Available on Android
text AMANDA JAYNE LEE
159
EXPERTS SAY
YOUR RENO &
DECOR QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
rules to determine the size of
your carpet or rug. “Proportion
is key. The design and colour
of the rug plays a part, too.
Decide if the rug is to be the
focal point or just serve as a
complement to the design of
the room.
“If it’s the focal piece, it
can be of any size within the
confines of the living set, going
slightly under some pieces or
beyond the living set.”
Placing the edge of the
rug underneath your sofa, for
example, hides the edge from
view and creates the illusion
of a bigger space.
“As a complementary
piece, the rug should not fight
for attention and it should be
just slightly under the general
living set’s size. It should help
the living set create a sense of
space and not make the room
look cluttered,” says Hadi.
photography DARREN CHANG design FREE SPACE
We answer your renovation
and decorating questions with
help from industry experts.
E-mail questions to
[email protected].
I love the way carpets and
rugs soften a space, but I’m
not sure how to use one in my
living room. Does the carpet
go under the furniture or stop
at the edge? And is there a
general guide to how big
a carpet should be in relation
to the room size?
Carpets and other soft
furnishings are crucial in
infusing a space with cosiness
and texture.
As Hadi Nishaburi of carpet
specialist Jehan Gallery puts
it: “A rug in any room defines
a space. In the living room,
its main role is to bring the
furnishings together, create
harmony in the space and,
in doing so, build the desired
ambience. A rug helps to
demarcate an area and
emphasise the importance
of that space, too.”
He says there are no fixed
160
Decals seem to be a very quick
and easy way to decorate a bare
wall. There are so many designs
available – are smaller repeated
motifs nicer or one big mural?
I don’t want to spend the whole
day putting them up, either.
And how do I maintain them?
Wall decals are indeed a fast
decorating fix for bare walls,
and if you get tired of the design
after a few years, it’s easy to just
remove them! But there are so
many fabulous designs available;
we understand that it might be
difficult to make a choice.
Carmen Tang of Mr Fox
Creative Loft uses wall decals
for her interior projects and
provides some tips on selecting
them: “The size of the decal
really depends on the objective of
your space. As a designer,
my rule of thumb is to always
‘go big or go home’. I’ll customise
bold and original wall decals
for my clients for that dramatic
interior statement.
“However, if your aim is not
to create a feature wall, but to
complement other highlights in
your space – such as designer
furniture or a painting – then it
makes sense to opt for smaller
decals that will serve as a great
backdrop without overpowering
the ‘star’ of the room.”
Ready-made wall decals are
meant to be DIY projects, with
enclosed instructions that make
them easy to apply and remove.
Large customised ones are
slightly trickier as they require
professionals to get the job done,
says Carmen.
Decals are also easy to
maintain. She advises wiping with
a slightly damp cloth and soapy
water to remove dirt, dust, or
other substances that may end
up on your decals. Avoid using
harsh chemicals or abrasive
cleaning agents which may
damage the material.
depend on how tall you are, and
those that are too high can result
in shoulder or neck ache.
“Also, consider the height of
the back and the incline. If you like
to lean back with your feet up (as
I do), then the angle of the incline
should be quite generous and the
chair should be tall enough to
offer head support.”
She designed the Detendez
chair (pictured above) as her
personal reading chair. The shape
of the chair, which encourages
relaxation, offers great neck and
head support, and the incline
encourages one to lean back.
Nikki explains: “I chose a bold
pattern for my chair, which adds
just enough punch to enliven a
neutral room. But in a bright,
colourful space, it is bold enough
to hold its own.”
Go for upholstery in a colour
or pattern you love, so that even if
the rest of your furniture changes,
you’ll never get tired of looking at
the piece. Otherwise, just change
the chair’s upholstery to match
your other pieces.
photography WONG WEI LIANG design PROJECT FILE
photo DESIGN INTERVENTION
I have always wanted a
comfortable reading chair –
one I can spend hours in. Is the
type with “wings” better? If I
change the furniture around
it, which patterns or colours
are versatile enough to match
most furniture pieces?
Spending hours curled up with
a good book certainly requires
the right “tools” for the job. That
would be a good supportive seat.
Wing-back chairs (those
with a “wing” on each side) have
come into fashion again recently,
and contemporary fabrics can
give what is seen as a traditional
design, a modern look. The
“wings” provide head support and
were originally designed to trap
the heat from the fireplace.
Comfort is a completely
personal concept, says Nikki Hunt
of Design Intervention. “When
choosing a reading chair, think
about the position you find most
comfortable and start from there.
“Some people like soft seats,
while others prefer a firm base
to give support. Arm heights will
I don’t have a balcony, but I’d like
to keep plants at home. Which
plants will survive indoors and
where I should place them? For
plants that can grow in both water
or soil – such as money plants –
which would be a better option?
Although all plants need light for
growth, different types require
various levels of light. Not having
a balcony is certainly no barrier to
having houseplants to beautify your
home! We spoke to Hedrick Kwan,
a horticulturist at Plant Visonz, who
says: “Plants that do best indoors
are green leafy plants with little
colour and broad leaves. Plants
with broad leaves live below the
jungle canopy to capture sunlight
filtered down from the trees.”
He suggests philodendrons,
money plants, caladiums,
bromeliads (from the pineapple
family), pandan and Hoyas.
“If there is only artificial light,
stick to green plants with thick
waxy leaves. If there’s natural light,
choose coloured foliage,” he adds.
Money plants are one of
the easiest plants to grow and
propagate. Stick a portion of the
stem in water to let new roots grow
but, after that, Hedrick suggests:
“Don’t grow the plant entirely
in water as that can encourage
mosquito-breeding. Grow it in
gravel with small pebbles, with
the water level below the gravel.
This way, there won’t be exposed
stagnant water.”
161
photography DARREN CHANG
design DWELL INTERIOR DESIGN
You’ll still need a countertop
to work on, and you can build
storage spaces underneath
that, but doors are optional!
For example, homeowner
Christine Choo designed a
basic concrete-and-tile frame
for her kitchen countertop and
left it with open shelving.
Without overhead cabinets,
your kitchen will look brighter
and “lighter”. Use that vertical
space to mount rails for
hanging pots and pans, and
cooking implements. They’ll
be easier to access, too!
photography VERNON WONG
I won’t be using my kitchen
much, and don’t see the point
in building cabinets, which will
cost a lot. What other options
do I have?
We’re so used to seeing the
typical two rows of cabinets
(overhead and under-counter)
in kitchens that we don’t usually
ask ourselves if they’re
even necessary.
Carpentry usually makes
up the bulk of the cost of a
kitchen renovation, and if you
don’t plan to cook that much,
save on costs by building only
what you need.
162
How can I remove stains from
a painted wall, such as marks
made by crayons, markers,
and Blu-Tack?
In a home with young children,
it’s inevitable that your walls will
become convenient canvases for
these budding artists.
“Common marks can be easily
cleaned by wiping with a soft
sponge and a little soap solution,
says Sary Cheong of Dulux. You
can also try removing crayon and
marker stains with baking soda.
Sprinkle the powder on a damp
cloth, and scrub hard at the stain.
Some also swear by toothpaste,
which, like baking powder, acts as
an abrasive to scrub out the stain.
If the marks are on a coloured
wall, carry out a patch test on an
inconspicuous corner to make
sure your chosen method doesn’t
remove paint colour as well.
Blu-Tack that has been left
on a wall for a long time might
stain the surface when oil from
the pliable putty seeps into the
surface, especially if the wall was
painted a long time ago and has
become porous.
To remove these stains, BluTack’s website suggests a citrusbased stain remover. This might
remove the paint as well, and your
wall will need to be repainted.
Why not kid-proof your walls
with washable paints instead,
and avoid the hassle of cleaning?
Both Dulux and Nippon Paints
have paints that protect wall
surfaces and make stains and
marks easy to clean.
If your picture frames aren’t
that heavy, he recommends using
hooks attached with doublesided tape instead, such as 3M’s
Command picture hanging hooks.
There are a range of weight
options available for each hook;
use more than one hook to
hold heavier pieces. Just make
sure you follow the installation
instructions. These hooks can
also be removed cleanly when you
want to move the artworks. 3M
also offers picture-hanging strips
which hold frames using velcro.
“These will give you the
flexibility to rearrange the frames
and remove the hooks or velcro
strips without causing any cracks
to your wall,” says Ken.
text REBECKKA WONG
photography WONG WEI LIANG design 3D CONCEPTWERKE
photography WONG WEI LIANG design W2DA
I have a concrete wall that I
intend to hang lots of framed
photos on, but I’m worried about
the surface cracking when I drill
into it. What can I do to prevent
this from happening?
Photo collages are lovely to have
at home, but won’t do any favours
for your wall with all the holes you
have to drill.
If you’re planning to display
many pictures of various sizes,
it might be difficult to get their
hanging positions right. Drill in
the wrong spot and each mistake
would need to be patched up.
Interior designer Ken Lee of
Space Matters says: “It is hard to
tell if the concrete wall will crack
while drilling.”
I live in a flat, and would
love to get a pendant lamp for
my dining table. As the ceiling
is quite low, what kind of lamp
should I get and how high should
it be hung?
Pendant lamps are great choices
for dining areas. As they come in
many designs, they can also be
used to express the decor theme
you’re after.
As a general rule of thumb,
hang the light about 75cm from
the tabletop; high enough not to
obstruct your view of other diners,
but low enough to light up your
table, says Malathi Balaraman of
Ikea Singapore.
Another way is to have
someone else assist you. Stand
a distance away from the dining
area and have them lower or
raise the light to decide which
height suits the space best. The
size and shape of your table also
matters. “If you have a large table,
hang your light slightly higher so
it casts more light. If you have a
long, rectangular surface, you will
likely need more than one hanging
pendant lamp,” says Malathi.
If you are using the dining table
for studying or working, your light
source should be bright enough to
illuminate the whole surface well.
As for aesthetics, the beauty of
the pendant lamp lies in the slim
profile it offers from the line of the
electrical cable down to the shade.
So when you choose a design,
make sure that it’s not too tall.
You don’t want it to appear as if
it’s stuck to the ceiling!
163
KITCHEN
Making a Mark
You won’t forget whose glass is
whose again with Qualy Bandscape
Glass Marker. These forest-themed
non-slip grip markers are perfect
to be used during family reunions
and parties. They allow you to have
a better grip of your glass. They
come in a set of six designs.
Available from www.dsyr.com
All-knotted-Up
It is both a huge serving dish and
contemporary home decoration. Inspired
by Japanese knotwork, Mizuhiki, Royal
Selangor’s large serving dish has an intricate
pewter detailing running down its side. It
reflects affection, warmth and togetherness.
Personalise this gift for your mother by
engraving a special message on the wooden
surface. The serving dish is from Royal
Selangor’s latest collection, Knot.
Serving Utensils
What’s for lunch? More
importantly, do you have the
right tools to serve lunch? If
you don’t, get a Qualy Sparrow
Server Set. It includes a ladle,
spaghetti server, slotted and
solid spoon. Made from high
quality plastic, the server set
comes in a practical holder
which is in the form of a tree.
Available at Royal Selangor outlets.
Available from
Delima Home’s online store,
www.delimahome.com.my
Te a L i g h t L a n t e r n
Love your tea? The Golden Blessing Tea Gift holds up to 12 tea bags and
four different types of tea for you to choose from. But what is tea without an
extraordinary packaging? Made from Taiwan, the box can be used as an ordinary
lamp or a festive lantern. It is equipped with seven coloured LED lights.
Available from www.corpick.com
164
Silicon Blue
P i n e a p p l e Ta r t s
It is so pretty that you may not want to put your pots on it.
This Delft Blue Trivet looks like it came out of someone’s
cross-stitch work. The everlasting bloom from Jensen +
Co is highly durable as it is made from a flexible silicon
material.
Makes: : 40 pieces
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including jam)
Available from www.corpick.com
Mood Bin
Look out for the new FlipBin from Brabantia. The 30-litre
FlipBin are available in six colour combinations. The attractive
colours include striking White with Yellow rim, soft Mineral
Pink with Red Rim, Anthracite with Blue trimming, warm Red
FlipBin, a fresh Mineral Mint and a pure Matt Steel one. Choose
a bin that goes with your style and mood. Furthermore, you only
need to flip the lid with a finger and watch the bin open to reveal
a colourful inner bucket.
For more information from www.brabantia.com
Ingredients
Paste
Two cans 410g Ayam Brand Pineapple Cubes, drained and finely
blended
100g castor sugar
One cinnamon stick
Dough
150g butter, cold and diced
75g icing sugar
One egg yolk
30ml cold water
One teaspoon vanilla essence
½ teaspoon salt
280g all-purpose flour
50g corn flour
One egg, beaten with a pinch of salt for egg wash
Method
Paste
1. Place blended pineapple, sugar and cinnamon stick into a pot.
Cook by mixing continuously until dry. Set it aside to cool.
Dough
1. Place dry ingredients into a bowl. Blend butter until crumbly.
Add yolk and vanilla essence to produce a smooth textured
dough. Add a little bit of water if the dough is crumbly. Cover
with plastic and have it chilled for 20 minutes.
2. Roll the dough to a ¼ inch thickness in between two plastic
sheets. Stamp the dough to produce the shapes you want and
transfer them into trays lined with baking paper.
Tart
1. Roll a teaspoon of
cooked pineapple paste
into a small ball and
place it into the stamped
dough.
2. Bake in a preheated
oven at 175 Celcius for
15 minutes until golden
brown. Cool them on
wire racks.
Recipe from Ayam Brand. For more information,
visit www.ayambrand.com.my
text NG YI XIANG
165
FIX IT
OUT WITH THE OLD
Arm yourself with a dustpan and our spring cleaning checklist,
and get ready to whip your home into tip-top shape!
Even if you clean your home regularly; once a
year, throw open your windows, let sunlight in and
reorganise your space. Clean out every nook
and cranny you might have overlooked. Here are the
three basic steps of spring cleaning:
Clear clutter: Toss out things you no longer need
and reorganise your space by packing items you
don’t use often into boxes.
Dusting and cleaning: Now that your surfaces are
bare, wipe down every corner to get rid of dust.
Tackle the floors: After dealing with surface clutter,
clear the floor of residual dust and store any small
odds and ends.
ROOM-BY-ROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST
Living Room
Remove curtains and other household
fabrics for washing
Clear storage cabinets and small items
from the television console
Unplug wires and keep consoles and
electronics out of the way when you clean
Dust and wipe all surfaces, including the
ceiling fan
Sweep and mop floor
Reorganise storage space and cables
Kitchen
Clean and clear fridge, including ice trays
Clean all appliances
Empty cabinets and drawers before wiping
them down
Wipe all surfaces
Sweep and mop floor
Reorganise drawers and cabinets
Clean stovetop and burners
Bedroom
Declutter by organising items into boxes
Clear your closet, under the bed, storage
cabinets and shelves
Remove bedding and curtains for washing
Dust and wipe all surfaces, including the
ceiling fan
Sweep and mop floor
Replace bed linen and curtains
Unpack and reorganise your closet,
storage cabinets and shelves
Bathroom
Remove all items from the shower area
and from the vanity counter
Clean your glass and mirrored surfaces first
Clean the tiles, followed by the grouting
Clean the WC and the shower area
Wipe all surfaces clean and let them dry
Replace any holders or soap dishes that
have mould growing on them
Reorganise loose items.
166
text AMANDA JAYNE LEE photography FRENCHESCAR LIM
buying guide
YOUR ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
MALAYSIA
Acacia Fine Fabrics
tel: +603-4252-3378
www.acaciafabrics.com
Aeon Index Living
Sdn. Bhd.
Lot No.LG-30, 31 & 33,
Lower Ground Floor,
IOI City Mall
Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City
Putrajaya
www.indexlivingmall.com.my
A-Jung Electric
Sdn Bhd
Suite E-06-08,
Plaza Mont Kiara,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6201-9101
Alpha
tel: +603-5740-6666
www.alphamalaysia.com
Apex
For store listing, go to
www.apexboutique.com
BoConcept
T112 Bangsar Shopping Centre,
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2011-0178
Bilton Industrial
Products Sdn Bhd
Feruni Ceramiche
12 Jalan 213
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7784-7277
Goodrich Global
M-2-2 Block M
Plaza Damas Phase II
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-6201-5757
Gudang Damansara
S15 Bangsar Shopping
Centre
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2092-2618
Guocera
5th Floor Wisma Kemajuan
No 2 jalan 19/1B
Petaling Jaya
Tel: +603-7958-7922
Harvey Norman
For store listing, go to
www.harveynorman.com.my
Hafele
18 Jalan Juruhebah U1/50,
Glenmarie
Selangor
tel: +603-5569-2526
Hitachi
95 & 95-1, Jalan 1/17
Taman Fadaso,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-6257-6327
Suite17.3, Level 17
Menara IMC,
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2031-8751
Bosch
Ikea
Caesarstone
www.caesarstone.com.sg
2 Jalan PJU7/2
Mutiara Damansara
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7726-7777
Deep Living Sdn Bhd
Interfal
www.bosch-home.com.my
C-01-07 & C-01-08
Skypark at One City
Jalan USJ25/1, Subang Jaya
Selangor
Tel: +603-5594-2491
Eastern Decorator
Sdn Bhd WHITE ROOM
(Eastern Decorator
Sdn Bhd)
Suite E-3A, Level 3A,
Corporate Bulding (Block E),
Southgate Centre, No2, Jalan
Dua, Off Jalan Chan Sow Lin,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-9222-3488
Electrolux
tel: 1300-88-1122
No 45 & 47
Jalan SS18/1B
Subang Jaya.
tel: +603-5638-9213
Janine
S112 Bangsar
Shopping Centre
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2094-9530
J & J Chesters
Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Block B-0-1, Megan Avenue
1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2166-4121
KDK
3rd Floor,
No 15 Jalan Tandang
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7785-5011
Kimgres Marketing
Sdn Bhd
MML (Malaysian
Mosaics Sdn Bhd
Kitch
Molecule
Lot 5, Jalan Kilang/Jalan
217
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7783-9811
1A Jalan 205,
Off Jalan Tandang
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7718-7333
Sharp
No 1A Persiaran Kuala
Langat Section 27
Shah Alam
tel: +603-5102-5311
Signature Kitchen
6.49.02 Pavilion KL
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2148-3300
Lot 24 Jalan Teknologi
Taman Sains Selangor 1
Kota Damansara
tel: +603-6286-7000
Muji
Space Furniture
Kitchenaid
tel: +603-7877-5216
5.10.00 Pavilion KL
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2141-0223
Lazzoni
Namu Haus
Stadler FormBlue Orange
Resources Sdn Bhd
G16 Bangunan
Perdagangan D7
800 Jalan Sentul
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +6018-599-8233
154 Jalan Maarof
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603+2201-3323
Legrand
Lot 1888, Jalan KPB7,
Kawasan Perindustrian
Balakong, Selangor
tel: +603-8962-3333
LG
tel: 1800-822-822
www.lg.com
Lightcraft
145 Jalan Sungai Besi
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-9222-2413
Ligne Roset
S3 Pamper Floor
Starhill Gallery
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2710-3388
Linds Furniture
162 Jalan Maarof
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2094-6055
Lorenzo
For store listing, go to
www.lorenzo-international.com
Marco Corporation
(M) Sdn Bhd
2-2nd Floor, Jalan
Segambut,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-4043-3111
Metrojaya
www.metrojaya.com.my
Miele
Menara Kencana Petroleum
Solaris Dutamas
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-6205-3899
3 Jalan Timur
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7932-3999
Nippon Paint
tel: 1800-88-2663
www.nipponpaint.com.my
Niro Ceramic (M)
Sdn Bhd
Lot 2, Persiaran Sultan
Section 15
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-5033-9333
Panasonic
Lot 10, Jalan 13/2
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7953-7600
Rinnai
D2-3-G & D2-3-1,
Block D2, Pusat
Perdagangan Danau 1,
Jalan PJU1A/46,
Ara Damansara
tel: +603-7832-0037
Rubine
Fiamma Tradings Sdn Bhd
WismaFiamma
No. 20, Jalan 7A/62A,
Bandar Menjalara,
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-6279-8888
Pensonic
tel: 1800-881-770
www.pensonic.com
Robinsons
The Gardens Mall
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2089-1188
Samsung
Suite E-09-01,
Level 9 East Wing
ICON Jalan Tun Razak
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2165-0000
3-12 The Intermark Mall
Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2166-2212
Storage Systems
15-2-3, Megan Corporate
Park, Block B, Jalan 1/125E,
Taman Desa Petaling,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-9057-7933
Teka
tel: +603-7620-1600
Terracotta Tiles
15 Jalan Pendidik U1/31
Hicom Glenmarie
Shah Alam
tel: +603-5569-4799
Toshiba
Tel: +603-5565-8000
www.toshiba.com.my
White Horse Ceramic
tel: 1800-88-1880
www.whitehorse.com.my
Vanguard Interiors
D1-G/M Jalan Selaman 1
Dataran Palma,
Ampang, Selangor
Tel: +603-4270-3933
Vileda
Freudenberg
Household Products
(M) Sdn Bhd
Level 15-08,
PJX-HM Shah Tower
No16A, Persiaran Barat
Petaling Jaya
tel: +603-7932-5729
Vluz Concept (M)
Sdn Bhd
40, Desa Sri Hartamas,
Jalan 28/70A,
Kuala Lumpur,
Tel: +603-2300-1665
167
FLASHBACK
photography MYTH STUDIO
2
photography SOO PHYE
1
THE TREND
AGE OLD ANTIQUES
Antiquity adds a little
mystery to your home. With
the right bits and pieces
of furniture and home
decoration paired together,
you can create a very distinct
western or oriental feel.
As we flipped through
our past issues, we realised
how even the most quirky
objects or culturally
different ones can fit
into a space filled with
accessories of a certain
168
period. Of course, there is
always an object lying in
wait to subtly represent
where these items are from
(e.g. an old decorative piece
of a European bus).
It also reflects your
personality. For example,
a brown oak desk with
accessories such as
binoculars lying on top of
fountain pens, brown paper
and (hint!) a globe at the
side, would give off the
text NG YI XIANG
feel of an adventurous and
studious person. To create
an area which stays true to
a particular era requires
a lot of research and time
in sourcing and collecting
these items.
1 Antiques often have very unique
characteristics, giving the room a
worldly, sophisticated feel.
2 Insert decorative pieces such as
an European bus for a subtle hint
ofthe country that inspired the
design.
Marketed by:
Kitch (M) Sdn Bhd (566346-V)
85, Jln Klang Lama, Batu 3, K.L. Tel: 03 7982 8233
Block M-1-6, Plaza Damas, K.L. Tel: 03 6201 2541
Email: [email protected] Web: www.kitch.com.my
