No home is complete without showcasing your favourite souvenirs and decor accessories. Dressing your sideboards, side tables and display shelves with knick-knacks you love adds character to your living spaces.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
No home is complete without showcasing your favourite souvenirs and decor accessories. Dressing your sideboards, side tables and display shelves with knick-knacks you love adds character to your living spaces. Include Atelier Swarovski’s latest home decor range to your collection, including the Tangent collection – a collaboration with Japanese design firm Nendo. Comprising candle holders, vases, trays and mirrors featuring crystals within rectangular metal frames, Tangent adds a touch of luxury to your home, through the multifaceted design language of these pieces showcasing curves and linear elements.
Find out more about Atelier Swarovski’s Tangent collection at www.atelierswarovskihome.com.
DESIGNER DOORS
You should not see doors as solely utilitarian objects, but works of art, as well. Charme, by Italian company Boscavenezia, for example, is made with great craftsmanship and traditional finishing techniques. It features transparent and tempered bronze glass, as well as decorative metallic armatures and handles in a copper finish. Boscavenezia also uses materials (for example, steel and wood) that are eco-sustainable, and count sliding aluminium doors and wooden shelving as part of its made-in-Italy collection.
Find out more at www.boscavenezia.it.
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EAT ‘ROTTEN’
After encountering wasted fruit in farms – the farmers don’t grow enough to sell, but cannot consume everything that their trees grow, hence the fruit falls to the ground and rots – Tony Fernandes decided to freeze dry the pesticide- and chemicalfree fruit. The Rotten Fruit Box delivers organic seasonal fruit, such as peach, kiwi and raspberry, from small farms in Spain and Portugal, and offers a subscription box as well. Each fruit pouch can last up to a year. Yum!
Find them at www.therottenfruitbox.com.
OBJECT OF MEMORY
Combining traditional methods with inspiration from a Modernist chair she likes – the 1950s Basket Chair by Nanna Ditzel – Patricia Urquiola has created an outdoor furniture collection that is both modern and familiar. Named after “wicker” in Italian, the Vimini collection for Kettal features wicker-and-wood pieces with Basketlike seats, and the classic braiding often seen in outdoor pieces. Complementing its earthy tones are nature-inspired hues like taupe and green. “It doesn’t have the same Modernist spirit as the Basket but it’s familiar enough that, when you get close, it stirs a memory and makes you feel at home,” says Patricia.
The Kettal Vimini c ollection c onsists of sof as, side tables and a dining armchair . Find it at P5, 6 3 Mohamed Sultan Road, tel: 6 337-0050, www.p5.com.sg.
COLOURFUL AND VIBRANT
Adding colours and textures into your home helps elevate the cheerful, welcoming vibe you want. With Swedish textile artist Simon Key Bertman’s Chess cushion collection, you get pattern, texture and colour all in one without the pieces looking too loud or overbearing. His works are statement pieces too, thanks to a very unique choice of material – 100 per cent cotton shoelaces handwoven to create intricate patterns.
Simon Key Bertman’s Chess cushion collection retails for $278 at Vanilla Home , 63 Club Street, www.vanilla-home.com.
Packs a Punch
When shopping for portable Bluetooth speakers, the most important thing is a compact appliance that packs a punch! This way, you can easily carry it around and enjoy quality music whenever you like. Swiss-based audio brand Geneva Lab achieves that with the new Touring series wireless speakers that looks rugged yet elegant. It is clad in high quality eco-leather and crafted with aircraft grade aluminium, so durability is assured. Expect deep bass and a 20 hour-long battery life.
The new Touring series and Acustica Lounge wireless speakers retail from $269 to $549 at authorised dealers, including AV Intelligence at #01- 71 Millenia Walk, Robinsons The Heeren, Tangs Orchard and Vivocity.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Julian Mayor
The London-based designer takes inspiration from mathematics and nature.
Julian began his design journey as an interior designer after graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2000. Since then, he has built up an extensive repertoire of work showcasing his high-tech design processes and craft-based techniques. Catch his first show in South-east Asia, Keep Calm And Summer On, at Mazel Galerie in Pacific Plaza from July 7 to Aug 26.
JUST PLAY ALONG
Portable Bluetooth speakers are the way forward in home entertainment, and if you’re on the search for something stylish and packed with power, the Beoplay P6 is definitely one to consider. Designed in line with Bang & Olufsen’s signature understated Scandinavian style, the P6 features rich, powerful sound, up to 16 hours of battery life, and a dust- and splash-resistant exterior. P6 is made from premium materials, including a pearlblasted aluminium grille and a leather strap. One of the impressive highlights is the control buttons, which are milled out of a single piece of aluminium and have a soft tactile feel when pressed. Designed for portability at home or on the go, P6 lets you listen to music wherever you like, even while you’re lazing away in the tub after a long day.
The Beoplay P6 retails for $629 , and is available from Bang & Olufsen.
#HND TIP
“It is important to choose the right leather for your sofa. A full aniline leather sofa looks amazing, but the leather colour is likely to fade and can stain so it is best to pick semi– aniline leather with a protective finish. You can find such sofas from furniture brand King Living’s True Touch and Prestige leather range; they look like aniline leather but have easy care properties.”
Trend expert Sebastian Nash offers handy advice on how to protect leather sofas from stains.
IN A NEW LIGHT
Keep your home cool and cosy, while taking advantage of soft furnishings like blinds to add ambience to the space. Inspired by nature, where clouds act as a barrier to sunlight, Woodnotes Cloud blinds mimic the natural element with the use of paper yarn fabrics, which create different looks in the home at various times of the day. Natural light accentuates the textural details of the material, while various tonalities are revealed when seen in the dark. Designed by Finnish textile designer Ritva Puotila, the Cloud blinds can be customised using duocoloured or multi-coloured fabrics to create a unique look in your home.
Customise Woodnotes Cloud blinds to suit the design of your home . Price on request. Available at Vanguard Interiors, 3 Kallang Junction.
DIY RIGHT
With so many factors to consider when buying a television console or shoe cabinet – from its height to the number of doors – it would be much easier to simply customise what you need. Custo, a new online platform by Dutch architect Camiel Weijenberg, makes this much easier: Simply enter the measurements and features you require, and the bespoke product will be delivered to your doorstep in one to three weeks. The items are made in Singapore and cut from high quality plywood. Fuss-free and stylish!
Check out what you can customise at www.customizedstorage.com.
CHILD’S PLAY
Design your kids’ rooms like how you would your own, and dress them up with high quality furniture pieces that are functional yet fun! This way, you encourage a sense of belonging, while educating your children about the importance of good design. Newly launched luxury kids-furniture brand Essa Grace came to fruition, thanks to a father’s passion to build unique furniture for his kids. With a collection made of European birch plywood, the range includes a minimalist, Scandinavian-style bench, bookshelves, chairs, tables and even a slide! Mix and match these pieces to create a fun, practical living space your children can feel at home with.
Essa Grace’s furniture retails from $120 for a chair. Check out the collection at www.essagrace.com.
1. Olivia armchair, $1,750, from Embowood.
2. Sistine armchair, $1,280, from Finn Avenue.
3. Luke chair and Luke chair with arms, in Christian Lacroix Birds Sinfonia Perce Neige (back) and Aqua Clean Bellagio (front), $590 and $650 respectively, from Blafink.
4. Normann Copenhagen Ace lounge chair, from $1,290, from Kuhl Home.
5. Fredericia Swoon lounge chair, from $3,979, from Danish Design Co.
The Velvetine Effect
Velvet is “in” this season! We’re seeing it on everything from chairs to loungers and even up on walls! Perhaps it’s that air of romance it conjures, and that utterly sensual feel, which have homeowners spellbound. Here are some pretty options to consider
SPIN AWAY
You’ll know Vornado as the US fan brand that invented the Vortex Action technology: the sculpting of air into high velocity flow while blending hot and cold air, resulting in even room temperature. Well, Vornado has launched an Energy Smart Series which combines its powerful airflow with eco-friendly features. This includes 99 variable speeds to allow precise control – so you do not over-circulate and waste energy – a brushless energy-efficient DC motor, and a timer which shuts off the fan when it isn’t in use. The 6803DC model, in particular, has an adjustable height and cord management, making it a convenient and clutter-free product.
The Energy Smart Seriesc omes with a 10- year warranty. Find the series at Home-Fix Trading, #02-01, 19 Tai Seng Avenue, tel: 6671-9000, www.vornadosg.com.
TILE OF THE MONTH
NEW TRADITIONS
East meets West in the design of this made-in-Japan tile collection, Hinotori, which is the result of a collaboration between French designer Theophile Besson and Kyoto tile manufacturer Asada Kawara. Each tile is handmade, with traditional production methods where fine clay is polished several times before being fired. The result is a rot-proof and weather-resistant material suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The shimmery look on the tiles is reminiscent of that on roofs of traditional Japanese temples. Geometric and textural details are added to the pieces using patented screen printing technology.
The Hinot ori collection is a vailable for or dervia e-mail: info@theophilebesson.com.
BACK AND BETTER
Gucci has partnered Dapper Dan to launch a studio atelier in Harlem, New York City. Once known for dressing gangsters in Harlem, he returns to the fashion industry after 25 years. He will create unique pieces using fabrics, prints, embroidered patches and hardware from the brand. The by-appointment-only store will have a strong look (with red interiors), reflecting Dapper Dan’s bold creations.
GTECH AIR RAM K9
The low-down: Within just two years of its launch, the Air Ram by Gtech became the UK’s best-selling vacuum cleaner in 2014. Now available in Singapore, this 3.5kg cordless cleaner runs on a 22V lithium-ion battery and is designed with a proprietary Air Loc system which promises to pick up both fine particles and larger debris. We test the Air Ram K9, the strengthened, pet-friendly version featuring resilient aluminium alloy components and scented tabs which eliminate odour.
ITS EASY-TO-MANOEUVRE BODY AND LED LIGHT WILL TAKE THE LOAD OFF USERS WHO HAVE REDUCED DEXTERITY AND POOR SIGHT.
ELIZA HAMIZAH
Home & Decor Writer
The review:
The vacuum cleaner is easy to assemble, with a straightforward manual. I am most impressed by its nimbleness and powerful suction; it’s easy to work around furniture legs, and lifts hair and bits of my cat litter well — on tiles and rugs, and during forward and backward strokes. I find that my traditional cleaner would not have cleaned the space as immaculately!
I do enjoy the foot-operated on-off button, and the fact that the machine can stand upright. It comes with two chargeable batteries. You can charge one and continue cleaning with a spare. The LED light highlights fine dust, which I would have missed under normal lighting. Ironically, it also illuminates my biggest gripe about the Air Ram – the dust in corners that are unreachable.
The rotating brush, filter, dirt bin and battery are fitted in one area; this makes the body too bulky to clean corners. I had to use a broom to sweep out the dust in corners. If only this came with slim hoses or brushes!
The scented tabs are a welcome change. I wouldn’t say they neutralise odour, but they do provide a powdery scent that makes cleaning enjoyable.
The Air Ram K9 retails for $656 and is a vailable at www.gtechworld.sg. It comes with a two-year warranty. Look out for its monthly offers, too.
FAST, FREE
Don’t let the process of buying, selling or renting your property intimidate you. It will no longer be tedious and time-consuming, especially since you can specify your requirements – whether you are a buyer, seller, tenant or landlord – via the free Ohmyhome mobile application (available on App Store and Google Play). Pushing the boundaries of traditional real estate search, the in-app “Shoutout” feature ensures you access a well-curated list of properties, and communicate with prospective buyers and tenants directly, without needing a property agent. That’s everything you’ll need at your fingertips!
New Age of Design
One more handle for all you design enthusiasts out there to follow, on social media platform Instagram! Its design team launched @design in April, to celebrate global craft, design, as well as technology. With the widespread use of this platform internationally, the world will continue to receive design ideas and inspiration readily and conveniently.
Text DOMENICA TAN & ELIZA HAMIZAH
