S$6.00 SEP 2023 HOMEANDDECOR.COM.SG HOW TO RECOGNISE ITALIAN ICONS PROPERTY Hidden costs to property purchase THE KITCHEN EDITION ON TREND OPEN KITCHEN DESIGNS & WHY THEY WORK GUIDE TO SINK + COOKTOP SELECTION PROS & CONS OF MICROCEMENT FLOORING HEART OF THE HOME ON TREND OPEN KITCHEN DESIGNS & WHY THEY WORK GUIDE TO SINK + COOKTOP SELECTION PROS & CONS OF MICROCEMENT FLOORING HEART OF THE HOME
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S E P T E M B E R CONTENTS FEATURES S PE C IAL C O VE R A G E F O R T H I S D E S I G N E D ITI O N 10 MICRO BUT MIGHTY In search of functionality and aesthetic versatility in the kitchen? Microcement may be the solution you’ve been looking for. 14 POWER-UP THE KITCHEN SINK All you need to know when shopping for the right kitchen sink, from installation to the various chic and functional options available. 20 CABINET LAYOUT IDEAS FOR AN OPEN-CONCEPT KITCHEN Breaking away from traditional enclosed cabinetry, these cabinet ideas offer a unique and refreshing approach that blends openness with functionality. 26 TOP HOBS Check out our round-up of 10 classy cooktops to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. 30 RECIPES FOR SUCCESS Yearning to put your cooking appliances and skills to the test? Have a go at these popular local delights and surprise your family and guests at the next home gathering. 15 SHOPPING 34 THE EDIT Take a look at the latest home accessories and appliances on the market. 39 YOGIBO SHOWROOM The brand’s first store here, dedicated to its beads sofas, opens in Suntec City. 40 YANBAI VILLA Step into a world where time stands still and your vision of the world is defined by bold strokes of colour and graceful layered waves of texture, all inspired by a seminal Chinese painting from the 12th-Century. 21 34 2
45 HANS TAN Profile of a Singaporean industrial designer. 50 STRENGTH IN SOFTNESS Marcus Wong, Business Development Director of local custom furniture and upholstery specialist Danovel, on the evolution of soft furnishing in Singapore and reasons to opt for custom-made furniture. 52 PROPERTY Find out what the hidden costs are when purchasing a new property. 56 ITALIAN ICONS Get acquainted with these iconic Italian furniture brands and designs they are renowned for. 7 EDITOR’S NOTE 8 H&D.COM.SG 116 FINISHING NOTE 45 Hans Solo gĢä ġÁĢΎʼn ƈúĂő ùĩŅ Ģäū àäʼnĆúĢʼn ÁĢà őäÚĂĢĆńŖäʼn͠ DESIGN I D EAS A N D I N S PI R ATI O N F R O M T H O S E I N T H E K N OW 40 35 3
96 SING YOUR WAY HOME Lynn Tan gets up close and personal with Singapore Idol runner-up Jonathan Leong, and digital marketer, Jeneen Goh, in their cosy, modern luxe home. 108 WHERE TIME & STYLES COLLIDE Lynn Tan takes a peek inside this quintessentially Parisian apartment whose design is inspired by various design movements with a modern interpretation. 68 A BEAUTIFUL RESPITE This home, transformed with fluid lines and woodgrain finishes, is designed for a purposeful and balanced life. Rossara Jamil finds out more. 72 UNIQUELY ME This bachelor pad reflects the homeowner’s unique personality with its distinct design that stands out without being ostentatious. 78 ALL IN GOOD TIME This homeowner waited 18 years to renovate her flat, but as they say, better late than never. 88 PERFECT MATCH The clients’ extensive brief, the placement of existing columns and the age of the flat made this project a challenging one. S E P T E M B E R HOMES T H E N EW M O D E R N CONTENTS on the cover 96 `ĩàäŅĢ ěĆŪĆĢú ʼnłÁÚäʼn ƈěěäà with personality. PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY ART DIRECTION KRISTY QUAH 88 78 108
OPERATIONS MANAGER Lim Kim Yim ([email protected]) ASSISTANT MANAGER Lin Feng ([email protected]) EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA GROUP Ignatius Low HEAD, LIFESTYLE MEDIA & CONTENT MARKETING Phin Wong EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Raymond Goh PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Eileen Chia CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Teo Lay Lim CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Andy Hui CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER Kaythaya Maw CHIEF TRANSFORMATION OFFICER David Pang CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Joanna Ho HEAD, CORPORATE MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Fen Peh HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES Maureen Wee EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Young Lim ([email protected]) DIGITAL EDITOR Tan Guan Lin ([email protected]) WRITER Teo Jing Yuan ([email protected]) CREATIVE SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Nonie Chen ([email protected]) ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Kristy Quah ([email protected]) PHOTOGRAPHY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Veronica Tay ([email protected]) SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Phyllicia Wang ([email protected]) PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Athirah Annissa ([email protected]) Lawrence Teo ([email protected]) ADMINISTRATION & EDITORIAL SUPPORT SENIOR MANAGER Juliana Chong ([email protected]) ASSISTANT MANAGER Cynthia Lee ([email protected]) Wendy Wong ([email protected]) MARKETING & MEDIA SOLUTIONS HEAD, SALES Christopher Chan ([email protected]) LUXURY & RETAIL (FASHION, WATCHES, JEWELLERY) Irene Tan ([email protected]) BANKING, TECH & TELCO Ellen Lee ([email protected]) GOVERNMENT & EDUCATION Yvonne Wong ([email protected]) HOME & ESSENTIALS (PROPERTY, FMCG & RECREATION) Stella Yeo ([email protected]) GROWTH (BEAUTY & NEW PARTNERSHIPS) Josephine Lee ([email protected]) Martin Boey ([email protected]) For sales enquiries, please contact Maggie at [email protected] MARKETING BRAND & MARKETING LEAD Lin Shao Mei ([email protected]) MANAGER Chloe Chow ([email protected]) Home & Decor is published by SPH Lifestyle Media, a division of SPH Media Limited, 1000 Toa Payoh North, S318994, Tel: 6319-6319 Distributed by Circulation Department, SPH Media Limited, Singapore registration no.: 202120748H Printed by Times Printers. Copyright@2022 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Home & Decor are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. MCI (P) 060/12/2021 Expiry date: 30/11/2022. For back issues, e-mail: [email protected] Subscribe online: www.homeanddecor.com.sg 6
EDITOR’S NOTE LOVE FOR THE HEARTH I had a heart-to-heart talk with my mother last weekend, while we were working on perfecting my grandmother’s chicken stew. The stew warmed the proverbial cockles of our hearts, alas, it was also one of those recipes she kept close to her heart and on to her grave. None of us knew exactly how or what went into her secret recipe and to date, neither of us have successfully recreated that unique taste. At our wits end, we decided to band together to crack our heads into decoding grandma’s time-honoured stew. It was in between the swapping of ingredients and discussions on how best to mince the garlic, that I felt compelled to open up to my mother about living on my own in a house of my own. You see leaving the family home had always seemed to be a natural progression of my life, but it was one that my parents were in denial over. For them, family was about living under the same roof and both worked hard to be able to purchase a landed property that could provide space for them, as well as their three sons and any inlaws that happen to come later. Yet having all three ÚĂĆěàŅäĢ Ɖű őĂä Úĩĩł Áʼn ʼnĩĩĢ as they were entitled to buying their own homes meant my łÁŅäĢőʼn ʼnŖƅäŅäà ùŅĩġ őĂä empty-nest syndrome. Over our cooking session, I told my mother than no matter how far we were apart, I’m always thinking of mom and dad. I’m not sure if she knew how much I meant it, but I think with more bonding sessions in my kitchen, she may just come round to understanding my point of view. YOUNG LIM EDITOR- IN-CHIEF photography ANGELA GUO art direction NONIE CHEN
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9 BOSCH SPECIAL WHO’S THE BOSCH Enhance your culinary pursuits with Bosch’s Series 8 Induction Hob with an integrated ventilation system. In the modern kitchen, innovation takes centre stage, transforming how we cook, interact, and create culinary delights. One innovation that will thrill home cooks of all skill levels is the Bosch Series 8 Induction Hob with an integrated ventilation system (model PXX875D67E) that requires 7400W. This engineering marvel is more than just a cooking appliance, it’s a culinary innovation that combines precision, flexibility, and convenience like never before. FREEDOM FRIES Imagine a cooking surface that adapts to your every culinary whim, regardless of pot size or placement. The Bosch Series 8 Induction Hob offers an expansive 80cm cooking area, simultaneously accommodating up to 4 pots or pans. It also boasts two Flex zones, each spanning 40cm, providing a versatile canvas for your cookware. Say goodbye to the rigid confines of traditional burners; with FlexInduction, you have the freedom to place pots of any shape or size anywhere within the zone. Wherever you prefer to place your pots, the induction heats the bottom of the pots, which means you can cook anywhere on the surface. You can also use it as a regular induction hob with separate zones or combine zones with a simple touch to create more space. PRESENT PERFECT The Series 8 Induction Hob is not just about space; it’s about precision cooking. With PerfectCook Ready technology, you can bid adieu to overboiled pots and undercooked dishes. This intelligent sensor monitors and adjusts the temperature automatically, ensuring each dish is cooked to perfection. The innovation continues with PerfectFry, a sensor that monitors your pan’s temperature, preventing scorching and delivering flawless results. With five predefined temperature levels, your culinary creations will not just be superb, they will always be consistent. BREATHE EASY Cooking elicits tantalising aromas, but the lingering odours can sometimes be overwhelming. Bosch’s PerfectAir is the ingenious technology that mitigates this by monitoring the air and adapting the extraction power to vapour and odours, effortlessly clearing the air before they even ascend. And it’s not just about effectiveness; it’s about tranquillity too. The system operates at minimal extraction levels, reducing noise and allowing you to savour the cooking process without disturbance. HDB-FRIENDLY HOBS While the Series 8 Induction Hob with integrated ventilation is a culinary superstar, Bosch recognises the diverse needs of its customers with these HDB-ready induction hob options that perfectly blend performance with practicality. From the sleek and compact Series 4 Induction Hob (PUE611BB5J) to the versatile Series 6 Domino Induction Hob (PIB375FB1E), not to mention the larger Series 8 Induction hob (PPI82560MS) with two side-by-side zones, Bosch has a solution for every kitchen size and style. Like the Series 8, these three models are packed with innovation to make your culinary journey as smooth as possible. Starting with the PowerBoost feature, which makes heating up things ultra-fast. This function allows you to boil a big pot of water up to 35% quicker than the regular highest power level. You’ll have complete control of the power settings with nine different power levels for each cooking zone. Some models take it even further with 17 stages of power settings (nine main levels and eight intermediate levels) for each zone. MORE THAN COOKING From 1-30 September 2023, receive a complimentary gift worth up to $349 with purchase of an induction hob. Choose between a food processor (MultiTalent 3 - MCM3100WGB), hand blender (ErgoMixx MS6CA4150), or a powerful blender (VitaPower Serie | 4 - MMB6141B). Participating outlets include Best Denki, COURTS, Gain City, Harvey Norman, HoeKee, Mega Discount Store and Parisilk.
FEATURE MICRO BUT MIGHTY Many believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home. A space where families and friends congregate over food and drink to enjoy the convivial joys of fellowship, the ėĆőÚĂäĢ ġŖʼnő ŅäƉäÚő ūÁŅġőĂ ÁĢà radiate with welcoming qualities. Where longevity is concerned, it is a matter of great importance that the kitchen is built to endure. After all, it literally has to take the heat! Chief among important considerations for kitchen surfaces is the aspect of durability. Some may even argue that a surface that lasts is more important than a surface that is pretty! But, what if we told you that you could have your cake and eat it too? What Is Micro-Cement? Micro-cement, also known as micro-topping or microconcrete is a building material that combines the strength of cement with added polymers and aggregates. While most of us may be familiar with concrete screed, which is primarily used for leveling ʼnŖŅùÁÚäʼn͡ ūÁőäŅłŅĩĩƈĢú͡ łŅäłÁŅĆĢú ʼnŖÙƉĩĩŅʼn͡ ÁĢà ÚŅäÁőĆĢú äŰőäŅĆĩŅ facades, micro-cement is a newer addition to local material options. ©ĂäŅä őĂä őūĩ àĆƅäŅ͡ ĂĩūäŪäŅ͡ is in thickness and application; the former usually comes up to a thickness of 20 to 50 millimeters, while micro-cement generally clocks in at 2 to 3 millimeters thick! Kingsley, Co-founder of WŅÁƆő Ϳ Á ěĩÚÁě ÚĩġłÁĢű őĂÁő transforms spaces with the captivating beauty of microcement and other surface materials, shares: “It provides remarkable durability for its In search of functionality and aesthetic versatility in the kitchen? Micro-cement may be the solution you’ve been looking for. ƈĢÁě őĂĆÚėĢäʼnʼn͠ ĂĆʼn Ćʼn äʼnłäÚĆÁěěű advantageous in the kitchen, Áʼn Ćő Ćʼn Á ĂĆúĂͿőŅÁƆÚ ÁŅäÁ prone to spills, heat, and daily wear. Because of this, we can assure our clients that microcement surfaces are resistant to scratches, stains, and light impact, ensuring elegance and functionality for years to come.” Principal Architect of Kaizen Architecture Melvin Keng agrees. “Natural cement screed ƈĢĆʼnĂ őäĢàʼn őĩ ÚŅÁÚė äÁʼnĆěű ÁĢà deteriorate fast in our climate and ūäÁőĂäŅ͡ ūĆőĂ äŰłÁĢʼnĆĩĢ àŖŅĆĢú hot days and contraction during Úĩĩě ĢĆúĂőʼn͠ ĩ ÚĆŅÚŖġŪäĢő őĂĆʼn͡ micro-cement can be employed ĆĢʼnőäÁà͠ Ăä ġÁőäŅĆÁě ĂÁʼn Á ƈĢäŅ ÚĩġłĩʼnĆőĆĩĢ ÁĢà Ćʼn ġĩŅä malleable. It’s also more moisture and heat resistant, and so is less susceptible to cracks as it innately helps to regulate material ÚĩĢőŅÁÚőĆĩĢ ÁĢà äŰłÁĢʼnĆĩĢ͠ Ăä ƈĢÁě ƈĢĆʼnĂĆĢú Ćʼn Áěʼnĩ ġŖÚĂ ĢĆÚäŅ as an end aesthetic.” Why Choose Micro-Cement? If you’re looking to imbue your kitchen with functionality and aesthetic versatility, microcement is a wonderful solution. Because it is a coating, it can be ÁłłěĆäà ĩĢ Á ŪÁŅĆäőű ĩù äŰĆʼnőĆĢú surfaces including countertops, ÙÁÚėʼnłěÁʼnĂäʼn͡ ƉĩĩŅʼn͡ ūÁěěʼn͡ úěÁʼnʼn͡ ÁĢà äŪäĢ ùŖŅĢĆőŖŅä͠ ĂĆʼn allows homeowners a wide berth when designing the interiors of their kitchen; there is little to no demolition during installation, which means no risk of structural integrity. Environmentally, microcement also stands out as a Melvin incorporated microcement in this kitchen space as a means of demarcating between activity and circulation, resulting in this sleek and linear design. 10
sustainable choice. Because minimal material waste happens, homeowners can lower their renovation carbon footprint. Additionally, micro-cement has the added bonus of being able to ʼnłŅŖÚä Ŗł ĩěà ʼnŖŅùÁÚäʼn͡ äŰőäĢàäà life whilst negating the need to rebuild with fresh materials. In line with Singapore’s national agenda to reduce carbon footprint in architecture, Melvin put micro-cement to good use ĆĢ ĂĆʼn äŅŅÁÚä ;ěÁő łŅĩĔäÚő͠ HĢ Singapore, the construction industry is one of the highest carbon emitting activities. We decided to play our small part by reducing the utilisation of ŖĢĢäÚäʼnʼnÁŅű ƈĢĆʼnĂĆĢú ġÁőäŅĆÁěʼn like tiles, paint, laminates, and so on.” A Case For Style Aesthetically, micro-cement also allows homeowners to create sleek, sophisticated, and ʼnäÁġěäʼnʼněű ƈĢĆʼnĂäà ĆĢőäŅĆĩŅ spaces. Available in a wide range of őäŰőŖŅäʼn͡ ÚĩěĩŖŅʼn͡ ÁĢà ƈĢĆʼnĂäʼn͡ őĂä coating also eliminates the need for grout lines, giving way to an ĩłäĢ ÁĢà ŪĆʼnŖÁěěű äŰłÁĢàäà ʼnłÁÚä͠ ĂĆʼn Ćʼn łÁŅőĆÚŖěÁŅěű ÁàŪÁĢőÁúäĩŖʼn in small spaces like kitchens, where the slightest illusion of space can make a huge impact! Micro-cement is versatile in more ways than one! Depending on the manner in which it is applied, homeowners can also ÚŅäÁőä őäŰőŖŅäà łÁőőäŅĢʼn ÁĢà designs on their surfaces as desired. Kingsley goes on to add, “Micro-cement provides a canvas for personalised design. Whether it is a minimalist monochrome “IT PROVIDES REMARKABLE DURABILITY FOR ITS FINAL THICKNESS. THIS IS ESPECIALLY ADVANTAGEOUS IN THE KITCHEN, AS IT IS A HIGH-TRAFFIC AREA PRONE TO SPILLS, HEAT, AND DAILY WEAR.” -KINGSLEY, CO-FOUNDER OF KRAFFIT photo KHOO GUO JIE 11
UNCERTAIN IF MICRO-CEMENT IS THE MATERIAL FOR YOU? HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING YOUR DECISION! THE CONDITION OF YOUR SURFACE Because micro-cement cannot be used as a levelling material, it is important for you to prep your surfaces beforehand. Take this into consideration when factoring in your costs. YOUR CHOSEN SURFACE EXPERT Micro-cement may be fairly new to the renovation game, but most surface service providers will be more than happy to answer your questions. Set up a meeting, show them your space, and get talking! DESIGN AND STYLE Because micro-cement can be applied several ways to create different textures and designs, it’s important for you to think of how this can jive with your existing space. COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER MATERIALS Similarly, consider your preexisting space, its furnishings, and their design. Consider how they might play off microcement surfaces to give you the home aesthetic you want. For more information on micro-cement and its uses, visit www.kraffit.co 12
ID EDGE INTERIOR look, industrial-inspired aesthetics, warm and cosy Japandi or wabi-sabi, or something bold and artistic, micro-cement can Ùä őÁĆěĩŅäà őĩ ƈő őĂä ĂĩġäĩūĢäŅΎʼn ʼnőűěä͠ ĂĆʼn Áěěĩūʼn őĂä ÚŅäÁőĆĩĢ ĩù ÚŖěĆĢÁŅű ʼnłÁÚäʼn őĂÁő ŅäƉäÚő the homeowner’s personality and vision.” ;ĩŅ ĂĆʼn äŅŅÁÚä ;ěÁő łŅĩĔäÚő͡ Melvin took full advantage of micro-cement’s aesthetic ƉäŰĆÙĆěĆőű͠ Dä ʼnĂÁŅäʼn͡ ©ä Ŗʼnäà the material to colour block the space as a form of demarcation between activity and circulation. Micro-cement was used to demarcate circulation, whilst terracotta tiles were used to demarcate kitchen activity.” Is Micro-Cement Expensive? Kingsley shares that microcement is priced in the midrange in comparison to tiles and vinyl. “Large-format tiles ÚÁĢ äÁʼnĆěű Ùä ġĩŅä äŰłäĢʼnĆŪä͡ ÁĢà őĂÁőΎʼn äŰÚěŖàĆĢú àäġĩěĆőĆĩĢ͡ waste haulage, rebuilding, and ʼnäěùͿěäŪäěĆĢú ĩù űĩŖŅ ƉĩĩŅĆĢú őĩ accommodate the tiles.” As a ūĂĩěä͡ Ćő łÁűʼn ĩƅ ùĩŅ ĂĩġäĩūĢäŅʼn to consider the cost of redoing their space in an all-inclusive way, factoring in not just the material, but also time, additional preparations, work, clean-up, ÁĢà ěĩĢúäŪĆőű͠ Ăä ÚĩġÙĆĢÁőĆĩĢ of these elements brings us to the conclusion that micro-cement is well worth its cost for all the äÁʼnä͡ ƉäŰĆÙĆěĆőű͡ ÁĢà àŖŅÁÙĆěĆőű Ćő provides. ENVIRONMENTALLY, MICRO-CEMENT ALSO STANDS OUT AS A SUSTAINABLE CHOICE. BECAUSE MINIMAL MATERIAL WASTE HAPPENS, HOMEOWNERS CAN LOWER THEIR RENOVATION CARBON FOOTPRINT. ID EIGHTYTWO
14 FEATURE POWER-UP THE KITCHEN SINK All you need to know when shopping for the right kitchen sink, from installation to the various chic and functional options available.
Beyond just a plain practical fixture, the kitchen sink holds the vital task of upkeeping the kitchen in a clean and functional state on a daily basis for food preparation and cooking. A right-sized kitchen sink is one that meets the household’s expected usage, as you would want to avoid having a sink that is too small to fit the pots and dishes. Aside from the myriad material, colour, and configuration choices of a kitchen sink, it is also important to consider durability, functionality, and the accompanying sink accessories to best maximise the possibilities of the sink. Here are 10 different types of kitchen sinks to scrub the dishes in style. IN STALLING TH E K ITCH E N SIN K There are multiple installation options when it comes to a regular kitchen sink, where you can choose between a top-mount sink, under-mount sink, or flush-mount sink. Consider how the type of kitchen sink installation will go with the worktop, as well as how it matches the kitchen’s overall style. Top-mount sinks Top-mount sinks, also known as built-in sinks or drop-in sinks are installed with the bordered edges resting on the kitchen countertop. Any type of counter can be compatible with a top-mount sink, from laminates to stainless steel. The accentuated rim adds to the stylish design of the kitchen, however, it can also potentially cause nasty debris to be accumulated at the edges if you are not meticulous with cleaning. Under-mount sink Unlike top-mount sinks, an under-mount sink is installed under the kitchen countertop, giving the kitchen a seamless and visually spacious look. Without any protruding bordered edges, an under-mount sink enhances the ease of cleaning, ūĂäŅä ÁĢű őŅÁÚä ĩù ùĩĩà ÙĆőʼn ÚÁĢ Ùä ʼnūäłő ĩƅ őĂä countertop and into the sink conveniently. If you are installing an under-mount sink, make sure that your countertop is made of water-resistant and heavyweight material such as stone, quartz, or granite. Flush-mount sink ©ĆőĂ łŅäÚĆʼnä ĆĢʼnőÁěěÁőĆĩĢ͡ Á ƉŖʼnĂͿġĩŖĢő ʼnĆĢė is nicely integrated with the borders completely leveled with the countertop. Flush-mount sinks get the best of both top-mount and undermount sinks, with the sink and worktop coming together as one in bringing more countertop space to make full use of the accompanying sink accessories like a drainboard or colander. Similar to underġĩŖĢő ʼnĆĢėʼn͡ ƉŖʼnĂͿġĩŖĢő ʼnĆĢėʼn Áěʼnĩ ŅäńŖĆŅä a waterproof countertop like granite, stone, ceran, glass, or mineral materials. SINK WITH DISHWASHER FRANKE Sink Dishwasher Double Bowl FSDW50-01BG Dishwashers are a dream come true for modern kitchens and having an integrated dishwasher next to your sink enables you to clean up without breaking a sweat. With the Franke Sink Dishwasher, you are able to level up your multitask game with the help of the dishwasher and the stainless steel sink. Just a single touch and you can bring your cutlery, dishes, or fruits and vegetables to wash with up to 70 deg C high-temperature wash and a 99.99% sterilisation rate. The Franke Sink Dishwasher is suitable for families with up to six persons. Retails for $3,000 from Franke, www. frankehomesolutionssg.store 15
KITCHENETTE SINK IKEA ÄSPINGE Kitchenette If you are working with a tight space in your kitchen, you can go for an all-in-one kitchenette like the IKEA ÄSPINGE that provides a good amount of versatile storage options and even a ready built-in single bowl FYNDIG kitchen sink. As both the sink and worktop are in stainless steel, it is a hygienic material that is safe for food preparation and easy to maintain. Retails for $719 from IKEA, www.ikea. com/sg 16
WORKSTATION SINK KOHLER ŅĩěĆƈÚ WĆőÚĂäĢ ĆĢė Now you can do everything on your kitchen sink, with the highly functional workstation kitchen sink, such as the Kohler Prolific Kitchen Sink. The stainless steel sink is fabricated in a Kohler Satin Finish for anti-scratch properties, along with the cone-shaped drain to empty any food waste efficiently and the SilentShield technology that is sound absorbing. There are also three graduated ledges in the large sink bowl to place the accessories like the cutting board, multipurpose grated racks, colander, and washbin on varying heights to maximise the sink’s functionality as a full-on workstation. Retails for $930 onwards from Kohler Experience Centre wand Lazada. MODERN FARMHOUSE SINK Zuhne Prato 30 Have a look at this unique modern farmhouse kitchen sink, the Zuhne Prato 30 is constructed with a thicker and sturdier industrial grade stainless steel that perfectly blends the benefits of an apron sink with the durability of stainless steel sinks. On top of the soft and natural glow that comes with the premium satin finish, Zuhne’s sinks are also resistant to scratch, heat, and rust, where they are guaranteed to not rust nor lose their sheen. Retail for $619 from Zuhne, www.zuhne.sg MULTI -LEVEL SINK Blanco Etagon Sink For kitchens with a smaller footprint, maximising vertical space is key, and that meant having a deep, multi-level sink like the Blanco Etagon. Having a large and deep kitchen sink to fit bulky pots and pans is great, but having an ingenious tiered surface concept is even better for added functionality and versatility, such as with the Etagon sliding rails. Food preparation and washing up is easier with space for hot pots or baking trays. Available in stainless steel, Silgranit, and ceramic, the Blanco Etagon also comes in two sizes, along with three installation options of mourning it on top, under, or even flush-mounted. Retails for $599 onwards from Blanco’s authorised retailers. 17
LARGE BOWL SINK Teka Tegranite+ Sink Made with a blend of 80 per cent quartz and acrylic resins, the Teka Tegranite+ Sink is a durable and highly resistant material against heat, scratches, odours, and stains. Sleek and stylish looks aside, the large and deep bowl design makes washing and cleaning dishes of all sizes a breeze. As Tegranite+ sinks feature an ultra-thin and non-porous surface, it is hygienic and food-safe while effectively eliminating any harmful germs and bacteria with antimicrobial silver ions. Retails from $860 onwards, from Teka, www.teka-sg.com APRON SINK IKEA ÄHAVSEN Sink Enjoy the elegant and timeless appeal of a ceramic sink in the kitchen, with the IKEA HAVSEN’s soft-rounded corners, a visible apron front, and a double bowl sink design. The unique exposed front exudes a rustic charm while adding a sense of nostalgia to both traditional and modern kitchens. Functionally an apron sink, also known as a farmhouse sink, it provides an ergonomic and comfortable experience of washing the dishes or preparing food, as you stand closer to the sink bowl while minimising strains on your back and arm. Retails for $370 from IKEA, www.ikea.com/sg Retail for $879, from Blanco’s authorised retailers. DRAINBOARD SINK Blanco Faron XL 6 S Sink A country-house kitchen with shaker-style cabinets goes well with the Blanco Faron XL 6 S kitchen sink, designed with modern classic grooves on the drainboard and tap ledge that brings to mind the look of traditional wall panelling. With a harmonious blend of functionality and visual appeal, the Blanco Faron sink is made up of durable Silgranit material and comes in an array of up to 10 neutral colour options, along with an option solid ash cutting board to complete the charming country-house mood. 18
text JYN TEO STORAGE SINK Franke Sink Box Center Keep your kitchen essentials close by and organised with a storage sink, such as the Franke Sink Box Center. The second stainless steel sink bowl is transformed into a fully-accessorised box center that holds a covered draining rack, coupled with kitchen accessories including two chopping boards, a knife holder and three knives, as well as a colander. Both the wood and sanitised chopping boards fit perfectly over the sink while extending the countertop space, with the addition of a useful colander for drying and draining purposes. Retails for $4,548 from Franke, https://frankehomesolutionssg.store Retail for $908 onwards, from hansgrohe official online stores on Shopee and Lazada. SINK WITH DUAL MIXER hansgrohe SilicaTec Granite Sinks Sophisticated and convenient, the SilicaTec Granite Sink by hansgrohe features a unique two-hole mixer for greater comfort of use. In addition to the usual kitchen tap in the middle, you also get a lever handle control positioned on the front of the sink, where your right elbow can reach with ease to turn the water on or off when your hands are full or dirty. With the various sink combination options, you can easily choose between a single or double bowl with the ideal size in graphite black, stone grey, or cement grey to fit in your kitchen perfectly. 19
FEATURE 20 CABINET LAYOUT IDEAS FOR AN HSBʐHBSa KITCHEN Breaking away from traditional enclosed cabinetry, these cabinet ideas offer a unique and refreshing approach that blends openness with functionality. DESIGN CHIA CHING KAI BARE ESSENTIALS Do you really need extra storage space above your head in the kitchen? Think about it, because overhead storage is seldom accessed and things you put there are barely used. When planning a kitchen, sometimes less is more when it comes to usable storage compartments. Homeowner Chia Ching Kai maintains a minimalistthemed kitchen with all-white cabinets.
SHOW & TELL Having bulky storage cabinets overhead your sink area blocks out the light and makes your counter look darker. Instead, consider transforming the space into a simple display space for enhancing the ambiance of a room. 21 DESING HOME PHILOSOPHY Matte black cabinets with white marble-veined porcelain stone countertops now fill the kitchen. Because the kitchen also has a high ceiling, the design team considered the accessibility of the kitchen cabinets. Instead of installing upper cabinets, the lower kitchen cabinets are complemented with fluted panels on the wall and an easy-to-access shelf. DESING MONOCOT STUDIO MONOCOT STUDIO Instead of creating a long stretch of cabinets along the counter, the team from Monocot Studio created a hanging shelf and ledge in this kitchen, allowing the other design elements to stand out. You can do the same if you are planning for a standout backsplash design. The farmhouse sink and plain mouldings along the cabinetry bring the look of the kitchen together.
22 PHOTO FRANCIS AMIAND DEPTH OF FEEL When you have a strong colour theme in the home, it is important to ensure that there is ample depth of feel in order to make the space feel cosy and full of character. In this white-themed kitchen, the space interjected with spots of blue and architectural lines so it doesn’t feel plain or one-dimensional. The kitchen was given more of a living room feel as it doubles as the main workspace and is where the homeowner lays out his sketches, making the space functional and chic at the same time. The sink area is finished in bookmatched Calacatta marble. Elsewhere, the curated decor is a mix of the classical and contemporary. The kitchen table doubles as the homeowner’s workshop table.
23 BOLD & SIMPLE “The kitchen is my favourite space. I am very much taken by the HőÁěĆÁĢ łĩŅÚäěÁĆĢ őĆěäʼn ūĆőĂ ÁĢ ĩŅúÁĢĆÚ ƈĢĆʼnĂ͡Ό ʼnÁűʼn ĂĩġäĩūĢäŅ Christian Lam, “They were very reasonably-priced because ġĩʼnő Ăĩġä ĩūĢäŅʼn łŅäùäŅ Á ūĂĆőäŅ ÁĢà ÚěäÁĢäŅ ƈĢĆʼnĂ͡ ūĂĆÚĂ Ćʼn Á ʼnĂÁġä ÙäÚÁŖʼnä őĂä ĩƅͿūĂĆőä ÚĩěĩŖŅ ÁĢà ĆŅŅäúŖěÁŅ ʼnŖŅùÁÚä Ćʼn what makes it special and natural. Each tile gives the impression őĂÁő Ćő Ćʼn ĂÁĢà ƈĢĆʼnĂäà͠ ĩúäőĂäŅ ūĆőĂ őĂä ÙěÁÚė úŅĩŖő͡ Ćő ÚŅäÁőäʼn Á úŅĆààäà ʼnłÁÚä ūĂäŅä äŪäŅűőĂĆĢú Ćʼn ùŅÁġäà ÁĢà Ɖĩūʼn őĩúäőĂäŅ in a very organic fashion. It turned out surprisingly better than what I had imagined. One of the most shocking things to most of my visitors is that the kitchen has no built-in cabinetry, just a standalone La Germania cooker as the centrepiece. This is consistent with my approach that all furniture pieces should be ÁÙěä őĩ ƈő ĆĢőĩ ÁĢű ʼnłÁÚä ŅÁőĂäŅ őĂÁĢ Ùä ÚŖʼnőĩġͿ ġÁàä ùĩŅ Ćő͠ Hő is not easy keeping the kitchen clutter-free without any built-in ÚÁÙĆĢäőʼn͡ ÙŖő Ćő ūĩŅėʼn ùĩŅ ġä͠Ό UNLEASH YOUR STYLE Not sure if you want to do a complete overhaul of the kitchen? You can still give it a totally new look with some simple touches. By removing the doors of the top cabinets and refreshing the bottom ones with new laminates, the couple were able to save cost by reusing the previous owner’s cabinetry. Herringbone-patterned marble tiles replace the old backsplash, complementing the pastel pink ÁĢà úŅääĢ ƈőőĆĢúʼn ÁĢà àäőÁĆěʼn ĆĢ őĂä ʼnłÁÚä͠ Hù űĩŖ are on a budget, you can also attempt to give your cabinets a new coat of paint to give it a refreshing new look. Repaint the grout in a new colour to give it additional detail, and pick out some statement pieces from your servingware so you have a story to tell when guests step into this otherwise functional zone. DESIGN ADRIEN KENT CREATIVE STUDIO PHOTO FINBARR FALLON “ONE OF THE MOST SHOCKING THINGS TO MOST OF MY VISITORS IS THAT THE KITCHEN HAS NO BUILT-IN CABINETRY, JUST A STANDALONE LA GERMANIA COOKER.” The terrazzo flooring flows from the living room to the dining and kitchen area.
24 DESIGN CHOO CHIN NIAN WHOLE NEW WORLD By relocating the dining area to the former balcony, this kitchen, designed by Three-D Conceptwerke, is no longer hemmed in and does not feel cut ĩƅ ùŅĩġ őĂä Ņäʼnő ĩù őĂä Ăĩġä͠ Ăä addition of a peninsula island gives the kitchen a more open feel that allows it to connect better with the other spaces. Apart from serving as a food preparation area, the island is also perfect meals. DESIGN THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE PRIDE OF PLACE Those who seldom cook or have few kitchen appliances can take a leaf out of homeowner Choo Chin Nian’s book. The modern homeowner keeps his kitchen counters and walls clean, without any cabinets or shelves. The hooks ÁĢà ěäàúäʼn Ăä ĆĢʼnőÁěěʼn ʼnĂĩū ĩƅ Ćʼn key appliances, giving the kitchen a streamlined but nonetheless homely feel. With less storage, Chin Nian also won’t have to worry about hoarding in the long run. As he does not cook often, Chin Nian only has an induction stove. “I don’t have a storeroom so every item, from appliances to kitchen hooks, must look good enough to be displayed,”
25 GO INDUSTRIAL Yearning for something bold, daring and almost ĩƅäĢʼnĆŪä őĩ őĂä ūŅĩĢú ͳĩŅ ŅĆúĂőʹ ÚŅĩūàͧ Áėä the Industrial look to the extreme by building you counters out of bricks and leaving the walls ŖĢƈĢĆʼnĂäà͠ ©äΎŅä Ģĩő ʼnŖŅä Ăĩū űĩŖŅ ŅäěÁőĆŪäʼn ĩŅ family members might feel but this look is not just edgy on its style, it is just as easy to maintain and grows even more breathtaking with age. Of course, there is a way to go about achieving a stylish industrial look, and that’s by pairing it with sleek stainless steel accompaniments. The contrasting smooth and rough textures is sure to create a look that’s unforgettable and absolutely head-turningly beautiful. DESIGN ERSTUDIO To complement the industrial look in the kitchen, the couple chose stainless steel counters. A CLASSICAL NUMBER Give an open kitchen a classical look with materials that hark back to more formal times. By incorporating thicker marble ʼněÁÙʼn͡ ÁĢà ƈŰőŖŅäʼn ĆĢ ġÁőőä ġäőÁěěĆÚ ƈĢĆʼnĂ͡ űĩŖ ÚÁĢ ÁÚĂĆäŪä a stately look without worrying about the lack of space. This ġäőĂĩà ÙäĢäƈőʼn ùŅĩġ őĂä availability of natural light, so make sure your home gets plenty of sunny daylight to give your classic kitchen look a refreshing twist. DESIGN HUMBERT & POYET text YOUNG LIM concept NONIE CHEN
26 FEATURE TOP HOBS Check out our round-up of 10 classy cooktops to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Acooking hob, also known as cooktop, is an essential built-in kitchen appliance used for various cooking methods from boiling to frying. With the different types and configurations between a gas stove, induction hob, or an innovative combination of both, homeowners today are spoilt for choice in selecting the ideal cooking hob to serve up compliments and conversations over the dining table. FUJIOH HYBRID HOB WITH INDUCTION & CERAMIC ZONES FH- IC6020 Specific cookware like the ones with magnetic bases or made of stainless steel are required on induction cooking hobs. However, you do not have to be limited with the cookware options when you have both induction and ceramic cooking zones on the Fujioh Hybrid Hob. A wider range of cookware, including the ones made of glass, copper, and aluminum can be used on ceramic cooktops. Retails for $858 from Fujioh’s authorised retailers and its official Shopee and Lazada stores. GREATER FLEXIBILITY There are more combination cooking hobs designed with more flexibility in mind, where you can readily mix and match a gas and induction domino hob. This is also great for future-proofing, especially when you want to upgrade or replace a particular module, rather than having to purchase the entire cooktop. GAGGENAU VARIO FLEX INDUCTION COOKTOP 400 SERIES There is no limit to what you can cook with the modular Gaggenau Vario Flex 400 Series, equipped with professional-standard technology. Accompanied with stainless steel knob, the Vario Flex induction cooktop is also designed with stainless steel frame and comes with frying sensor. Customise and create the cooktop of your dreams by adding the different sizes and modules of induction, gas, teppanyaki, electric grill, and also downdraft ventilation for a cohesive cooking experience. Retails for $4,950 from UnserHaus Customer Care Centre. 27
TECNO GAS- INDUCTION HYBRID GLASS HOB T 788GI No need to choose your sides deciding between a gas or induction hob when you have a happy marriage of both in the Tecno hybrid hob to get the best of both worlds. With the induction hob on the left, you can ensure a safer cooking experience as it comes with an automatic shut-off timer function and greater energy efficiency. The gas burner on the right provides you with greater culinary options since it is suitable across any cookware including a round bottom wok. BERTAZZONI DOMINO GAS HOB P301CPROGNE Domino hobs come with iconic slim and sleek characteristics that are designed to be compact and modular, where they are perfect for small to larger kitchens. Like the Bertazzoni 30cm Domino gas hob which features a 4.5kW wok ring with the single-wok design on a stylish black glass hob and its metal control knob. It is perfect for Asian households for wok-hey dishes, while also giving you an option to add on a separate induction hob to expand the cooking capabilities. OPEN FLAME If you are an avid home cook that loves trying out new dishes, or if you are an aspiring chef that wants to master the art of cooking, go for gas hobs that allow you to have a sense of professional cooking experience from home with a visible open flame. KÜCHE SMART GAS HOB KGH320GW No more leaving the flame unattended when you have a smart gas hob by Küche. Beyond the regular timer controls for each individual burner, you can also set notifications on the dedicated app for prolonged usage that reminds you to check on the hob. With the smart controls, you can turn off the gas hob remotely on the app or even with your voice, great for those with elderly parents or multitasking in the kitchen. FUJIOH 3-BURNERS GAS HOB WITH 1 DOUBLE INNER FLAME BURNER FH-GS7030 SVGL Uneven cooking is a thing of the past with a double inner flame burner design that improves heat distribution while ensuring that your food gets cooked in a shorter time. Additionally, the Fujioh three-burner gas hob also comes with external flame burners and a heat deflector included to have better control over the flame while diffusing the heat at the same time. A heat deflector also provides a layer of protection to keep your premium cookware in good condition. Retails for $708 from Fujioh’s authorised retailers and its official Shopee and Lazada stores. Retails for $625 from Life by City Energy, www. cityenergylife.com.sg Retails for $878 from Tecno, www.techno.com.sg Retails for $1,488 from Bertazzoni’s authorised retailers - Courts, Harvey Norman, Best Denki. 28
INDUCTION COOKING Modern and stylish looks aside, the flat induction surface is easy to clean, where spills and splatters can be removed with a quick wipe. Safety is one of the key benefits of induction cooking as it does not require any open flame and reduces the risk of getting burns. MIELE SMARTLINE CS 7612 FL Elevate induction cooking with the elegant and multifacted Miele SmartLine induction hob. On the frameless glass ceramic, you will find the PowerFlex cooking zones with permanent pan recognition for an easier and more intuitive setup, eliminating manual activation. Aside from large pans, you can also fit in the induction wok module that allows you to do your favourite stirRetails for $4,900 from Miele, www.miele.sg frying with a wok. TEKA INFINITY G1 HOB Uniquely designed with an exclusive matte black finish and a copper accent, the Teka Infinity G1 Hob adds a touch of understated elegance and a one-of-a-kind velvet-like texture to the kitchen. Beyond the richness of its aesthetics, you can also whip up perfectly cooked meals with built-in sensors that adjust to the right cooking temperature for you, along with the large FlexiZone where you can conveniently position pots of varying sizes for simultaneous cooking. SMEG HOBD VENTING INDUCTION HOB HOBD682R1 Meet Smeg’s Hobd, the perfect combination of a hood and a hob for seamless cooking and extraction process. Made with a single piece of ceramic glass, the induction hob features four cooking zones that can be flushed completely for a pure and minimal look. In the integrated extractor fan, you will find an AquaProof Engine and liquid collectors that help to ensure that everything is still functioning, even in the event of spills and overflow of water or other liquids. Retails for $8,080 from Smeg, www.smegshop.sg Retails for $3,300 from Teka, www.teka-sg.com RINNAI 2 ZONE INDUCTION HOB RB-7032H Having touchscreen buttons on induction hobs ensures its seamless and sleek operation. Amping up a notch, the smart wheel control on Rinnai’s new induction hob is designed for more precise heat and timer settings while enjoying improved usability. On top of the induction hob, you will find two cooking zones with auto pan recognition sensors and anti-overflow Retails for $1,290 from Rinnai, www.rinnai.sg protection. Available in both grey and black glass designs. text JYN TEO 29
FEATURE RECIPES FOR SUCCESS Yearning to put your cooking appliances and skills to the test? Have a go at these popular local delights and surprise your family and guests at the next home gathering. Most, if not all Singaporeans grow up with a very distinct sense of food and cuisine. From a very young age, we’re exposed to the cornucopia of cultures in our beautiful country, and nothing showcases this happy marriage more than the food of our people. From curries to sambal, to stir-fries in our Lonely Planetworthy hawker centres, we’ve got it all, and boy, are we proud of it. While homemakers from the older generations may be well-versed in preparing these delectable dishes, many younger ones are intimidated by the amount of prepwork and labour required of the recipes. However, with practise and patience, it is easy to master some local delicacies worthy of a weekend lunch or dinner spread. With the right kitchen appliances and cooking essentials in place, this is the opportune ġĩġäĢő őĩ ƈĢà ĩŖő Ăĩū ūäěě your home kitchen can handle the task of whipping up some tasty local recipes. Commonly found in most hawker centres, dishes like satay and nasi ulam are well loved by the locals because of its robust ƉÁŪĩŖŅʼn͠ DäŅä͡ ūäΎŪä ʼnĆġłěĆƈäà the steps required to create those traditional favourites. Use the following recipes to see how well your cooking skills stack up too. 30
NASI ULAM AYAM BAKAR Ingredients FOR ULAM ͪ ͛ úĆĢúäŅ ƉĩūäŅ͡ ġĆĢÚäà • One onion, minced • ½ cucumber, julienned • 20 g mint leaves, julienned • 20 g Vietnamese mint leaves, julienned • 20 g local basil leaves, julienned • 20 g cabbage, julienned • 10 g beansprouts FOR CHICKEN • 2 chicken Maryland cuts • 3 cm ginger • 3 cm galangal • ½ tsp turmeric powder • 2 stalks lemongrass • ½ tsp coriander powder • 1 ½ tsp kicap manis • Salt • Sugar FOR KICAP SAUCE • 10 birds eye chilli, deseeded • 5 cloves garlic, sliced • One red onion, sliced • One calamansi, juice only • 2 Tbsp sugar • 10 Tbsp kicap manis Ingredients • 1 kg oxtail, washed and cleaned • 4 inch piece of ginger • 15 cloves garlic • 20 shallots • 7 onions • 6 stalks lemongrass, white part only • 3 piece x 2 inch galangal ͪ ̟̞ ėÁƆŅ ěĆġä ěäÁŪäʼn • 20 dried chillies. seeds removed, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then blended • ½ cup tamarind paste • ½ cup candlenuts. ground with a bit of water to form a paste • Cooking oil • Water Method 1. For rice: mix ulam ingredients with cooked rice before portioning to serve. 2. Pound ginger and galangal to a paste. Combine with the rest of the ingredients, season to taste with salt and sugar, then marinate chicken for at least two hours in chiller. 3. Spread oil on griller before placing chicken over. Baste with oil when grilling. 4. Make kicap sauce: Heat a tablespoon of oil. Add chillies, garlic, and onion. Saute until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool before blending together. Add calamansi juice, sugar, kicap manis, then salt to taste. Method 1. Blend together ginger, garlic, shallots, and onion. Bruise lemongrass and úÁěÁúÁě͡ ÁĢà őäÁŅ ėÁƆŅ lime leaves apart to release fragrance. 2. Heat half a cup of cooking oil in a large pot, add blended ingredients, lemongrass, úÁěÁúÁě ÁĢà ėÁƆŅ ěĆġä ěäÁŪäʼn͡ and stir fry till fragrant. Add in blended dried chillies. 3. Add 3 tablespoons water and tamarind paste and stir to combine. Simmer over medium heat. Add in oxtail, then pour in water until it covers oxtail. Simmer until water reduces. Add in candlenut paste. 4. Simmer until gravy has thickened, and oxtail is tender. You may discard the excess oil that will appear on the surface. OXTAIL ASAM PEDAS 31
32 SATAY Ingredients • 400 g chicken meat , cut into 1 inch cubes • 400 gm beef tenderloin, cut into 1 inch cubes • 20 shallots • 10 cloves garlic • 3 cm galangal • 4 cm ginger • 5 stalks lemongrass, only white part FOR PEANUT SAUCE • 1 kg peanuts • 14 shallots, sliced • 7 cloves garlic, sliced • 2 inch ginger, sliced • 2 inch galacal, sliced • 2 stalks lemongrass, sliced • 15 dried chillies, seeds removed and soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then blended • 2 pieces palm sugar • 5 Tbsp tamarind juice • Salt to taste Method 1. Blend together shallots, garlic, galangal, ginger, and lemongrass. 2. Add all other ingredients. 3. Mix well with beef and chicken. Marinate in the chiller for at least 3 hours. 4. Use bamboo sticks to skewer meat cubes. Barbeque over a ÚĂÁŅÚĩÁě ƈŅä͠ #ŅĆŹŹěä ūĆőĂ ĩĆě using a bruised lemongrass ʼnőÁěė ùĩŅ Áààäà ƉÁŪĩŖŅ͠ 5. Make peanut sauce: Fry peanuts in oil until nice and tanned. Remove and allow to cool, then blend coarsely. 6. Fry sliced ingredients in oil until fragrant. Remove, then blend with 2 tablespoons water. 7. Heat 5 tablespoons oil, add blended sliced ingredients and dried chilli and stir fry until oil has split. 8. Add blended peanuts and enough water to cover all the ingredients. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. 9. Add palm sugar and tamarind juice. Season to taste with salt and simmer until thickened. • 1 Tbsp brown sugar • 1 Tbsp turmeric powder • 2 tsp aniseed powder • 2 tsp cumin powder • 1 tsp coriander powder • 1 tsp belacan • Bamboo sticks for skewers, soaked in water before skewering TIP There’s no need to remove the peanut skins before frying. Fry on low fire and stir to avoid overfrying or burning, as burnt peanuts are bitter and will affect the overall taste of the satay sauce. text and art direction EMMELYN CINDY MAH photos ROBIN YONG
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1. Luzerne Urban 16pcs Dining Set - Storm, $289, www.hipvan.com 2. Kartell Trama collection, starting from $30, www. spacefurniture. com.sg 3. Charcoal Grill Serving Platter, $98.00, www. krasanctuary.com 4. Marceline Round Serving Platter, $6.90 each, www. fortytwo.sg 5. ENTUSIASM Side plate, $17.90/4 pieces, www.ikea.com GAMER BARBIE DREAMS The world is abuzz with candyfloss pink following the incredible success of Greta Gerwig’s iconic Barbie movie! Bring your very own Barbie dreams to life with Secretlab’s tasteful designs. The TITAN Evo Plush Pink Chair is the perfect addition, be it to a chic workspace or an unapologetically blush-hued gaming rig. Imbued with ergonomic design, the chair marries a proprietary pebble seat base with SoftWeave Plus Fabric for optimal support, durability, and comfort - with unique style. The TITAN Evo Plush Pink Chair starts from $649. Orders can be placed on www. secretlab.sg TRENDING Beautiful plates are to wellcooked food what a well-cut suit is to a gentleman. Don’t let hours of slaving over the stove go to waste by presenting your meals on plain or chipped servingware. Give your diners something to remember with a unique platter that speaks volumes about not just the food, but the chef as well. SERVING GRACE 1 2 3 4 5 34
SCULPTED TO SUSTAIN Humanity’s charge towards protecting endangered fauna takes pewter form in Royal Selangor’s Sculptura collection. Elegance and esteem incarnate, each carefully derived species takes centre stage with ease, inspiring respect whilst remaining true to life. The collection is headed by a 24K gilded Malayan Tiger (and its cub) and is mounted on a walnut-stained ŅŖÙÙäŅūĩĩà͠ gőĂäŅ ĩƅäŅĆĢúʼn ĆĢÚěŖàä őĂä Orangutan, Leatherback Sea Turtle, and black-tinged Malayan Tapir - key species in championing protection and sustainability. A CHANGE OF SEASONS Ushering in a change of seasons and colours, French luxury design house Hermès has launched its Autumn-Winter collection of fashion, accessories, and home and living objects. Jacquard woven of soft cashmere and embellished with hand-embroidered beads, the Avalon Néon jacquard cushion embodies the spirit of artisanal expertise and exquisite craftsmanship. Reinvented by Nicola Aguzzi, the motif springs to life in vibrant colouring, striking stripes accentuating the colours of the Hermès signature. Ikea’s new Tabberas collection is set to bring sunshine and cheerfulness into your kitchen! From magical colour-changing oven gloves and coasters to playfullydesigned cotton tea towels, the collection lends fabulous, fruity flavour to your space whilst entertaining little ones and guests alike. If you’re constantly congregating in the kitchen, this limited collection is sure to add an element of quirky fun. The Sculptura Collection is available at Royal Selangor stores, authorised dealers, and online at royalselangor.com. A MAGICAL CULINARY ADVENTURE The Avalon Néon jacquard cushion retails at $3,950, and is available at Hermès Marina Bay Sands, Liat Towers, Takashimaya, and Changi Airport. Ikea’s limited Tabberas collection starts from $4. Shop online at www.ikea.com/sg or at Ikea Tampines. 35
WISH UPON A STAR To commemorate 100 years of Disney’s enchanting storytelling, Swarovski has brought together renowned talents, each contributing Disney-inspired art with proceeds to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Among these contributions is Cinderella’s iconic crystal slipper, a bespoke piece contributed by Swarovski’s Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert. Crafted for the ȾȼȽɁ °ùʌé°ÐÉ °ÉÞ ĝÂÈʣ é ȾȾȽʌ¦é â°ÛÛÞ °â Ðé °É Â°§éʌÞĞé°É§ îÞÐÞ ÐÞ°â â°ÈÈÞʣ showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. More celebrations are to follow later this year, with Swarovski also set to launch its Disney100xSwarovski collection of jewellery and home decor products. Created in partnership with interior designer Matteo Nunziati, KARL LAGERFELD MAISON’s brand-new collection draws inspiration from the designer’s passion for art, marrying Þé Ð É îîâ °ÉĞîÉâʨ The furniture groups are named for the designer’s favourite Parisian neighbourhoods, including the sleek Quai Voltaire kitchen. Imbued with precious materials like Nero Antico marble, glossy black lacquered steel, and Zimbabwe black marble, the kitchen and dining collection perfectly captures the dichotomy of tradition and modernity. LAGERFELD LUXE The Karl Lagerfeld Maison Quai Voltaire Kitchen and Dining collection is now available for order. Prices and distribution information are available upon request from info@ karllagerfeldmaison.com. For more information on Swarovski’s Create100 with Disney, visit www.swarovski.com/en-SG/s-disney-create-100/ EDITOR’S CHOICE 36
The Baccarat Eye Vase retails at $2,000, with the Faunacrystopolis Bird, Papillon Lucky Butterfly, and Bloom Fowers retailing at $430, $300, and $260 respectively. They are available at Baccarat Boutiques at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and at Takashimaya Department Store. The Red Terra retails at $189. Make an appointment to visit the SodaStream Singapore HQ at Oxley Bizhub, or order yours online at www. sodastream.sg Bring the sparkle back into your life and water, with SodaStream’s brand new Terra, now available in bold red. The perfect addition to any modern kitchen, this cherry-hued device will add a cheerful pop of colour; yet, it isn’t all form with no function. The Quick Connect technology makes refilling the CO2 cylinder easy and hassle-free, so you can enjoy fresh sparkling water in mere seconds. Chin chin! SODA SO GOOD PINK PERFECTION S°É¿ °â é ÐÂÐîÞ Ð¦ Ûââ°ÐÉ É Þé °â °Éù°é°É§ ĀÐî to partake. Echoing vivacity, innocence, playfulness, and joy, pink takes centre stage in the brand’s Think Pink capsule collection. The collection features delicately dreamy home decorations: a vibrant and luminous Eye ùâʣ "îÉÞĀâéÐÛа⠰Þʣ SÛ°ÂÂÐÉ ;î¿Ā îééÞĞĀʣ É Þé ÂÐÐÈ ÐÂÂé°ÐÉ ĞÐúÞâʣ  ۰ɿʣ  ÛÂĀ¦îÂÉââʣ and all perfection. Free-fall into romanticism and view the world through rose-tinted glasses! The Shark FlexStyle retails at $499 from Best Denki, Tangs, Metro, Harvey Norman, Courts, Lazada, and Shopee. NEVER A HAIRY MOMENT Say goodbye to frizzy hair with Shark Ninja’s inaugural introduction to Singapore! The Shark FlexStyle dries, curls, volumises, and smoothes hair with low, consistent heat, ensuring damage-free, salonquality polish with ease. A single twist converts the Shark FlexStyle from a dryer to a multi-styling tool, and accessories like a styling concentrator, a curl-defining diffuser, brushes, and two auto-wrap curlers allow for a convenient and timesavvy routine. 37
Master of temperature control Thermos recently launched its inaugural non-stick cookware collection. The functional, lightweight, and abrasion-resistant designs are of Japanese origin and include non-stick frying pans, cooking pots, and a nylon-slotted turner accessory. Compatible with both electric and gas hobs, this striking collection makes the perfect aV, B aVf V;, ,;,ax Conceived to answer the call for durable, solid wood furniture without felling centuries-old timber trees, The Table Guy x Onewood’s Ki Dining Set delivers quality and class. Symmetry and simplicity make up the lines of the outdoor dining set, which is made of Onewood’s Homogenous Reconstituted Timber (HRT). The set maintains the polish of natural wood while mitigating its structural weakness, lending versatility and longevity for today and for many years to come. TABLE FOR TOMORROW The Thermos Non-Stick Cookware Collection retails between $39 to $63 and is available from official Thermos E-commerce stores on Shopee, Lazada, and Qoo10. The Ki Dining Table retails at $1,500, not including an accompanying bench ($850) and stool ($500). It is now available for order at www.tableguy.sg kitchen companion for cooks of all levels. Released in conjunction with Singapore’s national day, this iconic series is available only in red and wine red hues. 38
NEW STORE LEFT Located on the second floor at Suntec City West Wing, you can find the Yogibo store near Don Don Donki and Tokyu Hands. FAR LEFT Meet Yogibo Mates, the cuddly plush that children and adults love. BELOW Yogibo accessories, such as Traybo, Zipparoll, and Yogibo Roll Smile, lined up on the shelves. Yogibo is located at 3 Temasek Boulevard, #02-368/369, Suntec City West Wing. Visit www.yogibo. sg for more information. in its stretchy outer cover, which are made with patented technology using one-of-akind manufacturing process. Unlike regular slouchy bean bags, the beads sofa are sturdy and can be positioned upright too. Lightly press your body against the sofa to create a perfect mold for a tight embrace. Other creative ways of interacting with the sofa includes using it as a recliner, armchair, and even laying flat as a bed. With the wide selection of outer cover collection, homeowners can mix and match with 10 different sofa sizes and 35 colourways. Aside from being machine washable, the durable covers are also able to return to its original elasticity with proper care and maintenance, making the beads sofa safe and enjoyable for all ages including children. the Suntec City shopping mall. The concept of the beads sofa was created and founded by Eyal Levy, in his attempt to help his pregnant wife to have a better sleep at night as she was unable to lie on her belly with her bump. With the beads sofa prototype, his wife was able to have a comfortable sleep, alleviating her pains and eliminating all pressure points. Since its launch in 2009, Yogibo has expanded to over 120 retail stores globally. Modular, functional, and sensorial, the Yogibo beads sofa is touted to be a gamechanging bean bag-slashsofa combi. Instead of foam padding found in standard sofa furniture, Yogibo’s versions are filled with beads, allowing one to sink into its embrace while still enjoying ample back support. The magic lies The perfect slow Sunday afternoon is one where you drift off into a delightful snooze with the help of cloud-like support from a soft, mochi-like lounger. Now you can look forward to experiencing such an ultimate relaxation with the Yogibo beads sofa, also known as “the magic sofa that’s too comfortable to move”, at its first ever showroom located at YOGIBO SHOWROOM The brand’s first store here, dedicated to its beads sofas, opens in Suntec City. text JYN TEO photos YOGIBO BEADS SOFA 39
HOT SPOT Considered by art historians as the finest example of Chinese blue-green landscape painting, A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains by 12thCentury artist Wang Ximeng is considered to be one of the nation’s prized cultural treasures. While the painting may be the artist’s only surviving work, Ximeng’s legacy can now find an extension through Yanbai Villa, which boasts a unique design inspired by Ximeng’s creation. Designed by SingaporeYANBAI VILLA Step into a world where time stands still and your vision of the world is defined by bold strokes of colour and graceful layered waves of texture, all inspired by a seminal Chinese painting from the 12th-Century. based Wimberly Interiors (the interior design studio of the global, industry-leading hospitality and destination design firm WATG), Yanbai Villa in Beijing offers the perfect spot for those in search of solace, a luxurious sanctuary of peace and immersive one-ofa-kind experiences. Working alongside renowned Chinese architect and Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, Wang Shu of Amateur Architecture Studio, the team studied Wang Ximeng’s unique ability to mimic three-dimensional forms within 40
ABOVE Coloured tiles resemble a pixelated form of the artwork. ABOVE LEFT Bamboo screens allow light to filter through to the interiors. LEFT Oriental in design, the villa also features some chic Western influences. OPPOSITE The ceiling beams were constructed according to the ancient technique, without the use of any glue or nails. good to know The 12-Century artist Wang Ximeng was 18 when he painted his most famous work, passing away shortly after at the tender age of 20. 2D paintings and took cues from the artist’s prevalent use of vivid blues and greens against an ochre background – an artistic style called blue-green Shan Shui. The interior designers also tapped into Wang Shu’s noteworthy transformation of materials from demolished buildings and landscapes into architectural masterpieces. Merging these two influences into a spectacular statement piece, the feature wall within Yanbai Villa’s reception lobby is a striking, tapestry-like mosaic of stones and tiles recycled from the original site that flows through the gallery and draws guests into a memorable arrival experience. “To ensure an allencompassing sensory experience, each space is carefully curated through a balanced play of visuals, 41
THE NATURAL PALETTE CONTINUES IN THE GUESTROOMS, WITH BRUSHED TIMBER, TEXTURAL GRANITE TONE, AND, OF COURSE, BREATH-TAKING VIEWS. ABOVE Clever use of natural materials helps to add a sensual touch to the interiors. ABOVE LEFT Full-length glass panels allow both interior and exterior to merge harmoniously. ABOVE RIGHT The corridors take on a cream tone to create a soft transition from room to room. RIGHT The villa’s immersive design create fluid spaces. 42
ABOVE Straight lines keep the architecture of the villa simple yet enthralling. BELOW The interiors also feature plenty of Chinese artworks in traditional and contemporary For more information, visit styles. https://slh.com/hotels/yanbai-villa lighting, proportion, colour and textural contrasts,” said Deepu Mahboobani, Managing Principal in Wimberly Interiors’ Singapore studio. “Beckoning guests in, a grand wooden ceiling structure is suspended in the arrival area and connects the stunning outdoor setting to the dramatic interior. Then, as they continue from public spaces to their private retreats, guests will traverse winding corridors and encounter pleasant surprises as well as moments of contemplation, all capturing the essence of Yanbai Villa.” Decorative elements like starburst marquetry, handmade glazed tiles, and highly curated art make subtle appearances but are approached with refinement and elegance. Dim intimate lighting evokes a sense of mystery and softness, in contrast with the bold, geometric elements found throughout the hotel. And in the dining rooms, timber, marble, and glass are accented by brass and earthy tones, emphasizing the sophistication of simplicity and celebrating natural materials. The natural palette continues in the guestrooms, with brushed timber, textural granite tone, custom furniture, generous bathtubs, and, of course, breath-taking views. 43
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THE SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION A master of storytelling through material experimentation, designer, curator and educator Hans Tan is not afraid to look at everyday objects in new ways. A three-time winner of the President*s Design Award, widely known for his works that blur the boundary between design and art, Hans Tan developed his I D E A S A N D I N S P IRAT I O N FR O M T H O S E I N T H E K N OW initial interest in design during his ÛÞîâ Ц ÐîÞâ Ðđްɧâ é é National University of Singapore (NUS). With his self-admitted strength in business, Hans was drawn to pursing industrial design â °é ÐđÞ ÂÉ Ð¦ â°§Éʣ engineering and business, which spurred him to give this unique creative career path a chance.
The rest, as they say, was history. Hans ended up studying industrial design at NUS for four years, followed by a two-year master’s degree at the prestigious Design Academy Eindhoven in The Netherlands, where his design philosophy was shaped by the likes of Joost Grootens, an architect by training but a book designer by trade, and Barbara Visser, a contemporary conceptual artist, photographer, video ÁŅőĆʼnő͡ ÁĢà łäŅùĩŅġÁĢÚä ÁŅőĆʼnő͠ When Hans came back to Singapore, he knew that he ūÁĢőäà őĩ ʼnőÁŅő ĂĆʼn ĩūĢ ƈŅġ immediately. “There was no design company at the time in Singapore that worked adventurously with materials and I knew that to do that I ĂÁà őĩ ŪäĢőŖŅä ĩƅ ĩĢ ġű ĩūĢ͡Ό he explains. “I wanted to be a pioneer and a changemaker, to work on projects that were more conceptual and äŰłěĩŅÁőĩŅű͠Ό Craft with Story and Meaning Through the years that followed, Hans Tan’s eponymous practice remained consistent in its approach and dedication to material exploration and äŰłäŅĆġäĢőÁőĆĩĢ ūĆőĂ àĆƅäŅäĢő techniques. Speaking of the 1 SPOTLIGHT “I WANTED TO BE A PIONEER AND A CHANGEMAKER, TO WORK ON PROJECTS THAT WERE MORE CONCEPTUAL AND EXPLORATORY.” photo LUCA ROTONDO - @LOOCAROUND 46
1. Hans Tan in his studio. 2. Outside In transforms porcelain vessels by removing the original glaze surface and exposing the underlying porcelain bisque. 3. From a broken camera to an antique sewing chest, R for Repair breathes new life into personal possessions. 4. R for Repair - object after repair. 5. Spotted Nonya is a contemporary industrial take on traditional Chinese-Peranakan porcelain objects. 2 3 5 photo STUDIOWONGS photo STUDIOWONGS photo STUDIOWONGS 4 evolution of his design process as he sees it, Hans notes that he has shifted his focus on works that steer towards the material exploration path and are a little less conceptual. “Nevertheless, for me, the concept is still as important as exploring a ġÁőäŅĆÁě͡Ό Ăä äěÁÙĩŅÁőäʼn͠ good design outcome to me is the one that addresses the story and the meaning, as well as reveals a new interpretation of a material – I try to hit that soft ʼnłĩő ĆĢ őĂä ġĆààěä͠Ό Beyond material exploration, works produced by Han’s studio weave in threads of storytelling to reveal and examine how culture and tradition are constantly changing and are never stagnant. To him, contemporarising tradition is also a way of keeping and moving it forward, as is the case with his Spotted Nyonya series, where traditional Peranakan vessels are reimagined and reworked by Hans with the application of new technical processes. “Giving a new interpretation of story and doing so by giving a new interpretation of a material is a very important element that I carry on in my practice as Á àäʼnĆúĢäŅ͡Ό ʼnÁűʼn DÁĢʼn͠ Learning through Exploration Resist blasting, a term coined by Hans for one of his signature techniques that involves a removal of a material strategically on the surface of a glaze in a very skilled manner to produce a new pattern on 47
“On a technical side, I was experimenting with àĆƅäŅäĢő őŅäÁőġäĢőʼn ĩù porcelain and glaze and approached the materials with a question of how I could work with readymade objects (Peranakan vessels) őĩ ÚŅäÁőä ʼnĩġäőĂĆĢú Ģäū͡Ό recalls Hans. He discovered through exploration that applying resist blasting to a fully-coloured vessel removed colour and exposed the white glaze, thusly revealing the underlying beauty of each ware. Hans used a dotted pattern for his Spotted Nyonya series to create a juxtaposition between modern motifs and traditional elements to create àĆƅäŅäĢő ěäŪäěʼn ĩù łäŅÚäłőĆĩĢ of traditional wares. In his studio, Hans displays tons of his pieces at various stages of material exploration. Some of these pieces might never see the light of the day, and some of them he will continue to work on continuously. “If I see that there is an interesting ŅäʼnĩěŖőĆĩĢ͡ H ūĆěě ƈĢĆʼnĂ Ćő Áʼn Á łĆäÚä ĩù ūĩŅė͡Ό Ăä àĆŪŖěúäʼn͡ revealing his boundless spirit of exploration. It is precisely this attention to details and focus on materials, as well as the exploratory nature of his projects, that continues to push him to reinvent and add on to his collections and take on new ground-breaking projects, like his upcoming series of interventions at the new Changi Terminal 2 which will be unveiled “I SEE MYSELF AS A CRAFTSMAN TRYING TO PERFECT MY TECHNIQUES.” 6 6. For the second edition of R for Repair exhibition, designers from the UK and Singapore were invited to repair adored but damaged objects donated by members of the public. 7. A terracotta series commissioned by the National Gallery Singapore an existing pattern, is a skill that Tan has perfected over the years through rigorous experimentation with materials, tools and processes. Tan started experimenting with resist blasting while working on his Spotted Nyonya series that has garnered worldwide attention and accolades since its launch. 7 photo STUDIOWONGS photo STUDIOWONGS 48