The kitchen countertop has seen more action than any other surface in our homes. Brands around the world continue to develop next-generation materials to be more durable, sustainable and beautiful.

The “Made in China” stamp may have had a less than appealing connotation before – but that’s not the case anymore. In these pages, the top 10 trends shaping the country’s soft power of design.

We don’t have to look too far to find custom-made sustainable wood furniture in Singapore. Some trees even grow in our gardens.

Three CEOs shed light on how the industrial, healthcare, and retail and office real estate sectors have been impacted by the pandemic – and how their companies are moving forward.

The fusion of two concepts differentiates this home from other run-of-the-mill, industrial-themed interiors. LYNN TAN finds out how this was achieved.

Derrick Yap never imagined that he would join the family business and, once he did, couldn’t have envisioned how a company making ball bearings could evolve into one leading the way in fancy tech and robots. But none of these were happy accidents. Yap embraced the grind and fought for the change we’re about to see in the world.

Designed to meet the owners’ aesthetic preferences and their pets’ needs, DOMENICA TAN learns more about how this modern industrial apartment was conceptualised.

DESIGN NEWS, PLACES TO VISIT, THINGS TO BUY

For this couple, their matrimonial home is not just a place to start life together as a married couple, it’s also about designing it from scratch. They share with LYNN TAN how their experiences in architecture, and interior and graphic design made this an exciting journey.

She went green before businesses embraced eco-consciousness, and grew a two-person start-up into Singapore’s leading sustainable-packaging firm. Susan Chong’s story is one of single-minded vision armed with an ironclad resilience.

Green Entrepreneurs & Champions.

Furniture stores may come and go, but some have become cherished landmarks for local homeowners. Here are five that have remained favourite shopping destinations over the last three decades, and a younger bunch that we hope will be able to weather changing trends and the test of time.

Local furniture retailer carrying Nordic-style pieces.

This apartment’s country cottage-meets-industrial style is a reflection of both the homeowners and the interior designer.

Interior designer Kelvin Teo redefines the industrial look with warm wood accents and a contemporary style in this spacious apartment home.

WITH MORE PARTICIPATING WATCH BRANDS(35), MORE VISITORS THAN EVER (20,000) AND NEW DIGITAL INITIATIVES, THE SALON INTERNATIONAL DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE (SIHH) ANNUAL WATCH FAIR IS MOVING TOWARDS ACHIEVING THAT TRICKY EQUILIBRIUM BETWEEN EXCLUSIVITY AND HOLDING ITS OWN IN A NOISY DIGITAL-DOMINATED WORLD. HERE, OUR REPORT FROM GENEVA, FEATURING THE FAIR’S BEST BOOTHS, CELEBRITY SPOTTINGS, WATCH-CHIEF QUOTES, AND OF COURSE, WATCHES AND HOROLOGICAL INNOVATIONS.

What started as a request for an easy-to-clean home became an ultra-chic picture of industrial minimalism.

The design of this spacious and simply styled four-room flat shows that not all industrial-inspired homes must have a grungy vibe.

A sure-fire way to add character to your home is with an industrial-style lamp. We showcase the best of these utilitarian beauties.

The retail market might be slow, but for a nation whose citizens’ national pastime is shopping, it’s hard to keep Singapore shoppers away for long – especially when we still see new brands and businesses opening up shop here!

With plans to turn the greater Jurong area into a second business district, we chart the changes for Jurong West – a prime piece of real estate in the making.

We answer your renovation and decorating questions with help from industry experts. E-mail questions to maghomedecor@sph.com.sg.

Material textures and a mix of personal knick-knacks give this industrial-style space a welcoming atmosphere.