AUG 2014

STORAGE
SOLUTIONS
FOR YOUR
HOME
PG
90 DESIGNERS,
ENTREPRENEURS,
GAME CHANGERS

CELEBRATE
MALAYSIAN
TALENT
MERDEKA ISSUE
ALL ABOUT
BATHROOMS
 AUGUST 2014

136

h&d homes
102 122
AN OPEN HOUSE MAKING A HOME
The design of this home was kept open and This expat family created a cosy nest with
welcoming, to match the open-heartedness storied items that remind them of their
of its inhabitants. friends and family in the Netherlands.

110
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Statement-making graphic art and an English-
style kitchen keep this apartment from being
just another industrial-looking space.
128
MIXED FEELINGS
This home offers cues on how to put
together a mash-up of styles without it
descending into design chaos.

116 136
OWNING THE PLACE A FINE DINING CONCEPT
Located in his dream location, the flats flaws, This bistro-inspired home was
such as exposed wiring, didnt bother this reworked to bring the outdoors in
homeowner at all. and the indoors out.
 Heilam Choy, Visual Merchandiser
My apartment is cluttered but curated. I dont like an empty home.
I want to live and breathe design from the moment I wake each morning.
When friends come over I love to see their surprise, to feel the mystery of
all these objects. I see my collection as a library of thoughts.
spacefurniture.asia/alifeindividual

Singapore 77 Bencoolen St | Kuala Lumpur Level 3 The Intermark Jalan Tun Razak | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
facebook.com/spaceasiahub | facebook.com/spacekualalumpur
 merdeka
issue
74

74 MALAYSIAN TALENT
These Malaysians have made is big, both
local and abroad, in the field of design

storage bathroom
solutions special
90 62
10 COMMON STORAGE PROBLEMS ALL ABOUT BATHROOMS
How to design as much storage as possible We talk about tiles, bathtubs, storage units
in the least amount of space we provide and more in this special section about
the solutions to your pressing storage woes. bathrooms.

94
44
AS YOU LIKE IT
Youll need these modular storage systems
that you can easily reconfigure to best suit
your evolving lifestyle demands.

94
40
{design buzz}
40
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE
Pride Studio makes a big splash in the local
interior design scene. Now, its ready to take
on other realms of design.

44
DISCOVERING MILAN TRENDS
Earlier in June, Home & Dcor and Space
Furniture hosted a post Milan party at Space
Showroom, Intermark. It gave insight into the
Salone Internazional Del Mobile 2014, which
revealed the latest design trends in furniture
and home products.
 now 16
16
SET IN STONE
Made with lava, concrete and rock, these
pieces make a strong statement.

18
PEOPLE DARNLEY CHUA
A love for great design led this

122
entrepreneur to set up online
store Corpick.

COVER
20
PHOTOGRAPHY: VEE CHIN TREND COLOURFUL LANGUAGE
ART DIRECTION: ANGELA LIM Clear glass is embracing a brilliant
flush of colour, making its presence
felt in homes.

22
152
HOT SEAT THE NUB CHAIR
Think of the Nub chair as the traditional

regulars
Windsor chairs expressive cousin.

24
PEOPLE SUEK MEI
This graphic designer makes old-school
12 EDITORS NOTE signboards mainstream again.
167 BUYING GUIDE
26
168 MY LIFE LIST PEOPLE ALEX YOONG
The head of marketing at Nippon Paint
Malaysia is passionate about his work.

28
SHOPPING FERUNI + ROCA
Feruni and Roca come together with a
unique showroom in Penang.

32
WHATS NEW
The latest in design and dcor to
dress up your home.

h&d living
22 {expert series}
152
INGREDIENT: SWEET POTATO
Learn all about this much-loved tuber.
 ELAINE DONG (elaine@bluinc.com.my)
EDITOR
WENSHAN PANG (wenshan@bluinc.com.my)
SENIOR WRITER
WRITER NG YI XIANG (yixiang@bluinc.com.my)
PHOTOGRAPHERS DANIEL LAI (daniellai@bluinc.com.my), EDMUND LEE (edmundlee@bluinc.com.my),
KK YONG (keenkyyong@bluinc.com.my) & PATRICK CHAN (patrickchan@bluinc.com.my)
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREW O (Absolute Art Creations) & LAW SOO PHYE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR FREDERICK LIM (fred@bluinc.com.my)
SENIOR DESIGNER CHANG MING HIN (minghin@bluinc.com.my)

HENG CHIP HIAN (heng@bluinc.com.my)

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
SIMON LING (simon@bluinc.com.my)
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
SALES MANAGER MICHELLE YOW (michelleyow@bluinc.com.my)
SENIOR ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE JASON WONG (jason@bluinc.com.my)
ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE JESSY LAI (jessy@ bluinc.com.my)
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING OPERATIONS ZI WEN YEONG (ziwen@bluinc.com.my)

SENIOR CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER FRANCINE LOUIS (francine@bluinc.com.my)

ASSISTANT CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER KENNETH SEW (kennethsew@bluinc.com.my)
JUNIOR EXECUTIVE, CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION MOHD FADZLI SALEH (fadzli@bluinc.com.my)
PRODUCTION MANAGER LIM KIAN HENG (kianheng@bluinc.com.my)
PRODUCTION MANAGER SATVINDER (skaur@bluinc.com.my)
ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER KONG AH KUAN (ahkuan@bluinc.com.my)
SENIOR TRAFFIC EXECUTIVE LEE PHAIK LING (phaikling@bluinc.com.my)
TRAFFIC EXECUTIVE FABIAN ONG (fabianong@bluinc.com.my)

DATIN AZLIZA AHMAD TAJUDDIN (azliza@bluinc.com.my)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LOO KIT CHOONG (kitchoong@bluinc.com.my)
SENIOR CONSULTANT
GENERAL MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND NEW MEDIA MOHD FAIZAL ABDUL HADI (faizal@bluinc.com.my)
HEAD OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MARGARET SEBASTIAN (msebastian@bluinc.com.my)
SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER HABIBAH MUHAMMAD (bib@bluinc.com.my)
SENIOR FINANCE MANAGER SHIREEN GOH (shireengoh@bluinc.com.my)
RESEARCH MANAGER AUDREY CHAN (audreychan@bluinc.com.my)

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
HOME & DECOR INDONESIA FERRY TANOK
PT KINGPIN MEDIA FX Residence #18D
Jalan. Jend. Sudirman Pintu Senayan, Jakarta 10270 Indonesia
tel: (62 21) 2555 4450, fax: (62 21) 2555 4452
email: info@kingpinmedia.co.id
SELAMAT
HARI MERDEKA
August 31 is the day we celebrate Malaysias independence, and in this issue, we pay
tribute to all Malaysian talent. We have graphic designer turned signmaker, advertising
whiz turned online entrepreneur, product designers, interior designers, architects and
more. Find them throughout our issue.
Storage is a perpetual problem, given our penchant for acquiring beautiful new
things. Turn to our feature on storage solutions and find something that works for you.
During the recent Archidex at KL Convention Centre, our team had the privilege
of attending great forums where world renowned architects such as Tim Kobe,
Lyndon Neri and more shared their thoughts on building and design. Read our
report on page 52.
We have a bathroom special, giving you tips, advice and ideas on tiles, bathtubs,
storage systems and more. Turn to page 62 for a bathroom bonanza!
As always, feast your eyes on the beautiful homes we feature. We hope they will
inspire you.

ELAINE DONG
EDITOR

P.74 MALAYSIANS HAVE

MADE THEIR MARK ON THE
DESIGN WORLD.

P.62 CHECK OUT

OUR BATHROOM
SPECIAL.

P.44 THE TEAM WITH GUESTS AND

HOSTS AT THE HOME & DECOR AND
SPACE EXPERT SERIES HELD RECENTLY.

ERRATUM:
On page 73 on our July issue, we have erroneously credited the
items on the page to Bo Concept, when it should have been Space
Furniture. We sincerely apologise for the mistake. The items are
available from Space Furniture at Intermark Mall, Kuala Lumpur, tel:
+603-2166 2122

http://www.facebook.com/
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 ALL-NEW!

www.homeanddecor.com.my
An interactive, style-driven interior design website for
homeowners and decor enthusiasts.

homes
Draw inspiration from over 2,800
pictures of real homes.

mood board
Store your renovation ideas online, and
share them via social networks.

ke
idnt li

products
wner d ould
omeo ht it w
The h th o ug
ged
as he t chan
purple e, b u
feminin the
be too after seeing e
his min
d d in th Hundreds of furniture items, furnishings
create
m bie nce it .
and decor accessories to see.
a om
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maste

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Find a Get updates
Ask Home & Subscribe renovation on the latest
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START INTERACTING WITH OUR GROWING ONLINE COMMUNITY!
 T RE N DS
COLOU R
ICON
P E OP L E
S HOP P I N G

The Recycle Oil

Barrel Coffee Table
is available in black
or blue, from Space
Sense Studio.

barrel
OF FUN
WHERE MOST PEOPLE SEE
JUNK, KEVIN TAN OF SPACE
SENSE SEES POTENTIAL. AFTER
A RIGOROUS CHEMICAL CLEAN
AND A FACELIFT WITH PAINT, THE
UNBECOMING INDUSTRIAL OIL
BARREL IS TRANSFORMED INTO
A COFFEE TABLE THAT WOWS
WITH AN INDUSTRIAL EDGE.
text BEATRICE BOWERS photography TAN WEI TE
art direction NONIE CHEN

SET IN STONE
MADE WITH LAVA, CONCRETE AND ROCK,
THESE PIECES MAKE A STRONG STATEMENT.
Straying from conventional soft forms
and shapes, furniture is becoming
rock-hard, literally. Captivating and
purposeful at the same time, the 3m-long
Onyx sofa by Peugeot Design Lab is a
fusion between high-tech carbon fibre and
raw, natural Volvic lava stone from France. It
took designer Pierre Gimbergues about 70
days to make this made-to-measure beauty.
Also incorporating lava stone is the De
Natura Fossilium collection of furniture
and accessories by the Netherlands-based
Formafantasma for Gallery Libby Sellers.
These pieces, made with the earthen
debris from the 2013 eruption of Italys
Mount Etna, have been artfully carved,
melted, blown, cast or milled to produce
tables, stools and decor accessories in
16
contemporary, sculptural forms.
T RENDS
text LOUISA CLARE LIM
The realms of art and furniture continue
above The carbon-fibre
to merge with British artist Sarah Lucas side of the Onyx sofa
limited-edition signed pieces at Sadie by Peugeot Design
Lab is sleek and glossy,
Coles gallery. Basic construction materials contrasting remarkably
concrete blocks and medium-density against the rough, but
refined, lava rock.
fibreboard that were previously plinths
and platforms for her artworks, are
transformed into loose furniture pieces
such as tables and chairs.
Capitalising on the sturdiness of stone,
Italian designer Alessandro Marelli took a
practical approach and sculpted the base
of the Kefa Bench from a sizeable rock
fragment. This allows a wooden wedge
carved from a tree trunk to fit nicely on
top, and provides the required stability
for a well-designed seat. Made of organic
materials, it would make a fine addition to
any indoor or outdoor space, naturally.
 right The De Natura
Fossilium collection
encapsulates a volcanic
eruption experience.
below The slotting detail
of wood and rock in the
Kefa Bench is based on
the primitive technique
of constructing shelters
using stone.

FURNITURE DESIGNS BECOME

INCREASINGLY CUTTING-EDGE WITH TOUGH
AND BOLD NATURAL ELEMENTS.

Sarah Lucas furniture

pieces at Sadie Coles
gallery take on a
utilitarian appearance
with durable concrete
building blocks set
within minimalist
fibreboard frames.

17
 PEO PLE
text WENSHAN PANG
photography PATRICK CHAN

who DARNLEY CHUA, Corpicks products

are functional and
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF CORPICK minimal in terms
why HE AND HIS PARTNER RECENTLY of design.

ESTABLISHED ONLINE STORE CORPICK, SELLING

A WIDE RANGE OF HOME PRODUCTS
what gets him out of bed
in the morning SEEING GREAT PRODUCTS
BEING SHIPPED OUT FROM OUR WAREHOUSE.

Darnley Chua reveals that the name of his online store Corpick
is the portmanteau of corporates pick. Here, youll find a vast
selection of home products like plates, clocks, vases, candlesticks
and stationery. Despite the eclectic choices, one thing unites
them all: they feature clean, simple lines that bring to mind
minimalistic yet functional Scandinavian and Japanese designs.
Take your pick from either the Store section or the Fair, where
nothing is over RM200.
All products on Corpick are imported. We source from
various manufacturers from around the world, in particular
Belgium, Denmark and the UK, reveals Darnley. We choose
them based on price, functionality and the uniqueness of their
designs. But most of the time, we choose what we like. He
laughs. On Corpick, youll also be able to design one-of-a-kind
greeting cards, have your purchase wrapped for a small fee and
finally shipped to your family and friends as a gift.
Three years ago, shortly after Darnley quit his job in an
advertising firm, he paired up with his college friend Elvin Low
to start their own business. We wanted to do something for
ourselves, he says. The duo set up an online store that sold
gift vouchers but working with over 700 vendors proved
to be a challenge and the rise of fraudulent cases only
aggravated the predicament. They started afresh earlier
this year by launching Corpick. Weve always been
interested in design, Darnley shares. We decided to
sell accessories because these are the things that will
complement what you already have at home.
Darnleys background in advertising came in
handy. It gives him the know-how on marketing
Corpick and to help the online store reach more
consumers. Right now, Corpick already has a strong
customer base of 30,000 and Darnley is setting his
eyes on customers outside Malaysia. We have had
several potential customers from other countries. We
are working on the rates for international shipping and
will be opening up to customers around the world in
no time.
18

Visit www.corpick.com to shop.

 T RENDS
text LOUISA CLARE LIM

left Designed by artist

and designer Arik Levy
for Lasvit, the Crystal
Rock LED pendant
lights are sculpted
and cut to emulate

COLOURFUL
floating gemstones.

LANGUAGE
They say that the world looks better through rose-
tinted glasses, but why limit yourself to one tint? Clear
glass is embracing a brilliant flush of colour, and these
objects once almost invisible are now making their
presence keenly felt in homes.

The Stacking Vessels by

Utopia & Utility are mix-
and-match containers
made of wood, glass and
clay. www.utopiaandutility.
eu below From Roche
Bobois, the Diapo dining
table is made with fused
laminated coloured glass.

VIVID COLOUR TINTS PROVIDE

above Glas Italia,
available at P5, DEPTH AND INTEREST TO GLASS
collaborated with
Ronan & Erwan FURNITURE AND OBJECTS.
Bouroullec to produce
Diapositive, a range of
thermo-welded glass
desks, benches and
a shelf.
20
 HO T S EAT
text BEATRICE EMILY BOWERS
photos GUDANG

THE NUB CHAIR

WHY WE LOVE IT
While we adore the classics, fresh interpretations of vintage favourites
are also exciting. Think of the Nub chair as the traditional Windsor chairs
expressive cousin. Its oversized back is crafted from spindles with an
alternating rhythm that enhances the chairs jaunty proportions atop its
solid wooden legs. Manufactured in eco-friendly beechwood by Andreu
World, the chair strays from the straight-grained wood used by the
Windsor, while maintaining its archetypal Shaker-style look.

WHO DESIGNED IT

Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola started out as an architectural

The undulating
backrest was inspired
by Urquiolas childhood works, which have made her a leading voice in modern design.
memories of playing
with lace bobbins.
student, and was mentored by design legend Achille Castiglioni. She
then progressed to homeware and furniture design, which includes the
well-known Crinoline collection for B&B Italia and rugs for Gan. Now,
the prolific Urquiola designs for some of the best brands in the business.
Rarely favouring a certain style, she aims to invoke emotions through her
WHAT IT INSPIRED

The Nub chairs striking backrest was the starting point for Andreu
Worlds Nub Collection. Variations of the chair include steel swivel or
sled legs, upholstered in neutrals, black or bright red. Lounge chairs
and benches are also available in the series, proving the versatility of
the chairs aesthetics.

See the Nub Collection at Gudang.

right Modern design

pairs beautifully with
Amish influences in
the swivel-legged Nub
chair. far right Lounge
in effortless style with
the Nub bench, which
comfortably seats two.
22
 Interfal Design Sdn. Bhd. (256840-X)

No: 45 & 47, Jalan SS18/1B, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
T [+603] 56389213 F [+603] 56389211 E interfal_design@yahoo.com
No: 3, Jalan Dato Abu Bakar 16/1, Section 16, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
T [+603] 79555088/ [+603] 79577788 F [+603] 79577988 E interfal_design@yahoo.com

who A GRAPHIC DESIGNER
WHO SOLELY RELIES ON GUT
INSTINCT, YOUTUBE AND
GOOGLE TO ACHIEVE WHAT
SHE HAS TODAY.
why SHE CREATED THE TREND
OF OLD-SCHOOL SIGNAGES IN
MALAYSIA.
what gets her out of
bed in the morning
WORK, TO EARN MONEY. and incorporated these into her work.
24
PEO PLE
text NG YI XIANG
portrait photographer DANIEL LAI
This will be her second year as an
entrepreneur since she quit her job
as a graphic designer in one of the
top advertising agencies in Malaysia.
Feeling creatively drained in her work,
she decided to take matters into her
own hands and started creating custom
signages on the side. She focuses on
old-school marquee alphabet blocks
and neon signages.
She got an old craftsman in Pudu
to teach her how to handle lighting
She also combs Youtube for how-to
videos and is constantly on the internet
searching for information.
The Raffles Kuala Lumpur graduate
admits that her interest in making
signages was fuelled by her collection
which started when she was young.
She ended up with too many and had
to sell some off. It seems apt now that
she has made it her business. She
names it Miracle Watts. The word
miracle defines creativity that cannot
be forced, while watt represents light
and ideas, she says.
She reveals that she is the creative
mind whilst her business partner is
in charge of operations. One of their
earlier projects involved inventing and
designing a wayfinding system for a
company.
Suek Mei goes on to say that
she does not see any designers as
competitors, instead, she works closely
with them and exchanges ideas. I
want to constantly challenge myself
and push boundaries when it comes to
my products, she says.
Her clientele includes many
restaurant and boutique owners. Suek
Mei says she is lucky to have clients
who put their complete faith and trust
in her, by giving her freedom to do
whatever she wants, within a given
budget. At the same time, she says
that she does provide consultation
services beforehand. I evaluate whats
possible and whats not possible to
be done based on their request and
from there, I will start designing and
constructing.
So far, time is her biggest challenge.
I have to give in to time. As everything
takes time, this would mean I have less
chance to experiment. It is especially
true when there is a rush to meet the
deadline.
The designer wants to take a step
further in exploring and creating more
things in the future, such as signages on
pillars. She wants to invent something
new, something that is not a trend or For more information, visit
seen in Malaysia as yet. She also hopes www.facebook.com/miraclewatts
or contact her at
to have a go at interior designing. miraclewatts.info@gmail.com
One of her current projects involves or suekmei@gmail.com
a salon in Alor Star while some of
her major projects have made public
appearances. These include the
signage box and frozen light tubes
she used for a fashion boutique,
THISAPPEAR. She has since taken
things to a larger scale at BAIT, a
restaurant in Bangsar.
Miracle Watts provides graphic
design services and branding for
restaurants. Apart from that, she is
also launching an exciting range of
souvenirs at the end of the year. But
for now, she creates coloured cables
in her workshop. They come in various top. Seuk Mei
patterns and are available in solid or spray paints
wooden blocks.
25
mixed colours.
 PEO PLE
text NG YI XIANG
portrait photographer KK YONG

who HEAD OF MARKETING AT NIPPON PAINT

MALAYSIA SDN BHD.
why NIPPON HAS TWO NEW SERIES, TEXTURED
AND ENHANCER UNDER ITS MOMENTO SPECIAL
EFFECT PAINT. ALEX YOONG IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION
CHANNELS OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
what gets him out of bed
in the morning MY KIDS, THE DAILY
CHALLENGES THAT EXCITE ME AND THE TEAM.
THE MARKET AND ECONOMIC CHANGES ALSO
WAKE ME UP IN THE MORNING.

bottom. Momento
Special Effects:
Sparkle Silver.

He has 12 years of experience in the
advertising industry and by chance
handled the Nippon account three years
ago. Alex then took up the challenge of
brand and business building.
Within a year in Nippon, Alexs
responsibilities as Head of Marketing
include overseeing product development,
distribution channels, campaigns and
pricing. To him, the Paint Expo comes in
handy, as it widens dealers perspective
of Nippon and enhances their marketing
strategy. He also gains insight into market
needs by talking to architects and interior
designers.
A team player, he duly credits his
marketing team for playing an active role
in the companys growth. He also travels
a fair bit to countries such as Pakistan,
Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh and a
26
as Nippon entered the decorative paint
market there.
Alex explains the concept behind
Nippon Momento Special Effects paint
which comes in two new series, Textured
and Enhancer. We wanted to focus
on personal expression. Homeowners
today are discerning, they push for
more designs as compared to the older
days where everyones walls were white.
Paint goes beyond colour. They can be
functional. Were bringing more than
colours to you. Were giving sensorial,
depth, contrast and sparkle and there
are different types of textures available.
Not known to many, these paints are not
only water-based, but they are also eco-
friendly. The paints are made specifically
to cater to our humid climate, which
could easily cause pebbling and
Momento calls for design. It creates
moments and memories for them. It
enables users to be more creative as
it sparks creativity on how to do paint
effects. Everyone has to innovate,
he says.
However, Alex says there is still
the need to educate people on the
painting method using the Momento
Special Effect series. Their website
comes in useful as there are not only
tutorial videos available, but a live
chat for direct assistance.
Yet to be launched will be the Anti-
Viral Virasguard paint as well as Velvet,
Rust Box and Travertino ranges which
target mainly interior designers.
For more information,

fairly recent one in April, to the Philippines, bubbling. visit www.nipponpaint.com.my.

 S HO PPING
text WENSHAN PANG
photos FERUNI

Feruni + Roca FERUNI AND ROCA COME TOGETHER UNDER ONE

ROOF IN A UNIQUE SHOWROOM IN PENANG

1 Whats in store Feruni has been one of the leaders in the

local tiles industry and it has recently gone to a next level with
the opening of a new showroom in Penang. Various setups
that mimic that of a home like the living room, bedroom,
kitchen and bathroom can be found at the showroom to
inspire you. Rocas products from faucets, sinks, flush toilets
to bathtubs are fitted into all bathroom setups. Known for
their contemporary approach, innovative designs and the use
of advanced technology, the synergy between Feruni and
Roca is now put on vivid display at the showroom.
This collaboration is all about bringing together two
leading brands that work hand-in-hand to strive for excellence.
Through this collaboration, we are able to provide customers
with tiles and bathroom solutions of greater value, says CC
Ngei, Managing Director of Feruni. Josep Delicado, Deputy
Managing Director of Roca Malaysia adds, We definitely
complement each other by having similar values that focus on
design and innovation that benefit our customers. Its truly a
2 3 win-win situation.
Highlights at the retail space include Ferunis latest
collection called Basaltina and Conrete 2.0. The former features
tones of basalt while the latter emulates the look and texture
of real cement. You also mustnt miss Rocas In-Tank Meridien,
a flush toilet with a concealed tank and flush plate to offer a
simple and elegant appearance. The Georgia, meanwhile, is a
freestanding bathtub with an organic, oval shape.

Whos behind it Feruni was established in 2001. It has

various ISO19001 accredited plants in Malaysia, China, Italy
and Spain. Apart from its headquarters in Petaling Jaya,
Feruni has another six retail showrooms across Malaysia.
Roca was founded in 1917 in Spain and is the worlds leading
sanitaryware manufacturer. It can be found in 135 countries.
4
Where it is 48G Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang,
tel: +604-229-4801

1. The showroom on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang.

2. The Feruni Eternity series and the Roca Targa shower kit.
3. The Feruni Concrete 2.0 series and the Roca Urbi 1 washbasin.
28

4. The Feruni iShape series and the Roca Urbi 2 washbasin.

 www.lazzoni.my

154, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T. 603-2201-3323
Bangsar@lazzoniasia.com
F. 603-2201-9323
 T RENDS
text NG YI XIANG

BOTTLED SOAP
Want a bathroom pick-me-up without the
hassle? Its time to change your old soap
dispensers for these new ones.

OUR

picks 3

Signature Kitchen launches a new

1. Soap pump, from H&M.
2. Svartsjon soap dispenser, from Ikea.
3. Soap dispenser, from Corpick.
Lifestyle Gallery
Signature Kitchen recently launched its retail showroom at Bandar Puteri
Puchong. It introduces the concept of a fashionable corporate and lifestyle
hub with its 6,000sqf showroom of located in a three-storey bungalow at
THE CUBE. The Signature Lifestyle Gallery consists of kitchen themes that
complement the customers lifestyle and preferences. It carries lifestyle brands
such as Biefbi Cucine, Mazzali Gallery, Live Kitchen Gallery, Miele, Gorenje,
Ariston, Bo Concept and Megaman.

For more information, www.signaturekitchen.com.my

UPRIGHT POSTURE
GET A FEEL OF JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DESIGN
WITH ZABUTON. WITH EXCELLENT GRIP ON ITS SIDES,
THIS FLAT SEAT AND FLOOR CUSHION ALLOWS YOU TO
MAINTAIN GOOD POSTURE WHEN SITTING DOWN ON
THE FLOOR. THE STURDY WATER-REPELLENT FLOOR
CUSHION IS MADE FROM A MATERIAL BETWEEN FELT
AND RUBBER. IT COMES IN FUN TWO-TONE COLOURS
AND IS AVAILABLE IN LARGE AND SMALL SIZES.
Available from The Jekyll and Hyde Project,
Lot No. S19, Second Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre,
Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur,
30

tel: +603-2282-2364.
 JUST
PERFECT!
ARTEOR THE PERFECT ANSWER TO HIGH END REQUIREMENTS

MALLIA THE PERFECT MATCH, UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES

BELANKO THE RIGHT OFFER, FUNCTIONAL AND COMPLETE

A SOLUTION
FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS

Megapower Electrical Distributions (M) Sdn Bhd (544761-T)

Lot 1888, Jalan KPB 7, Kawasan Perindustrian Balakong, Bukit Belimbing, 43300 Sri Kembangan, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
Tel.: (6) 03 8962 3333 Fax: (6) 03 8962 3322/ 8962 3388 Email: enquiries@megapower.net.my Website: www.legrand.com.my
BLEED
 T RENDS

Coffee Curtain
Pasaya textile library returns to our Malaysian market with its new Caf Au Lait 2014 Collection.
They range from Blue Latte, Spicy Coffee to Midnight Coffee, each having its own unique quality.
Made from FR fiber from Japan, the textiles under Blue Latte are flame-retardant and suitable for
high-rise homes, hotels and hospitals. They come in five earthy tones, while the seductive double
layered textile from Spicy Coffee comes in exotic colours of Witchy Violet and Forbidden Red. The
Midnight Coffee adds a tranquil aura to your room with motifs and designs.

Available at 12-12A, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 13, Taman Esplanad, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur,
tel: +603-8074- 8883.

AGGRESSIVE JACK
Dont mess with this mean-looking rabbit with antlers. Jack D
Jackalope, the aggressive character of popular American folklore
comes to life with this decorative piece-cum-porcelain hook.

For more information, www.corpick.com

LIGHT UP
QUIRKY, FUN AND SOPHISTICATED, LOTEK
LAMP BY JAVIER MARISCAL FOR ARTEMIDE
IS SUITABLE TO BE USED AS A DESK LAMP.
THE LAMP HAS COLOURFUL JOINTS, A STEEL
BASE AND AN ALUMINUM HEAD. IT COMES
WITH EITHER A TABLE STANDING BASE OR A
DESK CLAMP.

Artemide is available at Lightcraft.

32
Made in Japan

Terracotta HQ Mosaic Gallery
No.23, Ground Floor,
Lot 16788, Tabuan Transquility,
Jalan Canna, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak.
+603-5569 4791 Tel : +6016-860 7818
JOHOR
Tropika Welcome Centre
Lot 02-10, level 2 , No.10, Jalan Setia Tropika 1/21
Taman Setia Tropika
81200 Kempas, Johor Bahru
Tel : +6017-774 6026 , +6017-543 4766
 T RENDS

NEW AND IMPROVED STYLISH

REFRIGERATOR
The hot and humid weather beckons a Hitachi New Stylish Line
Refrigerator that cools down rapidly and keeps food fresh and
bacteria-free.

Environmentally friendly, and improved features. The

its advanced technology is
encased in a frameless, two-
door body. It has developed
and incorporated new
technologies in a few ways.
The Inverter X Dual Fan
Cooling system uses dual form
inverter compressor to rapidly
and separately cool down
each individual compartment
of the refrigerator. This
efficient use of energy reduces
consumption by 25%. Further
energy saving is the longer-
lasting LED lighting used in the
fridge compartments.
This series is also fitted
with its Nano Titanium filter.
It eliminates 90% bacteria
and prevents odour from
permeating the whole unit. It
has an additional anti-mould
feature which keeps food fresh
longer. To complement, this
fan cooling system is its own
advanced Minus-Zero cooling
panel. Here, the temperature
at - 0C is as cold as ice and
remains uniform throughout
the fridge.
Technology aside, the
series has incorporated new
newly improved convertible
compartment offers the option
of switching the position in line
with either chiller or vegetable
mode. The slide-out chiller
compartment at the top most
position helps cool beverages
rapidly and keeps meat and
fish fresh with a temperature
of -1C. It is suitable to store
dairy products.
With the vegetable mode,
the compartment at the lower
position is excellent especially
for easily damaged fruits and
vegetables and has a large
enough space to arrange
them according to size. It
has a smart and functional
vegetable compartment with
a 10% increase in capacity. For
convenience, the vegetable
compartment comes in three
sizes, extra 15 L with the
convertible compartment, big
26 L and super big total 41 L,
applicable to the 318 L and
289 L fridge models.
For more information,
visit www.hitachi.com.my

Lighting control TINTED LAMP

Take control of the security and power consumption of a
commercial building by installing Legrands new Arteor collection
of lighting control systems. They can be centrally or individually
controlled. The collection consists of skirting lighting and motion
detectors, autoswitch and two dimmers, universal dimmer which
comes with dimmable lamps and 0-10V dimmer.
For more information visit, www.legrand.com.my
34
Seen in Milan Furniture Fair, the colour lamp designed by Daniel-
Rybakken and Andreas Engesvik cleverly incorporates various
current in-trend elements. The overlapping geometric glass pieces
in tinted pastel colours form a table lamp that creates a warm and
cosy atmosphere in any living room.
For more information,
www.ligne-roset.com
The more energy you use, the more you pay. Thats until
MORE ENERGY
you get a brand new LG Inverter series fridge. Its Inverter
Compressor not only reduces energy consumption, its also SAVED,
quieter, leaving you with a greener home and a lighter electric bill.
With LG, its all possible.
LESS MONEY
SPENT

Now all top mount refrigerators enjoy 10 years Compressor Warranty.

LG Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd (505660-U)

GR-M772GSHH GR-M703GSHH GR-M493GSHH GR-B493RLCH GR-M403RLHH GR-B403RLCH GR-V323SLCH

GR-M603GSHH GR-V253SLCH

www.lg.com/my www.lgblog.com.my

KEEPING IT COOL
Is your refrigerator smart enough to conserve energy? Toshibas
sleek two-door T Series Refrigerators takes a step further with
its inverter technology.
To the general end-user, a
refrigerator is to preserve and to
keep your food cool. These days
we could reduce our electricity
bills with energy-saving ones.
The refrigerator has evolved
and now comes handle-free with
a full-flat surface and angular
corners unlike the ones from
the previous decade, which has
a noticeable handle and rather
sharp corners.
Toshibas latest two-door
refrigerator from Glass Door or
Steel Door series, for example, is
equipped with an inverter. Rated
five-stars in energy efficiency, it
is able to maximise its efficiency
up to 30% as it is smart enough
to be able to adjust the power
output according to the usage
and amount of its content.
Its impressive 25.3L storage
capacity fits 38 cans of 250ml
drinks and it cools down
beverages in half the normal
time of an average refrigerator
with its dual cooling zones of
twin air outlets.
The refrigerator uses a
36
more environmental friendly
T RENDS
refrigerant and has a thick
insulation wall which keeps the
temperature cool and slows
down the in-flow of heat from
the kitchen while its DC Fan
also helps ensure consistent
temperature.
Its Glass Door and Steel
Door series are also fitted with
LED Hybrid Deodorizing System
and Hybrid Bio Deodorizing
System respectively. The former
is capable of decomposing
ethylene gas and as a result it
slows the ripening of vegetable
and fruits.
Other additional features
are a big vegetable crisper, ice
twister with three ice-trays and
for convenience, a flexible door
pocket layout, utility box and
a side control panel for easy
access.
The refrigerators energy
and cooling efficiency, storage
practicality and deodorizing
system make it undoubtedly a
great addition to your kitchen.
For more information, visit
www.toshiba.com.my.
 ADVERTORIAL

MIDAS TOUCH
GIVE YOUR HOME A DASH OF GLAMOUR WITH THE NEW SMEG GOLDEN
FAB REFRIGERATOR IN A GLITTERING GOLD COLOUR WITH SWAROVSKI
EMBELLISHMENT ON ITS HANDLE.

Say goodbye to a been rated as a class A++

monotonous kitchen with
the new Smeg Golden
Fab refrigerator. Bright
and luxurious, it gives your
kitchen a stylish touch. But
that is not all: the handle and
the logo are embellished
with Swarovski Elements,
bring glamour to a whole
new level. The Swarovski
Elements have been
meticulously hand-applied
by highly trained craftsmen.
And because of this, each
refrigerator is unique.
This golden ice box is
more than just a statement
piece in your kitchen. It packs
a big punch when it comes
to its functions. With low
energy consumption, it has
refrigerator. Inside, there are
three height-adjustable glass
shelves, one fixed glass shelf
over the fruit and vegetable
drawer, a chrome bottle
holder and a clear plastic
fruit and vegetable holder.
It has a net capacity of 222
litres and comes with a four-
star freezer compartment
with a capacity of 26 litres.
The Smeg Golden Fab is
the perfect example of the
cross-pollination between
style and function. It is more
than just a refrigerator, but
a symbol of elegance. The
Smeg Retro refrigerator is
available in a wide array of
vibrant colours and comes
with right or left hand hinges.

The Smeg Golden Fab refrigerator will be available from Kitch end of 2014.
To view Smeg products, visit Kitch showrooms at:

G16 Bangunan D7, Sentul East Design Centre, Kuala Lumpur,

tel: +6018-599-8233

85 Jalan Klang Lama, Batu 3, Kuala Lumpur,

tel: +603-7982-8233
170 Jalan Kelawai, Penang,
37

tel: +604-226-3232
 Energy Saver
Save up to 23% electricity with Panasonics
Econavi ceiling fan. It detects the surrounding
temperature every three minutes and adjusts
its speed automatically, according to room
conditions.

Available at all authorised dealers.

Smart Berry
Type up to three different languages at a go and
keep track with your social media account. The
BlackBerry Z3 with 5 screen uses an incredibly fast
BlackBerry 10 Browser. Armed with the BlackBerry
Hub, it makes life easier as it also allows you to
identify important messages through a simple
pinch gesture. The phone, which comes with a
built-in FM radio, has special camera features,
allowing you to capture group shots with Time Shift
and have them compiled to produce a HD movie
through Story Maker. Its other special features
include BBM voice and video chatting.
Available at all authorised dealers.

FLEXIBLE PC
IT IS A COMPUTER WITH TABLET
FEATURES. THE HP PAVILION X360 HAS
A UNIQUE 360 DEGREE HINGE WHICH
GIVES THE COMPUTER A FLEXIBILITY
TO BEND BACKWARDS WITHOUT
SNAPPING. WITH HP TRUEVISION HD
WEBCAM, THIS COMPUTER ENABLES
YOU TO CONDUCT CRYSTAL CLEAR
WEB CHATS EVEN IN LOW LIGHTS.
IT USES BEATSAUDIO AND TOUCH
SCREEN TECHNOLOGY.
Available at retail outlets.
38
 goodrich SPECIAL

country
living
GOODRICHS NEW POETICA COLLECTION IS
A RIOT OF COLOURS AND PATTERNS THAT
BRING TO MIND THE IDYLLIC LIFE IN THE
ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE.
Named after a species of daffodil, the Poetica wallcovering
collection is an homage to the natural beauty and charm of
Englands spectacular countryside and its delightful cottage
gardens. In style and feel, the Poetica collection is reminiscent
of a nature lovers scrapbook which is filled with notes,
sketches, cuttings and botanical studies.
Indulge in the beautiful flora ambience created from the
Poetica Collection. Expect charming colours of light beige,
Baby blue, pastel tangerine and black. They are a great way to
create a theme and are easy to match with existing furniture
and curtain.
The innovative wallcovering has a light, airy and coastal
feel, encompassing effects such as limed wood, crackle glaze
and brown paper, which form the highly effective backdrop to
the delicate botanical motifs.
The Poetica collection also comes in the form of fabrics,
weaves and voiles, which blend in seamlessly with the
wallcoverings. With nine subtle designs and various colourways,
it is the perfect way to introduce nature into your home.

For more information, visit www.goodrichglobal.com.

WITH NINE SUBTLE DESIGNS

AND VARIOUS COLOURWAYS, IT
IS THE PERFECT WAY TO INTRODUCE
NATURE INTO YOUR HOME.
39
 design BUZZ
text WENSHAN PANG
photography PATRICK CHAN
other photos PRIDE STUDIO

pushing the PRIDE STUDIO MAKES

envelope
A BIG SPLASH IN THE
LOCAL INTERIOR
DESIGN SCENE. NOW,
ITS READY TO TAKE
ON OTHER REALMS
OF DESIGN.

Mike Saw (left)

and Patrick Chin,
directors of Pride
Studio opposite page
Pride Studio office in
Sunway Mas.
 ITS HARD TO BE HANDS ON WHEN THE
COMPANY GROWS TOO BIG. BESIDES, THE SOUL
OF THE COMPANY WILL BE LOST AND VERY OFTEN
THE SENSE OF FULFILMENT, TOO, DIMINISHES.

We met Patrick Chin and Mike Saw
for the first time in September 2011
at The Jekyll & Hyde Project in
Bangsar Shopping Centre. We were
lured into the design shop by a most
peculiar object sitting on a shelf in
the display window a standing soup
ladle called Tate Otama. Designed by
Mikiya Kobayashi and produced by
Japanese design studio H Concept,
the Red Dot Design Award-winning
kitchen accessory has a flattened
bottom that allows it to be easily
accessible while in use. Other oddities
in the shop include colourful animal-
shaped rubber bands, door stoppers
in the form of toothpaste tubes and
tote bags that doubles as a stuffed
rabbit when folded. The shop, while
diminutive in terms of its floor space,
packs a big punch when it comes to
its design. The logo, with an image of
a rabbit and a fox, was designed by
Mike while the interior design Patrick,
curved, undulating shelves that mimic
the contours of a rabbits burrow.
A visit to The Jekyll & Hyde Project
can be likened to tumbling down a
rabbits hole, where a plethora of design
wonders awaits. The shop offers products
for the home that are imported primarily
from Japan but a special collection
of T-shirts, notebooks and wrapping
papers from Pride Studio, the Projects
parent company, is available, too. These
vibrant designs are a reflection of the
artistry of the multifaceted studio,
whose services include creating brand
identities, brochures, packaging and
interior design. The studio believes
that creativity has no boundaries
and that its clients will benefit from
its comprehensive package: not only
do they need not liaise with multiple
design firms, they are assured of design
consistency. All design works are done
by the studios team of seven.
Before Pride was established in
separate companies but collaborated
often. We are comfortable with each
other and share the same vision. We
decided to join forces, says Mike. Our
studio is small but it is a combination
of two seemingly disparate trades.
The duo brought in a friend Leonard
Phang and officially set up Pride Studio
in 2005. Leonards wife also came
onboard as the office administrator. At
the beginning, the studio worked on
residential projects it managed to get
via recommendations from friends,
family and satisfied clients. Later, it
began designing commercial spaces
such as restaurants, retail shops and
recently boutique hotels. While the
projects are getting bigger, the team
remains small. We are a boutique
design studio. We enjoy being small,
says Patrick. Its hard to be hands
on when the company grows too big.
Besides, the soul of the company will
be lost and very often the sense of
41

who lined the walls of the shop with 2004, Patrick and Mike worked in fulfilment, too, diminishes.

1. Antoinette womens boutique in Starhill Gallery.
2. Apple Holiday headquarters.
3. Birdie paper knife from +d.
4. The Nest boutique hotel.
5. Leo mens boutique in Starhill Gallery.
6. The Jekyll & Hyde Project.
7. Tate Otama standing soup ladle.
3
42
1
SLOWLY BUT SURELY
Some of Prides earliest projects
are Pho Hoa Noodle Soup, Carlos
Mexican Canteena and Pink Evils
Fashion Supermarket. The studio later
took up more prominent ventures
such as Leo and Antoinette, both
fashion boutiques in Starhill Gallery,
with the former winning an award
given by the Malaysian Institute of
Interior Designers (MIID).
Last year, the studio attracted
rave reviews when it completed The
Yard Boutique Hotel in Bukit Bintang.
Nestled on one of the secluded lanes
of Changkat Tung Shin, the run down
building was transformed into a
beautiful hotel with a Colonial twist.
Colourful Peranakan tiles juxtapose
against raw, concrete walls, creating
an interesting mix of the old and the
new. Lanterns hang on the ficus tree
in the courtyard, giving the public
space a cosy, welcoming sense. The
studio struck gold when it was hired
to design another boutique hotel the
same year called The Nest. Not only
did the team give the old building on
Jalan Ipoh a new lease of life, it was in
charge of the hotels branding. Pride
walked away with another award from
MIID.
The Nest is a prime example of
Prides ability of blending graphic
design and interior design. Recently,
the studio worked on a pizzeria called
Pizza Plus where it designed not only
the interior but the logo as well. At
the restaurant, youll find posters that
explain the variety of pastas and pizza
toppings designed by the studio. The
team, however, does not stick to one
 4 5
particular look. For the Apple Holiday
office, Pride created a minimalistic
yet comfortable environment, utilising
archetypal Japanese elements in the
design, complete with a tatami room.
But Patrick uses a different approach
when it comes to residential projects.
A home is not a showroom, he says.
A homeowner will incorporate his
own touches as time goes by. This
evolution is propelled by technology
and experiences.
In 2010, Pride tried its hand at
retail by opening a shop in Bangsar
Shopping Centre called The Jekyll &
Hyde Project. As mentioned earlier,
the team was responsible for the
branding and the interior design.
The shop has attracted a strong
following, mostly from consumers
who favour practical everyday objects
with a design spin. We underscore
design, says Mike. But these pieces
are not overly quirky; they are very
functional. Today, youll find not only
imported home accessories of high
quality but also furniture, too. The
studio plans to roll out more T-shirts,
notebooks and wrapping papers in
the near future and aims to become
the leading distributor of Japanese
brand +d by H Concept. The future
is bright for Pride as it continues to
7
push the design envelope. We never
restrict ourselves, says Mike. We
will explore other fields of design
and strive to broaden our creative
horizon.
To view more of Pride Studios work, visit
www.pridestudio.com.my.
43
expert SERIES
text NG YI XIANG
photography DANIEL LAI

discovering
milan trends
A POST MILAN PARTY WAS HELD AT SPACE SHOWROOM,
INTERMARK MALL ON JUNE 11. THE SPACE FURNITURE
TEAM SHARED AN INTIMATE SESSION WITH MALAYSIAS
TOP DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS. IT GAVE INSIGHT INTO
THE SALONE INTERNAZIONALE DEL MOBILE 2014, WHICH
REVEALED THE LATEST DESIGN TRENDS IN FURNITURE
AND HOME PRODUCTS.
T
he spacious 12,000SQF showroom
was the perfect backdrop to
showcase brands that Space
represents - Kartell, Flos, Flexform,
Louis Poulsen, Moooi and many more.
Space is also the first and only brand
to supply Giorgetti in Malaysia. Amidst
conversation and nibbles, architects
and designers mingled as we waited
in anticipation for the unveiling of the
exciting new items from Milan this year.
Jennifer Soh, Senior Manager,
Marketing and Strategic Planning (Asia)
at Space Furniture Pte Ltd, Singapore,
kicked off the presentation with a
curated selection of the trends that
caught her teams eye in Milan.
This was followed by her teams
presentation, which not only covered the
fairgrounds, but also the fringe festivals
that were happening throughout the city
of Milan. These include street sights at
the Brera design district, quirky pop-up
stores, a visit with designer Konstantin
Grcic and a trip to a little village by the
Navigli River.
THE FAIRGROUND
On the fairground, Acerbis displays
works of Massimo Castagna, Marco
Acerbis, Gabriele e Oscar Buratti and
a few others who brought in marble,
wood and glass elements to the fair.
There is also a Grand Buffet sideboard,
Smartwall system tables, chairs and
ottomans in subdued colours.
In contrast, the furnishings from
Arper are vibrant and attractive. They
include chairs, sofas, ottomans and
tables from Lievore Altherr Molina,
Ichiro Iwasaki, Antti Kotilainen and
James Irvine.
At B&B Italias booth, there were
displays of both indoor and outdoor
furnishings. One discovers geometric
shaped tables and chairs in both
neutral and vibrant colours and
Japanese influenced furnishings such
as the Tobi-Ishi table by Edward Barber
and Jay Osgerby.
Flexform is one of the brands
that attracted the most people to its
booth. The spotted furnishings were
mostly in brown and white. They are
the creations of an Italian industrial
designer, Antonio Citterio.
Numerous armchairs were
displayed such as the Barchetta sofa,
the Guscio sofa and the Guscio Alto
armchair, Filicudi ottoman and more.
45
 OUT OF THE FAIRGROUND
The room for creativity is evidently
abundant outside the fairgrounds.
Watch brand, Citizens watch light is
time exhibition was installed by DGT
architects, Tsuyoshi Tane from Paris,
and displayed a spectacular shower of
glittering lights reflected by 80, 000
base-plates, the basic component of
a watch.
A collaboration between Fabrica, a
communication research centre located
in Treviso specialising in design,
communications and media and
Japanese air condition manufacturer,
Daikin, produced the Hot & Cold
exhibition. With a series of multi-sensory
installations, the public came out with a
sensory experience of the effects of
earths extreme temperatures.
46
Ventura Lambrate, which celebrated
its fifth anniversary, allowed the public
a peek on what goes on behind the
designing process. They stress the
importance of contact between those
in the designing industry and the
public.
TRENDS
Italy is well known for its marble. The
famous white marble, Carrara is a
trend this year. Six designers - Naoto
Fukasawa, Jasper Morrison, Philippe
Nigro, Ross Lovegrove, Studio Irvine
and Konstantin Grcic designed work
surfaces and furnishings based on the
material for Marsotto Edizioni. This
exhibition was held at the Accademia
di Belle Arti di Brera. A wide range
of marble furnishings were also
spotted in various booths located at
the fairground, such as Fiam, Moooi,
Acerbis and Giorgetti. They range from
marble chairs to marble glass tables.
THE COLLECTIONS
There are many interesting pieces
spotted under various collections. A
creation by Ejner Larsen and Aksel
Bender Madsen and bought by New
York Museum, the Metropolitan Chair is
re-launched this year at the fair.
Brands such as Emeco emphasises
the use of recycled materials. Oki
Satos SU stool which means simple
and plain in Japanese uses eco-
friendly concrete made from recycled
glass bottles and plastic. He took two
years to develop the chair inspired
by his own personal history. Emecos
Broom Stool collection by Philippe design for Cos as well as Hans The presentation came to a close with
Starck uses a single mold injection Wegners Shell Chair with Paul Smith. guests being invited for refreshments
of melted wood pellets, mixed glass Its showrooms depict brands such as provided by Delicious. A lucky draw
fibres and polypropylene. B&B Italia and Doshi Levien. Kartell was carried out, where Kwan Swee
Meanwhile there is something ironic had interesting table collections and Ching from Pride Studio won a RM500
about Fiams concept. The Fiam Roy set the metallic trend while Linteloo voucher from Space.
Coffee Table gives the impression brings in a riot of colours and prints.
of glass above glass. They reflect
an upside down image of the world.
Another unusual attraction is
the web bookcase designed by
Daniel Libeskind for Poliform. Its
value is enhanced by the fact that
only 360 pieces are produced.
Poliform also showcased fitted
wardrobe and Varennas Phoenix
kitchen.
We learned that this years
trends were also about a coalition of
fashion and design seen in Nendos
47
 design BUZZ
text MAVIS ANG

playing
PUNK
CELEBRATED DESIGNER TOM DIXON
STILL CONSIDERS HIMSELF
AN AMATEUR, ALWAYS GOING
BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
HIS PUNK ROOTS.

B
ritish industrial designer Tom Dixon needs
no introduction in the design world.
From the iconic Cappellini S chair which
thrust his name into the global design scene
in 1992, to the ubiquitous (and much imitated)
Beat lamps that hang from the ceiling of every
other hipster home or cafe, Toms designs are
well-loved for their stimulating silhouettes and
elegant finishing.
Deservingly honoured as Designer of the Year
for Maison & Objet 2014, his unconventional
journey as a designer has taken him from
creating chairs out of salvaged metal scraps to
furnishing glamourous restaurants and hotels
all around Europe, and he sees no reason to
settle on just designing for interiors. Trying his
hand at everything from candles and apparel
to architecture he has managed to stay true
to his own aesthetics by embodying a punk
attitude that sets him apart.
48
STRUCTURAL BEAUTY The Y Chair is made
of glass-reinforced
Expressive minimalism is the term that he nylon, allowing it to
pegs on his distinct style, and he calls himself a withstand heavy-duty
use, and its angular
vertebrae designer. Im always interested in the shape is derived
structure and bones of the product, rather than just from ergonomic
considerations.
its skin, Tom elaborates. This is seen clearly in one
of his latest designs, the Y chair (pictured), which is
inspired by the spine and shoulder blades.
In a nod to the human anatomy, Tom created
an ergonomic, hyper-flexible chair designed
to give lumbar support while withstanding
heavy-duty usage. I think products shouldnt be
too decorative. The decoration has to come from
the structure or the material, rather than be another
layer, he states.
In fact, it is the act of making that is at the core
of Toms designs: I spend a lot of time in factories;
I get the best ideas when Im close to a production
process, whether its handcrafted or industrial.
The shapely silhouettes of the Beat lamps, for
example, are inspired by traditional Indian cooking
pots and water vessels, and the lights are spun and
hand-beaten by craftsmen in Northern India.
On the other hand, Tom is propelled by
the digital industrial revolution and its rapid
manufacturing process so much so that he
teamed up with German machinery giant Trumpf to
take its industrial fabricating machines to the Milan
Furniture Fair a couple of years ago to produce the
steel Stamp lamps and chairs from start to finish
on-site, for all to witness.
49
 below Titled Cog, Toms
latest home accessories
collection heavily
references machine
parts, such as with
this brass-plated solid
aluminium candelabra,
which embodies a
masculine elegance.
JACK OF ALL TRADES
The Tunisia-born designer has a slew of projects
under his eponymous design studio. From
travel-friendly apparel for Adidas to the upcoming
360-room Mondrian London hotel designed by
the firms interiors and architecture arm, Design
Research Studio, Tom is always on the lookout
to do something fresh. Whats great about what
Ive managed to create with my label is that
every day can be different. Its like having a new
job every day. Sometimes, Ill be working as an
architect, sometimes a businessman, a sculptor or
an engineer, he muses. And with that, he is able
to create a whole lifestyle, rather than just a range
of products: Im trying to build my world block by
block, brick by brick.
above While the
hand-beaten brass And that usually starts with solving his own
Beat lights were first problems. Weve been meaning to do accessories
launched with a
matte-black external for a long time, but we thought wed do the
finish, the range now furniture and lighting first so that we could be
comes in brass, grey,
and white exteriors. taken a bit more seriously, he rationalises, and
the first few collections were a result of things
that we couldnt find ourselves when we set up
the restaurant [The Dock Kitchen at the brands
London headquarters]. And now that hes taking
on more restaurant and bar interior-design projects,
he says that the accessories are necessary to
complete his label.
50
KEEPING IT PURE
While the straight-talking designer continues to
leave his distinct mark in a kaleidoscope of fields,
hes confident that hes not spreading himself too
thin. The whole idea is to have a strong point of
view. You can take a specific attitude as long as
its kept quite pure and go into many sectors
without getting lost, Tom asserts.
As a music and bike enthusiast who chanced
upon design when he taught himself how to
repair his motorcycle through welding back Inspired by digital
manufacturing
in the 1980s, Tom started creating furniture technologies, Tom
by welding scrap metal bits together. And created Ball, a
pendant light formed
he intends to keep to his punk roots. He by punching, folding
draws parallels with English punk-rock band and assembling 12
anodised aluminium
Sex Pistols, who proved to the world that one panels together.
doesnt need formal certifications to succeed.
I still look at things in a naive way and do
things differently from others. Ive never been
interested in copying somebody elses model,
says Tom, who counts himself lucky to have
affirmed his aesthetics before the onslaught of
visual influences from the digital era.
As for young designers born into the
Internet age, Tom urges them to diversify: In
the modern world, its important to preserve
your uniqueness. But its getting tougher
and tougher to know what your opinion
is compared to everybody elses, because
everything becomes so popular so quickly now.
Today, you cant just be a designer. You need
to be interested in many other things, from
production to politics.
It is his child-like curiosity and audacity
that keeps him on the forefront of the
design industry; and despite being one of
the most illustrious contemporary designers
The Mass dining
of our time, he still proclaims: I always consider table makes a
myself an amateur. bold statement
with its chunky
industrial profile
Tom Dixon furniture and accessories are available and metallic finish.
at Gudang.
51
 Design BUZZ
text WENSHAN PANG & NG YI XIANG

REJUVENATION
THROUGH
ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD GATHERED AT THE DATUM: KL
AND PROPOSED FRESH APPROACHES IN ORDER TO MAKE ARCHITECTURE
RELEVANT TO BOTH THE PAST AND THE FUTURE.

T
he 16th Asian Congress of
Architects, held recently at
the Kuala Lumpur Convention
Centre, was a vibrant event. Emerging
architects from different parts of the
world congregated to share their
design approaches and ideologies
and the assembly was stimulating
and inspirational. Tan Pei Ing, the
incumbent President of the Architects
Regional Council of Asia (ARCASIA)
said in her opening address, This event
gives us the opportunity to address
the many pressing issue affecting
52
in our increasing society. We should
reinvent our profession, re-examine
our priorities and pledge our
commitment to promote responsible
and sustainable architecture to create
a more congenial built environment
today and for our future generations.
The theme for this years
DATUM:KL, held in conjunction with
the Congress was, aptly, rejuvenation.
Rejuvenation is defined as making
something look younger or more vital,
or giving new vigour to something, or
restoring something to an original
the architectural context, the term
rejuvenation often encompasses
the simple renovation of an existing
building, the redevelopment of
an old neighbourhood and the
transformation of an entire city via
the revitalisation of heritage sites.
But at the Forum, the speakers dove
deeper and touched on topics such
as the renewed role of architects, the
restoration of old Asian architecture
amidst rapid development and how
to hold on to our roots without
succumbing to the perils of constant

habitation and social economic issues or even a new state of being. In economic and cultural evolutions.
NOVEL APPROACH
Kuala Lumpur-based architects David
Chan and Mun Inn Chan (We are not
related, they reiterated) of Design
Collective Architects (DCA) opened the
DATUM:KL. The company underscores
the issues and processes concerning
customisation, thus creating bespoke
architecture. DCA begins the process
with accumulating a synthesis of site,
programme and people. The source of
inspiration for a house usually stems
from the architects relationship with
the client. David starts by having his
client fill up a form consisting of 80
questions which will give insights of
the homeowners lifestyle, habits,
aspirations, values and family culture.
But sometimes, a clients requirements
extend beyond the simple need of
having a shelter.
Such is the case of the Paros House
in Sentosa Cove, Singapore. Sentosa
Cove is a carnival of architectural
marvels. Each house is competing with
its neighbours for attention. Our client,
too, wanted his to stand out so we figured
that, in order to make a statement
in a noisy place, we have to shut up.
We decided to do the total opposite.
said Mun Inn, revealing that instead
of building a house that is grotesquely
ostentatious, the DCA team decided to
hide it by utilising an oblique roof with
a lawn grown on it, essentially making
the house disappear behind a grassy
slope. This rejuvenating approach is
also seen in the design of the CH House,
which sits on an oblique site with a
34.5 degrees tilt and features a five-
storey high cantilevered Olympic-sized
swimming pool.
David Chan (left) and Mun Inn Chan, above.
This page, a selection of DCAs peojects.
Clockwise from bottom: A home for a young
businessman in Kajang. The Quadrant
House. The Paros House in Sentosa Cove,
Singapore.
53
 NEW LIFE, NEW ROLE
Rejuvenation has a different meaning to
Austrian architect Much Untertrifaller
of Dietrich-Untertrifaller Architects.
Much collaborated with his father, also
an architect, since 1982 and set up his
own establishment with his friend
Helmut Dietrich in Vienna in 2004.
Good architecture provides a solution
a reconciliation between the clients
and the environments needs, he said
at the Forum. Rejuvenation, to me,
means incorporating new functions
to existing buildings. One of his most
prominent works is the Festspielhaus
Bregenz, an event centre in Bregenz,
Austria. The original building design,
dating from 1979, appeared closed
Major works from Much
Untertrifaller. This page,
clockwise from bottom: The
Wiener Stadthale in Vienna,
Austria. The Reka vacation
village in Urnasch, Switzerland.
The Angelika Kauffmann
museum in Schwarzenberg,
Austria. Opposite page, the
Festspielhaus Bregenz in
Bregenz, Austria. Photos
by Bruno Klomfar, courtesy
of Dietrich-Untertrifaller
Architects.
54
off and its transformation into an
inviting, multi-use complex involved
a myriad of sophisticated solutions
such as enhanced connectivity
between spaces and improved views
of the natural landscape. A multi-unit
foyer is also added. Elements such
as acacia wood floorings, suspended
stainless steel ceilings and seats
with red upholstery conjure up the
atmosphere of a traditional theatre
but with a modern twist.
The Inatura Natural Histor y
Museum in Dornbirn, Austria was
originally a cluster of historical
industrial buildings whose architecture
follows a rigid yet well-proportioned
and appealing Classicist style. To
pay homage to the histor y of the
buildings, Much and his team retained
the original run down look but added
pre-rusted steel plates printed with
images from an electron microscope
for a contemporary feel. Old riveted
crane runway and furnaces, too, were
left untouched to commemorate the
buildings past as a steel construction
site. There is an interplay between
the old and the new, said Much. The
original buildings may have lost their
previous functions but gained new
roles as a museum after architectural
intervention.
Jan Opdekamp of 51N4E, an
architecture firm based in Brussels,
Belgium shares the same view as
Much. Rejuvenation is more than
just the restoration of old building;
its about giving new roles to existing
spaces, he said. I believe that
creating something new is better than
spending the whole budget purely on
restoration. He illustrated this by
showing the audience two of his works
which involved the transformation
of two old industrial premises into
cultural centres. The first is the
C-Mine, a former coalmine in the
Flemish town of Genk and the second
the Buda Art Centre, previously an
old textile factor y in Kortrijk. The
architects from 51N4E walked the
 UNEXPLORED TERRITORIES
New York-based Korean architect Joohee quoted French philosopher Jean
Joohee Bong sees the term rejuvenation Baudrillards idea on the simulacrum:
in a larger, perhaps more political, The simulacrum is never that which
picture. The architect, who teaches in conceals the truth it is the truth
major architectural universities in the which conceals that there is none.
USA such as Columbia University, Pratt The simulacrum is true. She believes
Institute and the New Jersey Institute of that the DMZ demonstrates a state of
Technology, collaborates with the South simulacrum and that it is an area of
Korean government in an endeavour to ambiguity, drawing various violent events
revive the Korean Demilitarised Zone that took place in the Joint Security Area
(DMZ), an area she described as a within the DMZ. The concept of the DMZ
no mans land. The DMZ is a strip of Project is to preserve the wildlife in the
land 250km long and approximately DMZ while promoting communication
4km wide that runs across the Korean between the two countries, she shared.
Peninsula and serves as a buffer zone To achieve this, she proposed building
fine line between adding new between North and South Korea. One bridges, pavilions, gardens and even
structures and preser ving the ethnic group, but divided, she said a suspended golf course in the DMZ
existing ones. wistfully, commenting that the DMZs that serve military and commemorative
But above all, Jan revealed role is far more substantial than purposes while bringing separated
that he noticed a rejuvenation of being a mere geographical boundary. family members together. Architecture
an architects role. In one of his Were exploring how architecture can is beyond building a machine for people
most memorable projects called intervene and rejuvenate the DMZ. to live in, she concluded.
Arteconomy, he realised that an
architect plays an intermediate
role between the homeowner and
the house and this relationship
gives rise to new opportunities
for a building. Arteconomy was a
house that mimicked the typical
19th centur y Belgian farmhouse
and the homeowners, both
artists, wanted to open it up
while retaining the bulk of the
existing building. The result was
a semi-open space flooded with
light, providing both privacy for
the occupants and views of the
adjacent forest. Ar teconomy
was consequently turned into a
guesthouse where friends of the
homeowners, mostly artists, are
invited to stay in and leave their
imprints in the house. They left
their mark by creating paintings
and sculptors, as if they were
on a permanent exhibition. This
project led the 51N4E team to
contemplate the duality of the old Joohee Bong, above left, collaborates with the South Korean government
to revitalise the Korean DMZ. She proposed a suspended country club, left,
and the new, the inside and the and a wall-and-bridge complex, above.

outside, the owner and the guest

and, finally, the ambiguity of an
architects task.
55
BEYOND THE OBVIOUS
For French architect Martin Duplantier,
rejuvenation evokes parallels with The
Renaissance, a cultural movement
that spread across Europe in the Late
Middle Ages. The Renaissance signifies
rebirth and the architect observed that,
after the 2008 financial crisis, many
industries, including architecture, were
forced to refresh, to rethink and to
invent new paradigms. He believes that
architecture is an evolution and that a
countrys identity is reflected through
its architecture, commenting that most
European countries, judging from their
tendency to hold on to old buildings,
are facing identity crises while China,
with an ever-changing cityscape,
represents tabula rasa whose identity
is constantly evolving. Architecture has
to be flexible, he said, The world,
especially when it comes to technology,
progresses in such prodigious speed.
Not only does architecture have to
accommodate these changes, but it has
to anticipate them as well.
Martin, nevertheless, respects
architects from previous generations
and finds reverence in their works. So
when he was asked to redo the buildings
within the campus of the University of
Bordeaux in France, he did little changes
to the existing buildings; instead, he
wrapped them in gigantic bioclimatic
panels that regulate the temperature of
their interiors, essentially preserving the
original architecture while transforming
them into a futuristic, energy-efficient
mass. He used a similar approach when
he was commissioned to rework on a
residential estate called Arago in Pessac,
France. Most of the original structure was
kept but Martin enlarged each flats area
by creating a number of contextualised
faades made of plugged exterior
elements. It is like putting on a second
layer of skin, he enthused.
Singaporean architect Colin Seah of
Ministry of Design (not affiliated to
the government, he jokes. In fact, the
Singaporean authorities have recently
put a ban on using the word ministry
in company names) observed that
architecture, as he put it, is the mother
of all design and that it affects all
forms of design in the downstream
of the profession. He asserted that in
order to stay relevant, architects have
to look into the rejuvenation of context,
of convention and to be constantly
innovative. Like other speakers at the
forum, some of his works also include
giving new life to old buildings, to instil
new functions and to consequently elements of the property untouched operations ceased at the historical
bestow them with new identities. A highlighting them, even and utilised site, the railway station remains
building means something only because colours and textures to transform it vacant and its role has been reduced
we gave it, for what it was, he said. As into a modern wonder that is not unlike to nothing more than just a symbol of
time passes, that meaning has lost so an enchanted castle from a classic the city states colonial past and its
we need to give it a new one. fairy tale. The boutique hotel was later inextricable connection to Malaysia.
Rejuvenation, for Colin, isnt just given the name Macalister Mansion. The railway tracks run from the north
conservation of an old building, but Similarly, but not quite in the same way, to the south of the island, like an
is about creating new experiences by the architect pays homage to the rich artery of an organ. Ministry of Design
fabricating a narrative experience for a architectural heritage of The Bund in proposed having the tracks converted
space, blending heritage and modernity, Shanghai by designing a cluster of Soho into bicycle tracks and the station as a
fantasy and function. We have to go blocks whose silhouette is inspired by main hub, with cafes, retail stores and
ahead of time yet paying respect to the the neighbourhoods cityscape, creating workshops built along the tracks. This
past, he said. Such was the case when a contemporary monument that blends project, if picked up by the government,
he did a major renovation for a client in in well with the existing skyline. will generate a new function for the
Penang, who wanted to turn a 100-year- But Colins most ambitious project abandoned railway station and tracks
old colonial mansion into a boutique is the rejuvenation of the Tanjong Pagar and rejuvenate sleepy neighbourhoods
hotel. Colin and his team left the original railway station in Singapore. After along its trajectory.

Works from Ministry of Design. Opposite page, Colin Seah and Macalister
Mansion, below. This page, clockwise from bottom: the Zig-zag house,
Tanjong Pagar railway track and the UOL Edge gallery, all in Singapore.
57
 SUSTAINABILITY
AS BEST PRACTICE
SUSTAINABILITY SEEMS TO BE THE BUZZWORD THESE DAYS, AND SO IT SHOULD BE. THE EFFECTS OF THE ABSENCE
OF SUSTAINABILITY WEIGH HEAVILY ON SOCIETY, AND WERE STARTING TO FEEL THE PINCH. TEMPERATURES ARE
RISING, PEOPLE LACK BREATHING SPACE IN CONCRETE JUNGLES, AND OUR RAPID DEVELOPMENT ENCROACHES
ON NATURE EVEN MORE. IT IS APT THAT ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS ARE COLLECTIVELY LOOKING AT HOW
PROJECTS CAN GO GREEN, AND TO LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY AS BEST PRACTICE. DURING TWO FORUMS HOSTED
BY PAM AND CIS NETWORK SDN BHD, NAMELY GREREN BUILDING FORUM AND KUALA LUMPUR DESIGN FORUM,
RENOWNED INDUSTRY LEADERS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS.

Identifying Obsessions
LYNDON NERI
Architect and founder of Neri & Hu
Design takes the stage to tell us the
importance of identifying the public
obsessions as an architect. Lyndon Neri
talks about identifying five obsessions the
public have. These wants and desires of
rejuvenation have to be incorporated into
the works of architects, he says. Without
58
identifying these obsessions, an architect
may fail to provide what a client wants.
He comically describes the first
obsession based on his experience with
a client. A voyeuristic gaze refers to
the desire to see beyond an image, he
says. He implemented this theory into
one of his projects where he is required
to throw in an element of surprise for
his clients son, with something really
cool. So Lyndon decided to do something
extremely transparent to which the son
of his client ran and banged his head.
Aside from his experiences, Lyndons
works also covers on obsessions such
as, blurring boundaries. Blurring
boundaries simply means a metaphor or
something that either cannot be literally
applied to or is seen as something but
in actual fact, functions differently. This
is seen in the Chengdu Opera House in
China and a project in Singapore, where
he uses glass, antique wood and stones
to build while its corridor is sheered
using overlapping screens and glass
slides. There are four ways to operate
the room.
The next obsession, objecthood, means
the making of a building recognisable
after a lot of persuasion, he managed
to gain the permission to change the
exterior of a building, A7, which completely
changed the dynamism of it. Here, he
faced a dilemma of whether to bring the
world to China or China to the world.
Meanwhile, rebranding history often
requires the refurbishment of a historical
site. An architect or an interior designer
will then incorporate their own design
style into a building with historical value.
For example, Lyndon redeveloped Bow
Street Magistrates Court in Covent
Garden into a hotel. He kept all the cells
and brought them to life by allowing
people to stay in it. He says rebranding
history is all about taking moments to
create ones own brand. There is a value
to what you do.
In a more cultural context, the fifth
obsession allows an architect to create
a home out of a demolished house and
buildings for Campers, while allowing
them to practise the common culture
of hanging their shoes onto clothes line
across the building.
In China, they have no choice but to
rejuvenate as buildings are removed at
an unprecedented rate. Without history,

through distinct features. A case in point, there is no tomorrow, he says.

Before and After the Garden City towards Sustainability
KAZUO IWAMURA
Kazuo Iwamura, who is principal and
founder of Iwamura Atelier of Tokyo gives
a talk about the history of Garden City
in Edo and how it leads to sustainability.
Kazuo is known for practising urban
and architectural implementation and
consultations. He contributed to Symbiotic
Housing Projects and is also a lecturer of
architectural and environmental design
at various universities around the world.
According to Kazuo, the urban form and
tissue of Edo had drastic changes due to
civil engineering. The street alignment
and township in Edo make it a waterfront
city, built for marine transportation and
sight-tours. Having lived in the UK for
seven years, he touched on the topic of
Model Utopia in the UK. He gave examples
such as Bournville (1879) developed
by George Cadbury. In the 1900s, the
community developed a factory, a church,
a school, a park and a hospital. Today, it is
still a desirable place to live in.
He also gives an example on the
social experiments in the UK towards the
Garden City and contemporary practices
by citing the person he looks up to, E.
Howard, founder of the English garden-
city movement. He wanted to create
Rejuvenation ideas and thoughts by
MIKE BOON
The forum started with conservation
architect, Mike Boon from Kuching,
Sarawak. He has a tag line that
runs,Re-visit. Re-consider. To him,
going green is good, but overgreen
washing is dangerous because it
may result in irresponsibility. He
emphasises on the fact that we should
learn from the past to prepare for the
future. In his projects, he uses mainly
timber. His house in Sarawak is fitted
with screens that enable him to open
and close doors and windows while
the roof has many holes. Bowls are
placed to collect rainwater to pour into
the pond. He states that the indigenous
a town with a different environment. It
has country-like features without slums
and air pollution. The other examples
include the super-block development by
Letchworth and Raymond Unwin which
eventually became the worlds first
Garden City. These are contemporary
ideas integrated with the health and
comforts of the country, he says. He
elaborates on urban planning which
includes the Yakushima Symbiotic
Housing consisting of cheap public
housing of 50 units.
Kazuo tells us how a garden city
can create a sustainable future. This is
seen in the objectives of Okologische
Siedlung Kassel from Germany to plan,
build, operate and live together for a
sustainable future together. Meanwhile
in Japan, the Nagata indigenous lives
sustainably with a unique system.
They have a v shape dug into
the ground to return rain water to
earth and because humidity is so high
there, they use recyclable charcoal
in the house and its upper roof has
ventilation. They also share a common
path to escape from natural disasters,
he says.
architecture in Sarawak has been
improving with the times as well.
When you conserve them, you
learn more about them and the local
traditions, he says.
His projects include building the
Toyota 3S Centre in Sibu which is
certified with a GBI (Green Building
Initiative). It emphasises functionality
with 269 trees planted around it and the
provision made for future expansion.
His efforts at conservation could be
seen in Tidal Wall Observatory project
in Sri Man, 200km from Kuching.
Instead of building a look-out tower,
he built a Paku or snail pattern-like
Furthermore, Kazuo says it is important
for us to identify a past scenario
and trace its origins and lines of
development back to the present. It is
called backcasting while forecasting is
the prediction of a scenario.
His talk ended with an example of
his project, Kazuos Project Shibuya
(2009), which supports his theory of
backcasting, as it creates future images
from the images of Shibuyas past.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR
US TO IDENTIFY A PAST
SCENARIO AND TRACE
ITS ORIGINS AND LINES
OF DEVELOPMENT BACK
TO THE PRESENT.
ramp which allows people to go down
and observe the rolling waves which
used to be two to three feet, near Fort
Alice. The banister along it is made
from iron wood, which is long lasting
and could only be found in Borneo. He
also kept all the trees around it.
Subsequently, he is going to restore
Fort Alice to its original form based on
a photograph found in a school library.
Interestingly, they found nails dating
back to the 19th century and had sent
them for analysis. He concluded his
presentation by stating, Fort Alice will
be a museum once it is completed.
59
 Climate Responsiveness Architect Dave Strachan talks
about his experiences in reflecting
shifts the warmth of the morning
sun around the house as heat is
DAVE STRACHAN climate with various materials. In
one of his projects, he uses mainly
introduced up into the wooden
panel of the ceiling and absorbed
timber to create a breezeway by the breathable floor.
climate modifier room. This brings With Glade House, Remuera, he
breeze from one window and out respects the history of the building
the other using insulating shutters by retaining the original form but
to open and close. In one of his added a balcony. In the Mt. Roskill
works, he comes up with a natural Library and Fickling Convention
air-conditioner placed outside (it Centre (beneath a library) project,
looks like an air-vent with mosquito he added sunscreens and light
netting on it) where the air will get towers which give it a sense of
in through the wall of the building. lightness and volume.
He believes that form follows
climate. His projects are all in
Auckland, where he lives. The
Nikau House has slatted exterior
timber screens and its structure
is wrapped with Zincalume
trapezoidal roofing. It emphasises
on the orientation of windows,
folding doors for flexible space
and insulated thermal floors. He

Sparking Creativity Nini Andrade Silva, renowned

interior designer from Portugal, is
grey (winter), brown (autumn)
and green (spring). Known
NINI ANDRADE known for using natural materials for its Madeira wine, nature is

SILVA
to bring nature into her award manifested in the design as the
winning projects. Standing before toilets are inspired by the barrel,
us on the stage, the cheeky designer beds are in neutral colours and
had several wardrobe changes from water cascades downwards from
wearing a bathrobe to wearing a the shower. True to form, through
football jersey, before she proceeded these hotels she tells stories.
with her presentation. On the other hand, Nini not only
Nini Andrade gave several does the interior designs for
examples of her works which are hotels, but she has reached out
inspired by nature. This is seen in the to the community with her works
Figueira boutique hotel in Lisbon, inspired by pebbles.
where she and her team cleverly
used parts of the fig tree to make the
hotel resemble one. To give a unique
experience to the customers, they
use acrylic to turn the bathroom to
look like the inside of the fig, while
the sink is made with little bits of
its wood and tables at the bar and
restaurant with the roots.
Meanwhile, The Vine in
Madeira, the best designer hotel
in Europe has four floors depicting
four seasons represented by
60

colours such as purple (summer),


1. Interior of Virgin Atlantic Airways Clubhouse.
2. Acure vending machine is Japan.
1 He further developed a character
2 out of the box, it gives customers
The Importance of
Branding, and Rebranding
TIM KOBE
Tim Kobe, founder and designer
of Eight Inc, USA, talks about
the rebranding and branding of
products and its impact towards
customers. He has 17 years of
experience designing for Apple
and he is also responsible for
developing the concept of the
Apple Store together with the late
Steve Jobs.
The approach in designing
attitudes of people, Tim says one
things has changed, Tim
must be able to change the behaviour
observes. The most important
of a brand, and it should be able to
element to a product is that, it
tell people on how they can use its
must be different and unique from
functions. For example, they did the
all others out there in the market.
interiors for Virgin Airlines. This
He describes them as, things that
tells the narrative of how people
shatter category norms.
travel and the possible things you
A designer must have the
can do in the air craft.
mentality of making things unique
that people will be passionate about
with Acure Vending Machine in
by knowing that, it is less of what
Japan. It tells you the weather and
we want, instead it is all about what
your payments. This project has a
people need. A product should
backup system. We have 50 of these
be able to offer people various
machines put up after the Fukushima
experiences. These experiences
earthquake. It comes back to life and
will connect people to the products
gives away all drinks for free when
at an emotional level. If this value is
there is an earthquake.
created, an irrational royalty from
Tim also describes the
customers will soon ensue.
importance of taking risks. The
These products should be
night before the very first Apple
able to change the way people
store opened, Steve knew they
think and do things, he says. The
had some risks before it started.
designer states that he operates
Nevertheless, he took it. It turnsed
with the beliefs that, emotion
out, there were 6,000 people there
is far greater than form follows
at the opening, he says.
function and as a result of thinking
In branding, you often satisfy a
customer by solving problems for
experience and value.
them, with this, comes success.
Aside from understanding the
This series of talks based on the theme
IF VALUE IS of RejuveNATION, ran co-currently
CREATED, AN with PAM 2014 convention and
Eco-B exhibitions at Kuala Lumpur
IRRATIONAL Convention Centre from June 24 to 29
ROYALTY FROM this year. It was hosted by Pertubuhan
Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and C.I.S
CUSTOMERS WILL Network Sdn Bhd.
SOON ENSUE.
61
 BATHROOM SPECIAL
text NG YI XIANG

Slippery Affair
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT BATHROOM
TILES IS PARAMOUNT IN PROVIDING A SAFE AND
INVITING HAVEN FOR YOU TO UNWIND AFTER A DAY
OUT. HERE ARE A FEW TYPES OF FLOORINGS AND THEIR
FEATURES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT.
photos CAESARSTONE AND MML
How do you choose?
Some of the questions that you need to ask yourself before
purchasing the type of flooring you are fond of, includes,
how long do they last and can they be re-treated?

Types of floorings:
Tiles They can be made from linoleum, ceramic,
limestone, marble or granite, and they come in different
sizes. You should opt for one with a rougher surface rather
than the smoother ones as the spacing and the grid of the
tiles in between may help with the grip and reduce the
likelihood of falling.

Solid hardwood This may look good, but it is not suitable in

the long run as moisture can damage the floor. Wood dents
easily and will swell and expand if left wet. It also requires
more maintenance while chemical cleaners will cause more
damage to its finish.

Laminate hardwood - You can opt for laminate hardwood.

Not only does it pull off the looks of hardwood, but it is
scratch and moisture resistant. Unlike solid hardwood,
laminate is made from synthetic products.

Engineered wood Engineered wood is by far the best

choice among the other wood floorings. It has a plywood
base and its top layer is made from real wood. It can also
hold up against moisture, well.

Sheet or tile vinyl floorings Like wallpaper, these flooring

sheets come in wide rolls. Some sections of these vinyl
sheet floorings will be cut and pasted together if the room is
wider. After some time, you may find curling at the edges.

How do you reduce slips in bathrooms?

1) Place a rubber mat on the floor and install strong grab bars in the shower area.
2) Use a shower curtain or a glass door to prevent the rest of the bathroom from getting wet.
63
Reasonable Rugs
THEY ARE ESSENTIAL TO BE PLACED JUST OUTSIDE THE
SHOWER AREA SO THAT THE FLOOR DOES NOT GET
WET AS YOU COME OUT OF THE SHOWER.
photos WHITE ROOM FROM AKEMI UCHI
Rugs vs Mats
Although both rugs and mats look similar, they serve different
purposes in the bathroom. Bathroom mats are specifically
designed to be placed in the wet area while a rug is designed
to be placed in the dry area of a bathroom.

Tips in choosing bath rugs and mats

Material. This greatly depends on the amount of people
using the bathroom. For a longer lasting mat in a bigger
household, you may want to consider getting a rubber
one instead of cotton, which gets mouldy faster as it is
constantly wet.

Colours, shapes and sizes. Choose darker coloured bath

mats instead of lighter ones which highlights dirt. To
optimise the use of a rug, you need one in the right size and
shape. For example, if you have a larger bathroom, you can
go for a generous rectangular mat. If space is a limitation,
then you will need to be more precise when picking a rug
or mat. Take a measurement of the area you want to cover
before going shopping. You dont want to have a rug too
big for your bathroom, as there is the danger of tripping
over excess material.
Do your research and get inspired. Buying rugs and mats
can be exciting. They are not only useful but they can create
a new look to your bathroom. Although it helps to know the
types of rugs suitable for your bathroom, you can also search
for inspiration by viewing the photographs of bathrooms
available on the internet. You can then decide on the style
that best suits your taste.
A few types of rugs and mats suitable
for bathrooms
Rubber bath mats These are placed in bath tubs and prevent
slipping. Recommended if you have young children.
Cotton bath mats and rugs These are best and known for
their durability and water absorption. However, like all others,
they will wear out due to use and can get moldy without proper
washing and drying.
Non-slip plastic mats or rubber backed rugs These are slip-
resistant shower mats and rugs.
Chenille rugs These are made from polypropylene and
are less susceptible to dampness caused by constant
exposure to water.

Essential oils, scent diffusers

and scented candles:
A bathroom is where you keep your towels hung and
where bath mats and rugs are left to dry. Aroma diffusers
and scented candles can significantly reduce the smell of
moisture and mould in the air. You may also want to be
careful when using them. Place them away from materials
that could easily catch fire.
65
 What meets the eye
CHOOSING THE FURNISHINGS AND FIXTURES FOR YOUR
BATHROOM IS IMPORTANT, DETERMINED BY THE SIZE OF
THE ROOM AS YOU DO NOT WANT TO OVER-FURNISH
OR HAVE BIG PIECES WHICH MORE OFTEN THAN NOT,
MAKE A BATHROOM FEEL CRAMMED.
photos CAESARSTONE, AND FERUNI
66
 With a larger bathroom, you get to enjoy the space and
distance between the bathtub and the shower, the dry area
and thewet area as well as the lavatory by placing glass walls
or folding screens as a divider. With the extra space, you
could also place indoor potted plants.
However, smaller bathrooms need some clever planning to
make the room practical. Here are some of the elements that
affect the bathroom space.

Storage units Wall colours Mirrors

Using space-saving fixtures such as
under-sink storage instead of a wall
rack creates the illusion of having a
bigger bathroom, as it keeps things
out of sight.
Wall colours can create the illusion of a
bigger space. For smaller bathrooms,
you could choose to use neutral colours
such as white or go with raw concrete
walls, to make a room look bigger.
A wide mirror would reflect the whole
room, giving it depth and making it
seem double the actual size. A long
mirror will give the notion of a high
ceiling and a high clearance.
67
Lavatory Needs
ONE SEAT MAY NOT FIT ALL.
KNOW THE FACTS BEFORE THE
TOILET HUNT BEGINS.
photos ROCA
The room space
The size of the bathroom is an important
criterion when selecting the right toilet bowl.
You need to ascertain the distance from
the middle of the toilet bowl to the wall for
plumbing purposes. For a small space, a wall
hung toilet would be more suitable.
Shape of a toilet bowl
The shape of your toilet bowl matters. A round
toilet bowl is most suitable for smaller lavatory
spaces. They are on average 5 inches wide
near the top and 16 inches long. Meanwhile
the more costly elongated toilet bowls have
an added sitting space as they are two inches
longer than the round bowls.
Height of the toilet bowl
Different people have different needs based
on their physical conditions. Older people and
those with disabilities may find it difficult to
get up from the toilets of normal height. Taller Make sure that spare parts
toilets may be a better option for them. are available locally and try
testing out the flush systems
Flush systems beforehand. You dont want
to wait weeks to fix it should
A good flush system uses a minimum
the flush be faulty.
amount of water effectively. Basically there
are two types, the single flush and dual
flush systems. With the dual flush toilets,
you can choose to use half the water or
the full tank, thereby significantly reducing
the usage of water as compared to the
conventional single flush system.
69
Tile Maintenance
HERE ARE ALSO A FEW TIPS ON
MAINTAINING WALL TILES AND THE
COMMON SIZES YOU CAN FIND IN
THE MARKET TODAY.
photos TERRACOTTA.

MARBLE TILES
Beautifully veined, this smooth
yet glossy marbles tiles may have
attractive markings of dolomite,
onyx, serpentine, calcite or
travertine. When polished, it gives a
luxurious shine.
SLATE TILES
Highly durable, they are made from
stones which are finely ground and
they often come in dark colours.
CERAMIC TILES
One of the most common tiles to be
used, it is water and stain-resistant.
It comes in multi-colour glazed and
textured surfaces. It is versatile and
you can choose to play with the huge
range of colours available to create
patterns.
GLAZED TILES
They can be glossy, semi-glazed or
matte. They are available in multiple
shapes including triangular and
hexagon, colours and patterns.
MOSAIC TILES
They are small and allow you to create
unique patterns and are available in
shapes from squares to rectangles.
Things to avoid:
Avoid delaying the repair of cracks
or stain in the grout.
Avoid delaying cleaning the grout
as there will be mold and mildew. If
you do not wipe dry, the minerals in
the water will corrode the tiles.
Do not use acid-base cleaners.
Types of tiles and maintaining them
Maintenance: You need to clean and Difficulties: It is one of the most
polish regularly and it requires resealing expensive tiles due to the difficulties
quite frequently. in cutting it. It is also porous, and
therefore susceptible to stains and
Common sizes: It comes in slabs of scratches.
40 squares or tiles of 1/2 thick and
8 to 12 square.
Maintenance: Regularly wipe with a Difficulties: Although they are stain
wet cloth and the joints need to be resistant, slate tiles are not encouraged
scoured. to be used in bathrooms as they can be
very slippery when wet and also brittle.
Maintenance: Frequent rinsing is Difficulties: The price range varies
required to avoid dirt from adhering and can be expensive. Ceramic tiles
to it. can easily chip. Unglazed ceramic tiles
are preferred in bathrooms because
Common sizes: It can be as small as they are not so slippery when wet.
3 x 3 or as big as 24 x 24. It also
available in 4 x 4, 6 x 6, 16 x 16,
12 x 12.
Maintenance: It is water, heat and Common sizes: 6 x 6 to 10 x 10.
chemical resistant. Being highly
durable and difficult to stain, all you Difficulties: The unglazed ones with
need to do is to spray water and wipe rough surfaces need constant wiping.
dry with a cloth. Also make sure the
grout is sealed.
Maintenance: High durability but Difficulties: If grout is not maintained,
requires scrubbing of grout. mosaic tiles may get detached over
time.
Common sizes: 1 to 2 squares
Repair Requisites:
Regrouting fill up cracks in between
tiles by using a thin mortar or plaster.
Recaulking waterproofing of joints
and cracks by using sealant to fill up
the gaps.
71
 Bathing Pleasures
A GOOD, RELAXING BATH OR SHOWER CAN DO
WONDERS FOR THE SOUL. HERE ARE A FEW TYPES OF
BATH TUBS AND SHOWERS FOR YOU TO CHOOSE FROM.
photos KIMGRES, CAESARSTONE,
GROHE AND RUBINE
72
Bath tubs
Alcove bathtub
The alcove bathtub is one of the most
common ways of installation. It involves
a rectangular bathtub which is fixed
at one side of the bathroom. If you
have a smaller bathroom, this helps you
maximize your space as the tub is fixed
to three walls.

Drop-In Bathtub
The tub is installed inside a platform
which is preferably installed in bigger
bathrooms as it requires more floor
space. Sometimes the rim at the side is
big enough for you to sit on. They come
in rectangle, square or round shapes.

Undermount Bathtub
It is the least common way to install
a bathtub. Although it has similar
characteristics as drop-in bathtubs, it
differs as floorings made from tiles or
stones are integrated up to the edge of
the tub. This gives it a more refined look.

Stand-Alone or Free Standing Bathtub

They are more expensive and requires
a bigger space. Like its name suggests,
the installed bathtub can stand on its
own without any support from the walls.
* The basic requirements: You must
have strong floorings to support the
bathtub. They can be made of steel,
cast iron or enamel-coated.
Shower Heads
Head Showers
Head showers are usually mounted
above the height of an average person,
on top or the wall. It has a strong and
powerful water pressure.
Types of Showers
Electric showers
The regular electric showers rely
entirely on electric to supply hot water.
Temperature can be controlled.
Mixer showers
Its versatility allows mixer showers to
work with low and high pressure water
systems. It not only regulates the water
temperature but it also mixes hot and
cold water at the shower head.

Hand Showers Power showers

A hand shower gives you the flexibility to
direct water flow. It not only allows you
to wash where you need but they can
double up as a head shower when placed
onto a holder. Height is adjustable.
Side Showers
Requires strong water pressure. Unlike
the conventional head and hand showers,
the water sprays on the sides.
It works well with low pressure water
system by boosting water flow. On the
downside, power showers use more
energy and water.
Digital showers
Equipped with the latest shower
technology, digital showers save time
and reduces energy. It also consists of
various shower settings.
73
 merdeka ISSUE

malaysian
text NG YI XIANG

THESE SUCCESSFUL
MALAYSIAN TALENTS HAVE
THEIR OWN STORIES TO TELL.

talent
FROM INTERIOR TO PRODUCT
DESIGNERS, WE GAIN A LOOK
AT HOW THEY CAME THIS FAR
IN THE INDUSTRY.

UK and Australia

ANDREW CHONG CHIN CHUAN,

brand strategist, interior and
graphic designer, founder of
Andrew Chong Design and
DesignMatch.co.uk.

2
74
A resident of Australia, this Malaysian-
born designer relates his experience
as an interior designer both locally and
abroad.
He was a book prize student and a
distinction scholar at KBU International
College. He subsequently graduated
with a First Class Honour Graduate
in Interior Architecture and Design
from the Nottingham Trent University.
He was also a Brunel International
Scholarship Holder for MA in Design
and Branding Strategy.
He has since won numerous awards
as a designer, one of which was being
billed as the Top 12 Young Interior
Designer in the UK in 2012. Today,
he takes on the responsibilities of a
senior designer at Shaun Clarkson ID
in the UK and also a founder of Andrew
Chong Design and DesignMatch.co.uk.
It is an online designer database that
allows users access to essential design
information quickly. It matches people
with service providers and contractors
to solve their design needs.
Andrew tells us that he loves to
draw since he was a kid. When I
began drawing spaces and objects
from a three dimensional perspective,
I developed an interest in reading about
it and eventually it got me interested in
interior design.
Before he left to study in the UK,
he worked in Kuala Lumpur as a sales
and in-house graphic designer at New
Convox Sdn Bhd. He also had four
years of experience as an interior
designer and department leader at
Sacha and Tan Architects Sdn Bhd. In
the latter company he developed his
drafting and designing skills. I was
very lucky to have worked with three
Malaysian world renowned architects,
Ar. Sacha Noordin, Ar. Soon Tan and
Ar. Pik Zen.
Andrew has received branding
projects for big brands such as
Chivas, Pernod Absinthe ,Perrier
Jouet Champagne and Oddka. He also
led the design of Pernod Absinthe
and Perrier Jouet Champagne theme
room for The Box London, an exclusive
3
cabaret nightclub.
4
Currently, Andrew is leading a
team alongside Shaun Clarkson ID in
designing a brand with focus on the
environment for all Absolut Vodka and
Absolut Elyx worldwide, by proposing
suitable decor and styling elements
to put into their global catalogue. The
goal is to ensure Absolut has a specific
cool collection to use in their event,
party and branding activities.
His recent Selfridges project saw
him working under the Pitfield London
label. He designed decor products and
furniture collection for their home
and accessories department which
consisted of bespoke and one-off
pieces under four themes: Creature
Comfort, Embellished, Precious Metal
and Electric Eclectic.
Now that he is in Australia, Andrew
returns to Malaysia a few times a
year, I would like to get involved
with commercial projects where
I could emphasise and highlight
Malaysian heritage and culture while
simultaneously making it cutting edge
and trendy.
For more information,
visit www.andrew-chong.com.
1. Andrews Vodka Brand activation. 5
2.Classic pop chair from Selfridges.
3. Furniture collection from Pitfield Christmas
collection.
4. Andrews recent project.
75
5. Bespoke pieces for Selfridge.
 1

UK

NIK A RAMLI, founder

and interior designer of
Nik A Ramli Enterprise.

2
76
It all started with an aquarium for this
award-winning interior designer, Nik A
Ramli. Though there is a serious lack
of fish inside, he admits to owning the
aquarium till this day, decorated with a
little vintage wooden house and a few
safari toys. It was a sense of curiosity
and an aquarium on display at an
animal hospital that kick started his
desires to be an interior designer.
He received two diplomas: BTEC
National Diploma at the Bradford and
Ilkley Community college in the United
Kingdom and a Diploma in interior
design in Malaysia. He also obtained
both BA (Hons) Degree and MA from
De Montfort interior design, UK. As
soon as he graduated, aged 19, he
became a full-time interior designer.
He tells us what inspires him,
Im always open to new ideas to
gain inspiration and learning from
others is an important part of the
learning process. Im inspired by my
surroundings, the people, countries
and places that I have visited. Things
that Ive observed, the landscape,
even the music Im listening to. Your
questions also inspire me. By the way,
I still get inspiration from looking at
aquarium displays.
This versatile interior designer
has a number of ongoing projects.
He is designing an open-space living,
dining and cooking area using the
clients existing furniture, with some
soft furnishing which he is working on.
To him, the play of colour is a crucial
part of interior design. Different
colour combinations emit different
atmospheres. A coffee and cream
combination, for instance, delivers a
classic look where neutral colours
blend harmoniously. To avoid colour
clashes, he suggests painting colour
palettes on the wall and living with
them for a few days to see if they work
for you.
Apart from being an interior
designer, Nik is also a writer and a
blogger. He readily gives readers tips
on interior design through his blog,
www.nikaramli.com. He has plans to
3
publish a book on interior design which 1. Reading corner.
2. Open plan dining room.
is in the midst of being compiled. 3. Open plan living room.
His commercial projects include 4. Lamps.
Matrade London and La Mardia Bakery
and Caf. On future projects, Nik would
love to work on an existing historical
building in Malaysia and convert it
into apartments, a museum, a store
or even a hotel. He also produces
his own furniture and decoration
range to which he aspires to add soft
furnishings. He toys with the idea of
designing a shelter home or a stop-
over area where the homeless can
clean up, rest, get an education and be
safe. I would love to design a mosque
with a twist using the interior space.
This renowned designer feels that
he is continuously learning about
current trends, products, designs
and sales from his projects. He says
it is not just about good design but
that the designs have to work for the
clients and their budgets. Getting to
know the clients and bringing their
ideas into reality is one of the best
parts of the job. By working on a
design brief provided by the client and
helping them through the design and
the research process of the project is
very rewarding.
I have to be proactive by visiting
interior design trade fair shows.
To grow in a career is not to be
comfortable, but to leave the comfort
zone.
For more information, 4
77
visit www.nikaramli.com.
 1
UK

HASSAN ABDULLAH, interior

designer and co-owner of Les
Trois Garons restaurant,
Loungelover bar, Maison Trois
Garons shop as well as a home,
The Chteau in France

2
78
He is known for making bold statements
with eccentric yet chic pieces which he
welcomes into the homes of his clients/
his restaurant. The designer tells us
his story on how he started off as a
law student. His humble beginnings as
an interior designer grew from selling
antiques at Camden street to being
a successful designer who throws
birthday parties for celebrities like
Madonna at his renowned restaurant,
Les Trois Garons in Shoreditch.
Interior designing was his true
calling for Hassan Abdullah, not law.
During one summer holiday, he took
a trip back to Malaysia. As if it was a
twist of fate, during this period of time,
their house was being renovated and
he got involved. Upon returning to
London, I promptly enrolled myself for
an Interior Design degree at University
of North London.
The first project he took on as
an interior designer at Ezra, Attia &
Associates was Lanesborough Hotel in
London. In 1993 he quit his job and
set up an antiques and interior design
business with Frenchman, Michel
Lassere and Swede, Stefan Karlson.
The three of them met through
mutual friends. At the time, Stefan
was working for a travel company,
and Michel was studying language in
London. We discovered we had mutual
interests, and we just hit it off. His
flair for design surfaced when he,
together with his partners, refurbished
their rented flat on Baker Street and
retouched junk shop items and antiques
to sell at Camden market. In two years,
their business expanded into three
shops at Notting Hill Gate, Marylebone
and Islington.
In 1996, the trio purchased a three-
storey building which used to be a
Victorian pub from 1880 and converted
it into an apartment in Shoreditch.
Later on during a party, a suggestion
was made by a friend to turn it into a
restaurant which they took up. In 2000,
the ground floor eventually became a
restaurant named Les Trois Garons
(The Three Boys), with its intriguing
3
interior of stuffed animals adorned with 1.Maison Trois Garcons Cafrer, London
2. The Chateau de la Goujonnerie by Paul Raeside.
costume jewellery. It shows off a quirky 3. Bedroom at the Chateau de la Goujonnerie,
yet posh sense of style that seems to France.
work together. 4. Dining area of the Chateau.
Together with his business partners,
they managed to expand with a cocktail
bar, loungelover in 2003 and a ware-
house turned lifestyle caf selling
furnishings, Maison Trois Garons at
Redchurch Street in 2013.
Together with Michel and James
Gold, Hassan owns an interior design
firm called L3G Designs which offers
customers custom-made furnishings.
He also designed and got involved
in projects involving big brands and Portrait Matthieu Salvain.
Photos Paul Raeside.
legends such as Selfridges and Philippe
Starck.
The interior designer recalls with
passion when asked what it was about
creating new furniture that excites
him, everything really, from creating
new concepts, working with all sorts of
fabric and materials, to just watching
my ideas come to life, he says. Hassan
also touched on his dream of having his
own London boutique hotel.
Apart from residential and
commercial projects lined up, they
are expanding both floor space and
their contemporary furniture collection
in Harrods. They are also currently
working on a small collection of rugs and
wallpaper and designing the Champagne
Bar for Decorex International 2014.
For more information, 4
79
visit www.lestroisgarcons.com.
 1

Malaysia

JOSEPH FOO,
graphic designer and
co-founder of 3x,
3nity design, Art4Soul
and TriDi (3Di)

3
80
Joseph received his graphic design
education in Kuala Lumpur and San
Francisco. He started as part of a
brand identity design consultancy. I
have always maintained an interest in
product-development especially when
it reflects Asian identity or material
experimentation. This set him along
the path of a graphic designer in the
creative industry, working in the USA
and Singapore before he headed back to
Malaysia.
He then established Trinity Visual
Communications (3nity) with two other
partners in 1996, aimed at making
3nity a multi-disciplinary brand identity
consultancy. In 2000, he co-founded
Art4Soul, a visual communicator, where
a community of designers and writers
uses various designs and art forms to
convey messages on spiritual renewal.
This is followed in 2007, by TriDi (3Di)
which is division exploring product and
furniture design.
He has undergone several milestones
in his career. He won several awards
including Creative Circle Awards in
Denmark, Hong Kong Design Awards
(HKDA), MC2 Design and Advertising
Awards, Malaysia, Cutting Edge Moving
Image International Festival, Korea and
Longxi Design Awards in Asia Region.
For his expertise, he is on the advisory
board of Design 360, Concept & Design
Magazine in Hong Kong and Dasein
Academy of Art, Malaysia and also a
jury for design awards by by Creative
Circle Awards in Denmark Cannes
Lions International Advertising Festival,
France and Kancil Awards in Malaysia.
He is also the co-founder of numerous
other establishments internationally
from Copenhagen to Beijing.
On the business side, he is involved
in Ornapaper+, a collaboration between
3nity and Ornapaper. It came about
after 3nity was invited to conduct a
branding exercise for Ornapaper. As a
result of high demand of their products
from clients, they realised that a lot
of wastage is incurred. So we pull
a separate team to look into making
something useful from these wastage.
4
The technical team from Ornapaper 1. Doctorbag.
2. Name cards from the recycled series.
definitely smoothen the process of 3. Benches.
making products using recycled paper 4. Collaboration between Ornapaper+ and 3nity.
5. Stools.
cardboards.
6. Recycle folder from the recycled series.
Joseph points out that cardboard
products have already set a trend
in some countries and it should go
beyond a trend to a movement of
reuse and recycle that everyone can
embrace and practice. Cardboard is
also a recyclable material that is also
biodegradable and cost-effective.
The first product of Ornapaper +
was a cardboard stool which invoke 5
questions like, can it last? can you
seat on it? and are you sure? To a
question of durability, he responded,
they cant last like plastics but it is
cardboard!
They designed the products seen
at the recent Malaysia Eco Building
and Design Exhibition 2014 (Eco-B)
in Mandarin Oriental Hotel Ballroom
for Ornapaper+. The booth exhibited
products which combine product
design onto environmental friendly-
corrugated cardboard. These include
products like envelope, cross-band,
doctor bag, grocery series and items
such as benches and stools. It is
about the acceptance of imperfection
in life. Joseph says.
Through this collaboration, he says
that he has learnt a lot about working
within limitation and to embrace
imperfections.
6
For more information,
81
visit www.3nitydesign.com.
 text LOUISA CLARE LIM
illustration WANG MEIMEI

Go Outside!

OUT IN THE OPEN

WITH APARTMENTS GETTING SMALLER, ITS TIME TO
EXPAND OUTWARDS! WE SHOW YOU WHAT YOU CAN AWKWARD CURVED SPACE
USE TO TURN A TINY BALCONY SPACE INTO A COMFY Dont despair if your balcony comes
with space-eating curves. These can
LOUNGE OR CHIC AL FRESCO DINING AREA, EVEN be turned into an interesting feature!
IF IT ISNT A STANDARD RECTANGULAR SHAPE. Vanessa Chow, senior designer at
Mong Design Studio, recommends
getting customised planters fitted
to counter weirdly shaped and
otherwise unusable corners. Perhaps
you can grow your own herb garden.

ny
Balcobout
size asqf!
80

Cacoon swing
(base diameter
940cm), and Donna
coffee table (diameter
450cm), both from
Comfort Design.
Lebello Pen
containers (diameter
30cm), can be used
as a planter or an
umbrella holder,
each, from
CMYK Lifestyle.

s
re
et
m
4
1.

B&B Italia Reel stool

(diameter 55cm), at Space.
82

3.2 metres
 OTHER LOUNGING PIECES TO CONSIDER

1 2 3

1. Firenze loveseat, available in nine colours, from Teak & Mahogany. 2. B&B Italia Grande Papilio outdoor lounge armchair and ottoman, price upon request, from
Space. 3. Shine lounge chair and footstool, for both, from Marquis Qsquare.

Copenhagen bar chairs (48cm by

41cm by 107cm), each, and Santorini
bar table in mild steel with Trelleborg
round table top (diameter 60cm),
all from Teak & Mahogany.

OTHER DINING PIECES TO CONSIDER

1 2 3

1. Adam dining tables, from Lifestorey. 2. Gemma chairs, price upon request, from Lifestorey. 3. Seabreeze dining table, and chairs, from Ohmm.
83
 IRREGULAR-SHAPED SPACE
WITH SLANTED WALLS
For angular, irregular and slanted
layouts, place bigger furniture items
on the widest side and decorative
accessories in tighter spaces. Vanessa
suggests installing a narrow table
ledge against the balcony parapet
wall to maximise floor space. This
way, you can sit facing outwards,
and enjoy the view while having
a quick breakfast in the morning
or a sundowner after a long day.

ny
Balcobout
size asqf!
Side table Eule (25cm by
25cm), price upon request,
60
from Le Article.

Elba lounge chairs

(77cm by 80cm) each, and
table (diameter 90cm), all
from BoConcept.
1.8
metres

1.2
metres

3.5 metres

OTHER LOUNGING PIECES TO CONSIDER

1 2 3 4

1. Lobster Day Gen table, price upon request, from CMYK Lifestyle. 2. Lobster Day Q chair, price upon request, from CMYK Lifestyle. 3. Neon coffee tables made from
84

galvanised powder-coated steel, from Grafunkt. 4. Hot Mesh chairs from Grafunkt.
 Santorini dining table with Santiago
round teak table top (diameter 90cm),
and Tuscano dining armchairs (55cm
by 58cm), each, all from Teak &
Mahogany.

OTHER DINING PIECES TO CONSIDER

1. Urban outdoor square dining table, from Mountain Teak. 2. Urban outdoor
dining armchair, from Mountain Teak. 3. Mia square table, from Marquis Qsquare.
4. Canaan Bench/Dining set (it can be converted from a bench to a dining set),
from Comfort Design.

2 3
85
 text & coordination THRINA THAM

Go Outside!

A QUICK GETAWAY
ESCAPING TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS CAN BE AS
EASY AS STEPPING INTO YOUR BACKYARD. WE SHOW
YOU HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN SPACIOUS RESORT-LIKE
RETREAT WITH LOUNGING AND DINING ZONES.

B&B Italia Husk Outdoor

chairs and side table,
prices upon request,
from Space.
86
 The Sunlit Lounge
More than just an extension of
your living room, these stylish
Sparta Pavillon by pieces create a perfect hangout
Skyline Design,
designed from spot to relax, socialise and
handwoven synthetic enjoy our endless summer.
wicker around an
aluminium frame,
from Roops Outdoor
Furniture.

The O/K loungers by

Kartell are available in
white, orange, pistachio
and sky blue, price upon
request, from Lifestorey.

Emu Round sun

lounger, from
Marquis QSquare.

DECORATE YOUR SPACE

WITH STYLISH PLANTERS.
Grillage outdoor set, Made with powder-coated
from Ligne Roset. metal and fibreglass, the
Heaven Vases by Emu
blend into the background
thanks to their seemingly
transparent design, which
make them look like floating
vessels. They come in
two sizes, with the small
vase measuring 1m and
the taller vase measuring
1.63m Available at Marquis
Qsquare.
87
 Dining Under the Stars
Designate an entertainment area
for family meals with these dining
pieces that simply beckon you to
take your food outside.

B&B Italia Overscale Flames
horizontal and vertical
candles are 88cm long and
1m tall, respectively. Both
from Space.

Mamagreen Allux
dining table and
stacking chairs, from
Journey East.

The Vintage dining

chair and outdoor table,
are made from solid
reclaimed teak, all from
Mountain Teak.
MAKE A STATEMENT WITH
GREEN WALLS.
A nature-lovers delight,
green walls provide a lush
backdrop to any garden. For
no-fuss maintenance, Absolut
Outdoors offers an artificial,
but just as verdant, version
which uses a mix of plant
types for greater realism and
aesthetic appeal.
88

The Flos Wallflower
light fits right into
your outdoor garden
from Space.

MAKE AN IMPACT
WITH STATEMENT
OUTDOOR LIGHTING.
The solar-powered Add drama to your night
La Lampe Paris atmosphere. Unconventional
by Maiori Objects
lighting options include the
Bel Air dining table of Design comes
and chairs, prices upon with three levels of Serralunga Paloma, an outdoor
request, from Roche adjustable lighting bench (130cm by 38 cm by
Bobois. Seat cushion intensities, from 53cm) in the shape of a bird that
covers are available in Roops Outdoor also serves as a soft-glowing
Missoni Home fabrics. Furniture. lamp. From Space.

Dont forget the hardscape, which brings functionality and spatial organisation to your outdoor haven.
OUTDOOR UNDERFOOT These long-lasting flooring options are an inviting visual break from the usual indoor choices.

Synthetic Turf Real Wood Decking Wood Composite Pebble Flooring Tiles
To add instant greenery, Natural wood looks great Decking Accent your flooring Merge your indoor
try synthetic natural- in any outdoor space. If you like the wood-look, choices with pebbles and outdoor spaces
looking turf that remains Timber decking that but want the colour to that have anti-slip with porcelain tiles that
lush all year round. Apart retains a cool quality, stay constant, consider properties. Try provide a clean look.
from grass-lookalike even after exposure engineered wood matching pebbles Rice offers a range of
turfs, Absolut Outdoors under the sun, is flooring alternatives with outdoor tiles, non-absorbent, thermal-
offers boldly coloured available in New Zealand from Evorich Flooring, with various options shock-resistant tiles,
versions (such as hot pink Pine, Okan and Merbau which are made from available at Hafary. including Stonetrack tiles
and bright blue), that you woodgrain finishes at wood compound and that come in a rough
can wash and vacuum. Absolut Outdoors. plastic, and weather- and finish for a natural effect.
89

termite-resistant.
 STORAGE SOLUTIONS
text MAVIS ANG

10
COMMON
STORAGE
PROBLEMS
(AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM)
How to keep as much storage as possible in the
least amount of space that is one of the most
headache-inducing problems of space-starved
homeowners embarking on their renovation
process. We address your storage nightmares,
and provide suggestions on how to tuck away
everything from shoes to a washing machine.

photography VEE CHIN design DISTINCT IDENTITY

photography VEE CHIN design REZT & RELAX

1
I want many storage
compartments, but I dont
want them to be seen.
There are no limits to the ways you
can conceal built-in cupboards or nooks. Use
decorative panels for floor-to-ceiling storage
compartments so they look like a feature wall.
90

Alternatively, wallpapers with linear design

elements can hide the outlines of cupboard
doors and drawers.
 photography DARREN CHANG design METAPHOR STUDIO
2
Besides getting a bed base
with storage underneath,
how else can I stow away
items so that they are easy
to retrieve?
Rather than conventional floor-to-ceiling
cabinets, go horizontal instead. Raise the
entire floor by building in a storage platform
to keep bulky, cumbersome items such as
luggage out of sight. Better suited for homes
with higher ceilings, this idea creates a
playful and cosy look as well.

photo DISTINCT IDENTITY

photography DARREN CHANG design FREE SPACE INTENT

photography ALAN K / K STUDIO design WHITE SPACE LIVING

3
I dont have a big bedroom
space, so how can I create
a walk-in wardrobe?
Many fashionistas dream of devoting
an entire bedroom to the display of their
clothes, bags, shoes and accessories. But if
you can afford only to carve out a section of
your room for your wardrobe, you can still
replicate a walk-in-wardrobe feel by zoning off
a semi-private alcove or by setting up an open
91

wardrobe system (conceal it with curtains if

youre not blessed with a neat gene).
 photography WINSTON CHUANG design THE CARPENTERS WORKSHOP

photography CALVIN TAN design FORMWERKZ

4 6
How do I free up more space How can I keep my large
in the kitchen cabinets? shoe collection neat and
If youre running out of storage accessible, without having
space in your kitchen and would like to build a huge cabinet?
to avoid cluttering the worktop, ceiling- As shoes come in all shapes and sizes, they
mounted kitchen shelves will come to your often end up squashed or buried when
rescue. Without taking up additional floor stored in conventional cabinets. In order to
space, these shelves allow you to store keep them accessible, opt for either pull-out
and display items such as cookware and larder units, or use existing cabinet doors to
stemware tidily. Another idea is to install anchor shoe shelves. With customised
a drying rack for dishes above the sink, built-ins, even the narrowest spaces can be
freeing up more space on the countertop. utilised to either hide or display footwear.
photo ARCHITOLOGY

5
I need shelves, but how
do I make them take up as
photo ARCHITOLOGY

little space as possible?

Shelves can be used to divide spaces.
So, where possible, you can do away with
92

walls and replace them with a full-height shelf

instead. This way, you can display items, too!
 photography JUSTIN LOH design STUDIO ARC
photography CALVIN TAN design W2DA

7 9
There isnt enough space How can I build storage
in my bedroom for space for items where I
a dressing table. need them?
Take a hint from W2DA and An upside to engaging an interior
customise a bedside table that flips designer or contractor is that they can design
open and transforms into a makeshift unique furniture pieces that incorporate
vanity corner even the underside of the storage. For example, a simple drawer
tabletop can be fully utilised as a mirror. under the dining table allows you to reach
You can also do this with narrow spaces at for condiments effortlessly, and having a
the side of your bed frame. bookshelf within the sofa frame creates
a conducive reading environment.
photo HABIT

photo 0932

8 10
How can I integrate storage How can I store my
areas around the bay window? washing machine and dryer
A clever way to conceal the bay in the kitchen and still
window slab is by customising a sofa keep them accessible?
or day bed over it and using part of the space For those without a designated laundry area,
underneath for storage. To further maximise try raising the kitchen worktop in order to tuck
this area, the designers at Habit integrated bulky and frequently used appliances such as
a side table into a corner of the daybed, and the washing machine underneath, just like what
freed up the need for a television console by 0932 Design Consultants did for this home.
93

concealing the homes entertainment systems

within the seating.
 STORAGE SOLUTIONS
text & coordination BEATRICE BOWERS

AS YOU
LIKE IT
When your storage needs
change, dont you wish
your shelving can, too?
Youll need these modular
storage systems that you
can easily reconfigure to
best suit your evolving
lifestyle demands.

REVERSE EFFECT
Designed to accommodate your living-area
needs, the Reverse by Novamobili comprises
a fundamental lacquered wood shelf that
can be customised with doors, dividers and
cubbyholes. Reverse lends its multi-functionality
to an array of storage needs from being a
stand-alone bookshelf to a cabinet and youll
be the one who calls the shots on how to
configure this sophisticated structure.
94

Available at W. Atelier, Singapore, price upon request.

FUSE TO FIT
The Fusion Wall System by Nendo features
two shelf designs that can be placed
together to form an artistic backdrop for
your items, while fulfilling your organisational
needs with varying shelf heights. Finished in
matte ash-grey lacquer, the minimalist units
grow into a cohesive system when you sit
them side by side.
Available at Boconcept.
95
 FULL FUNCTION
Three modular elements
form the core of the USM
Haller system a chrome
ball joint, flat panels and
connecting tubes making
the free-standing system
easily customisable
for a diverse range of
storage requirements.
Open shelves or closed
compartments its all
up to you. The bright
colours of the panels also
up the style quotient of
this utilitarian system.
Available at Shape The Form,
price upon request.

SPLASH OF COLOUR CAPITAL L

Each brightly hued module
of the colourful Speedy
Mondrian bookcase
consists of two interlocking
square pieces which
allow you to expand the
storage system vertically
or horizontally to create
a feature wall for your
treasured novels.
Available at The Design Store
by Lifestorey, Singapore.
96
The Elston modular shelves
dont just look like Tetris
bricks, but they stack like
them, too. Explore different
arrangements; these matte
wooden shelves have a fixed
partition that helps you
organise storage for books,
knick-knacks and, even, wine.
Available in engine-red and white,
at CB2, Singapore.
SUPER SLEEK
Fully maximise your space
with the Kali aluminium
profile system, which you can
customise with a variety of
components, including shelves,
drawers and hanging racks.
Kalis clean-cut look is perfect
for an open storage concept,
but you can also fit in panels
and doors to create cabinets.
Available at The Ewins Home,
Singapore, price upon request.
EFFORTLESSLY EASY
Easy Builds triple-coated
chrome parts can be easily
assembled with a notch
and clip system instead of
cumbersome tools, making
future adjustments less of
a headache. Configure it
into a bookcase, pantry or
TV bench. Easy Build also
comes with triangle-shaped
shelves so you can make
full use of those awkward
corners at home.
Available at Howards Storage
World, Singapore, price upon
request.
97

BUILD UP
The possibilities are limitless
with Build by Movisi. Mount
the honeycomb-shaped units
side by side for a statement
shelf, piece them upwards to
divide a space or create
a feature wall to display your
items. Installation is said to be
easy, and the units can double
as transport boxes for easy
moving, or as stools.
Visit www.myslingshot.com.sg
for purchasing details.
98
HIGH STACKS
Based on the generic
dimensions of items people
store and display at home,
the five modular elements of
the minimalist-chic Stacked
Shelf system from Muuto can
be clipped together to form a
storage structure. You can use
it to store and display items, or
create a design that is striking
just on its own.
Available at The Design Store by
Lifestorey, price upon request.
ORIENT EXPRESS
Beauty is in the basics with
the Suzhou Storage Unit from
More Less. Adapting oriental
design to modern living,
the blocks are expertly
crafted from walnut wood,
with a hollowed middle
to store your keepsakes.
Small square modules can
be partnered with larger
rectangular shelves for an
intriguing customised design.
Available at Luxur Home.
 ZEN-SATION
Mujis Grid Oak Shelf series was designed
to tackle storage constraints in small
spaces. The wooden units are available
as two, three or five rows of shelves in a
range of dimensions. Complement them
with the Stackable Chest series, or with
Bouli and Rattan baskets (all pictured),
to organise smaller items.
Available at Muji, price upon request.

Conquer The Clutter

Storing your items is a start, but getting
organised is the key to cleaning up
a messy space. Here are some tips from
Haw San Au-Yong, a professional organiser
and storage planner, on how you can make
the most of your storage space.
DIVIDE A LARGE SPACE INTO SMALL ONES
Clutter at home is not only unsightly, but
it also leads to a disorganised living space.
Keep track of where everything is by further
compartmentalising storage containers, such
as drawers, for different items. Plus, the
separate units will make cleaning easier!

SLOT ITEMS INSTEAD OF STACKING THEM

Think of a closet with a stack of clothes and the
SO LEAN effort it takes to extract a shirt wedged in the
Display your ever-expanding literary middle, and then compare that to simply pulling
the shirt out from within a partition divider.
collection on the sleek Sloane Leaning Not only do you save space by slotting items,
Bookcase. Finished with a dark everything also becomes easier to retrieve.
java lacquer stain, the design is an
KEEP FLAT SURFACES NEAT
interpretation of vertical bookcases with Piles of items often accumulate on flat surfaces
dimensions (45.72cm by 35.56cm such as the dining table, the study table and
by 190cm) that are user-friendly whether the kitchen countertop. Keep these spaces
free from clutter by utilising compartments, such
used alone or in clusters for those with as trays and letter stands, as storage spaces.
limited space.
Available at Crate & Barrel.

DIRECTORY
Boconcept T112 Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +603-2011-0178
CB2 Peranakan Place Complex, tel: 6732-5333
Crate & Barrel #04-21/22, #03-25 Ion Orchard, tel: 6634-4222
The Design Store by Lifestorey #01-00A 16 Tai Seng Street, tel: 6749-2422
The Ewins Home #01-100 Midview City, 24 Sin Ming Lane, tel: 6659-0080
Howards Storage World #03-08 Tampines 1, tel: 6783-2878
Luxur Home #02-01, 134 Joo Seng Road, tel: 6732-7362
99

Muji 5.10.00 Pavilion KL, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +603-2141-0223

Shape The Form 45 C & D Boat Quay, Penthouse Studio, tel: 6767-1101
W. Atelier #01-02, 75 Bukit Timah Road, tel: 6270-8828
ask harvey norman YOUR LIFESTYLE CONUNDRUMS ANSWERED

A washing machine is
a necessity for every
household. Here are
some tips on how to
choose a washing
machine according to
your needs at home.

Q How do I know if the capacity of the washer

will fit my laundry needs?
Quick wash setting - for lightly soiled clothes.

A One of the most important considerations in choosing

a washing machine is its capacity; its usually measured
Pre-wash setting - for stained garments.

in kilograms. When it comes down to the exact size
that is right for you, its hard to give specifics because
it depends on how much laundry you do per week,
and every person and family is different.
Households with lighter loads could choose a
medium-sized machine of 6kg or 7kg while those
with a heavier load should settle for the 8kg to 12kg
capacities. Machines of 14kg to 20kg washing
capacities are suitable for washing comforters and
blankets.
Permanent press setting - to reduce wrinkling and
creases. When using this setting, remember to use
warm or hot water and set it to a slow spin to prevent
further creasing.
Heavy duty setting - for heavily stained clothes. This
has a high speed tumbling which helps scrub filth out
of clothes using warm or hot water.
Short, cold wash setting for delicates such as
sweaters and lingerie. The technology in machines

Q How do I select the right settings for different

types of fabric?
today can wash delicates gently and give you an
extra rinse to ensure there is no detergent residue

A Machines these days are fitted with temperature and

wash controls, which allow you to adjust the setting
according to the type of fabric youre washing. These
which could cause allergies.

Rinse and spin setting for bathing suits and beach

are the basic settings: towels. It does not require detergent.
 Some washing machines also come with special
settings and load sensing. These include selectable
spin speed, anti-crease function and load sensing.
Machine washable fabrics include acrylic knit,
cotton, linen, nylon and polyester while hand wash
or dry clean fabric are acetate, cashmere, wool knit
and wool.

Q What are the advantages of washers with

inverter or direct drive technology?

A With the inverter technology, a washing machine

functions at an optimum speed corresponding to
the load and thereby saves on electricity usage. The
direct drive technology saves electricity by reducing
energy loss in friction. It emits less noise, longer
lasting and operates without gears and belts. Most
of the high-end washing machines incorporate both
features.

Q Can you provide some useful tips and tricks

for my laundry routine?

A The most common misconception about saving

energy and water is to wash smaller loads. Compared
to washing a full load, it is not only detrimental to
the environment but it does not necessarily result in
cleaner clothes. Ultimately, you will save money by
cutting down the time, water and electricity with a full
load. Stick to the recommended amount of detergent
and fabric softener to get the best result from your
machine. On the safe side, laundry should be
separated according to colours to prevent staining of
white clothes. Owners of frontload washers should
be extra careful to check their daily laundry for
objects such as coins and tissues as trapped debris
could damage the machine.

Washer specialist, Sally Lee says, Washer capacity matters.

It is one of the important factors to consider when buying a
new washer!

With Inverter Direct Drive Technology.

DEAL
SAMSUNG 9KG Front Load Washer OF THE
Model: WW-90H7410EX MONTH!
RM
2,797
UP: RM2999 SAVE: RM202

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 H&DHOMES
text MAVIS ANG
photography DARREN CHANG
art direction KRISTY QUAH

an open
house
THE DESIGN OF THIS HOME WAS KEPT OPEN
AND WELCOMING, TO MATCH THE OPEN-
HEARTEDNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS.
102
thefacts WHO LIVES HERE A COUPLE WORKING IN THE CIVIL SERVICE
HOME A THREE-ROOM FLAT SIZE 711SQF

The master bedroom

is separated from the
common area by a
partition, which also
serves as a display shelf
and doodle wall.
 B
iyi Oh, an interior designer with Proj.B
Studio, approaches each home with the
mission of injecting personal branding
into the space. When she got to know the
homeowners of this resale apartment, the designer
knew that it was going to be one enjoyable
collaboration. They are a very free-spirited couple,
and they basically gave me a free hand in designing
their home, Biyi shares.
The renovation, which took a couple of months
to complete, which meant that the homes singular
washroom had to be left untouched.
Working on a few casual requests from the
couple, such as a space to doodle and an overall
industrial and cosy appearance, Biyi still managed
to transform this home into a nest that embodies a
down-to-earth, carefree and fun vibe very much
like the personality of its occupants.
A UNITED SPACE
As the space was fairly narrow, it was important
to keep the floor plan fluid. The flow of space
is extremely important, the designer reasons,
referring to the design rationale behind the porous
black box which encases the homes only bedroom.
Made up of open display shelves, as well as closed
storage compartments, its surface is clad in black
laminate so that the missus can unleash her creativity
by spontaneously drawing and scribbling on it. The
couple also use it to list their goals, put up recipes
and leave messages for each other... Its so sweet,
Biyi muses.

top The base of the

sofa was turned into
storage drawers to
eliminate the need
for an external shoe
cabinet. right A
dash of electric-blue
upholstery perks up the
moody industrial slant
of this homes interiors.
104
 DESPITE DARK WOODEN TONES AND
BLACK ACCENTS, THE LIGHT-FILLED
SPACE DOESNT LOOK OPPRESSIVE.
 As the couple love to
cook, the kitchen had
to be designed in a way
that would make the
experience comfortable
and enjoyable.
As the couple enjoy cooking and having their friends
over, the walls that once zoned the kitchen from the
main living area were brought down to create a
more sociable setting.
To compensate for the lack of walls, the couple
invested in a powerful exhaust hood to handle
smoke that may emanate from the heavy cooking
that frequently goes on in the kitchen.
DESIGN-CONSCIOUS
The homeowners took other steps to customise
106
certain elements within their abode. They sourced a
set of jars for their exposed light bulbs and worked
with a lighting supplier to have them fitted, giving
the otherwise typical industrial lighting a homely
touch. They also sought out Poh Weixiang, who
creates lighting and furniture pieces and holds
product-making workshops under Make Your Own,
to craft a customised dining bench and stool. The
stools legs were made of pipes for an industrial
touch.
I appreciate that the homeowners are
very green-conscious, states Biyi, who is LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental
whattheydid
FILL IT UP
A SHALLOW NICHE IN THE WALL
WAS FILLED UP WITH CEMENT
BRICKS. PLACING A MIRROR
ON IT CREATES A VIGNETTE
THAT ANCHORS THE
OPEN-PLAN DINING AREA.
107
 A handleless pivot door
opens into the master
bedroom, which features
a bamboo platform
that provides additional
storage. left Recipes
are scribbled on the
black laminate-clad walls
facing the open kitchen
for easy reference.

whatwelove Design)-certified. As both the designer and homeowners

saw eye to eye on the subject of sustainability, they chose
fast-growing sustainable bamboo rather than hard wood for
FLAT HOOKS
the bedrooms platform, green materials such as Kompaktplus
A SPECIAL MECHANISM ALLOWS
for the kitchen countertop, and ensured that the contractor
THESE BUILT-IN CLOTHING
HOOKS TO BE FLUSHED FLAT
used eco-friendly adhesives. Its really wonderful to work
AGAINST THE WALL FOR A NEAT with people who care about the environment, says Biyi with
FINISH, WHEN NOT IN USE. a beaming smile.
108
H&DHOMES
text KITTY CHEW
photos D5 STUDIO IMAGE

thefacts WHO LIVES HERE A COUPLE IN THEIR EARLY 30S HOME FIVE-ROOM
HDB APARTMENT IN SENGKANG SIZE 1,216SQF

From the colourful

Tokidoki artwork to
the polka-dot rug, the
couple werent afraid
to go bold with prints.
The DIY coffee table
further shows off their
individualistic streak.
personal
statement
STATEMENT-MAKING GRAPHIC ART AND
AN ENGLISH-STYLE KITCHEN KEEP THIS
APARTMENT FROM BEING JUST ANOTHER
INDUSTRIAL-LOOKING SPACE.
 A blackboard, as well
as a framed quote,
express the couples
fun personality and
turn the kitchen into
more than just
a utilitarian area.
P
utting an industrial spin on a young couples
five-room HDB flat seems straightforward
enough. Adding an English-style kitchen
the wife wanted and not having it look out of
place turned out to be a little trickier especially
because homeowners Mark and Persis had an
open concept in mind. Design styles werent
the only area where they differed. I like black
and white, while my wife likes colourful stuff,
Mark says.
It helped that while he favoured an industrial
theme, he wasnt seeking something too raw.
However, what really pulls the contrasting themes
and palettes together to make a bold decor
statement is the couples strong individualistic
streak. This clearly manifests itself in the
112
too-cool-for-school interiors, where laid-back
pieces in eye-popping hues are juxtaposed with
a monochromatic backdrop. That the couple arent
quite your average, conservative homeowners
is evident from the funky kaleidoscopic prints
by Tokidoki artist Simone Legno, whom Persis
admires, and a clutch of DIY and customised
pieces. The homeowners also had a strong desire
to stray from the tried and tested during the
$50,000 renovation by designers Sharon Ong and
Jason Lee from D5 Studio Image.
INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH
The designers began by hacking the kitchen walls
to make the flat look bigger. A careful selection of
finishes sets out the industrial theme in the common
above Thick borders that
resemble moulding on
the cabinetry give the
kitchen an English-style
look, but track lighting
and bulbs with exposed
wiring lend a raw edge.
left Furnishings such as
hanging lights and taps
were purchased online.

113
 areas, including a grey wall painted in Nippon
Momento paint to mimic concrete screed.
The couple eschewed the actual material as
they were worried about crack lines. While a
whitewashed brick wall adds to the industrial
edge, the couple avoided adding a feature wall.
We tried to stay away from the norm. For HDB
flats, where youd put the television set, the
sofa and such is pretty much settled. We didnt
want a feature wall because itd be a permanent
fixture, says Mark.
Industrial touches such as exposed
electrical cables and tracks, and the extension
of the monochromatic palette into the
kitchen, help the open-concept English-
style space blend into the interiors. The

A glass door divides

the master bedroom
from the walk-in closet,
with clear display
compartments inspired
114

by beauty counters.
 traditional English look was interpreted by adding
thick, flat borders (resembling moulding) to the
cabinetry fronts.

A STROKE OF LUCK
For the furnishings, it was a series of small
serendipities that gave the apartment much of its
funky character. I saw a pallet at my workplace
and decided to turn it into a coffee table for the
living room. You have no idea how hard it was to
sand and paint it! jokes Mark.
The Tokidoki prints were bought at a comic
fair, while a customised chair from a local shop is
covered with Tokidoki characters, as well as the
couples wedding date and birth dates. These
were random ideas that were not planned,
says Mark. A blackboard by the kitchen is where
the creative homeowners jot down recipes
and surprise each other with loving messages
and doodles.
Other customised pieces provide the personal
touch in the master bedroom. The designers
removed the door of the adjoining bedroom
and created a walk-in wardrobe, with full-height
storage compartments to store and display Persis
bags and extensive collection of nail polishes in a
style seen in professional nail salons.
To give the en suite bathroom a softer feel,
black wall tiles (that have a soft quilted look)
are paired with the usual white homogenous
tiles, while glass shelving above the toilet
provides display space for accessories without
looking bulky.

whatwelove
COLOUR POP
THE COUPLES PERSONALITY IS
STAMPED ALL OVER THE HOME,
WITH BIG ARTISTIC STATEMENTS
SUCH AS A TALL TOKIDOKI CANVAS
IN THE DINING AREA. FOR A MORE
CASUAL FORM OF DISPLAY, IT
SIMPLY LEANS AGAINST THE WALL.

The monochromatic
palette extends to the
master bathroom, but
black homogenous
tiles with a quilted look
115

soften the vibe.

 owning
H&DHOMES
text MAVIS ANG
photography DARREN CHANG
art direction KRISTY QUAH

the place
LOCATED IN HIS DREAM LOCATION, THE
FLATS FLAWS, SUCH AS EXPOSED WIRING,
DIDNT BOTHER THIS HOMEOWNER AT ALL!
thefacts WHO LIVES HERE DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER AND THEATRE DIRECTOR GEORGE CHAN
HOME A THREE-ROOM FLAT SIZE 645SQF

Natural light is now

aplenty within the
common area after
the removal of the wall
dividing the kitchen
and the living room.

T
his old unit was the first listing that theatre
practitioner George Chan viewed when
he embarked on a hunt for a place to call
his own, and he felt that he didnt need to look
any further. Id been eyeing Waterloo Street for
the longest time. A lot of theatre companies are
around the area, and there are museums, temples,
and shopping streets nearby. I just love it,
declares George, who was over the moon when
he secured the resale flat.
One setback to the two-bedroom apartment,
however, was that it lacked storage space.
My previous place was almost double its
size, and Ive accumulated a lot of stuff, he
reveals. So, in order to transform it into a more
space-efficient home, George sought out
interior design firms. Many firms proposed
118
left A simple dining
area, put together with
furniture from Georges
previous home, is set up
beside the customised
kitchen island.
very pretty, but impractical plans, but Box.ids
plans made sense to me, he says. George was
attracted to the way design director Jeremy
Lee rethinks the layout of different spaces and,
thanks to his help with the three-month -long
renovation, the former rundown apartment is
now a cosy bachelor pad with plenty of storage
compartments.
SETTING THE SCENE
The first step in theoverhaul was to take down all
of the walls within. The two bedrooms have now
been combined into a sizeable master bedroom
with an en suite bathroom (which was previously
accessible only from the kitchen), and the formerly
closed kitchen is now an open-concept, cooking-
cum-dining area. This reconfiguration allowed
 THIS COMFORTABLE, LIGHT-FILLED STUDY
AREA WAS CARVED OUT FROM ONE OF
THE FORMER BEDROOMS IN THE FLAT.

119
 Jeremy to build floor-to-ceiling wardrobes within
the bedroom, and fit in a copious amount of
cabinets in the common areas, while keeping
the space streamlined. He definitely fulfilled my
storage requirements, because I still have unused
storage spaces even after moving everything in,
George points out.
Jeremy also had to rack his brains on how to
incorporate the homeowners art and furniture
collection. He ended up keeping the overall
palette monochromatic, in order to house
distinctive pieces such as a macaw green sofa,
Tom Dixon Jack lights and a gold spiral sculpture.
I also customised a kitchen island with black tiles
to match the granite-top dining table, which was
Push-open storage used as a study table in the previous home, the
compartments are
cleverly concealed designer explains.
within the striped
television feature wall.

whattheydid
MORE THAN
MEETS THE EYE
THE KITCHENS CABINETS ARE, IN
FACT, MUCH DEEPER THAN THEY
LOOK AS THEY EAT INTO THE
BEDROOM SPACE BEHIND.
120
 THE PERSONAL TOUCH
It didnt worry George too much that the existing
furniture might not match the new place.I like my
place to feel cosy. I dont need it to be minimalist,
or industrial, he says. Most of the furniture and
accessories within the new home have been
amassed over the years from countries such as
Vietnam, China, Australia and the Netherlands,
and George says that he prefers not to rush into
buying new things for the current place. I like the
imperfections, he says with a smile.
And thats why he wasnt overly concerned
about concealing the exposed pipes and electrical
cables, features in older flatsthat are often seen as
unsightly.He even kept the apartments original
window grilles for an element of nostalgia, and
adds that the characteristics of old homes have
always appealed to him. His favourite feature
of the apartment, however, is the emerald-tiled
bathroom wall. I found these tiles along Zion
Road from a man who has a very nice collection
of vintage-like tiles, he recalls. When the light
Jeremy redesigned the
toilet and turned it into hits the wall at night, it is almost luminous, and itll
an elegant en suite also reflect watermark-like lighting onto the floor.
bathroom. top right
The bed sits on a Its just fabulous.
platform thats a little
higher, as its base was
customised to store
bulky luggage.
121
 H&DHOMES
text MAVIS ANG
photography VEE CHIN
art direction ANGELA LIM

makingahome
THIS EXPAT FAMILY CREATED A COSY NEST WITH STORIED ITEMS THAT
REMIND THEM OF THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE NETHERLANDS.
122
 WHO LIVES HERE A DUTCH FAMILY OF FOUR
thefacts HOME A THREE-BEDROOM CONDOMINIUM UNIT
SIZE 2,400SQF

A
nouk van der El has always been a little with bougainvillea and lush, draping vines.
above The dining area
sentimental: Thats why I like things A casual six-seater dining setting anchors the is furnished with a
with a story, she reveals. Along with al fresco patio, where the family often hosts dinner solid wood table and
a simple bookshelf
her husband and two sons, she uprooted from parties featuring dishes prepared by her husband, that holds the familys
Amsterdam to set up a home in sunny Singapore who loves to cook. library of cookbooks.
above, left Weekend
last October, and was delighted to settle down in brunches and dinner
an estate that was built in 1990. PAST, PRESENT, PERFECT parties are often held
at this shady porch.
We preferred a place with some soul, Anouk filled her home mostly with pieces that
she recalls, and thought that the ground- she had flown over from her previous home in
floor apartment a stones throw away from a the Netherlands, including a well-worn solid
swimming pool would be great for her children. wood dining table which she had customised by
Her current home came with a sprawling a Dutch carpenter. With kids around, you really
backyard shaded by a roof that is partially entwined need to be practical. I love this table as it doesnt
123
 leave marks or gets stained easily, she points
out. She also holds on to items that remind
her of her family overseas, including a
painting by her mother, and her grandfathers
vintage typewriter.
But dressing up a rented place proved to be
quite a challenge as Anouk had to make do with
the homes existing shell, so she threw in a handful
of additions acquired from both mass-market and
independent retailers around the island. As she
wasnt a big fan of the tiled flooring, she decided
to hunt for large rugs to conceal parts of it.
Its hard to find a nice large rug here, she
says, so what I did was to stitch together smaller
The living area is
a laid-back mix of
pastel tones, uplifted
by a sunny yellow
Brita Sweden rug
from Bloesem.
124
rugs for the dining area. For the living room,
she zoned it with a cheery yellow rug which she
bought from Bloesem along Eng Hoon Street,
which is founded by a close friend.
THE LITTLE THINGS
I love to brighten up my home, says Anouk, and
that is evident in the pops of colours brought into
the apartment through vibrant art prints, pastel
fabrics by Dutch textile designer Mae Engelgeer,
graphic cushion covers by Depeapa from Etsy and
other home accessories with neon accents.
The playful elements in the home can be
attributed to the fact that the entire living room
 whatwelove
PRESERVING HISTORY
A COUPLE OF CHAIRS FOR THE KIDS
ARE UPHOLSTERED IN THE OLD
CANVAS LETTER BAGS THAT DUTCH
POSTMEN USED TO CARRY.

Anouk proves that you

can have kid-friendly
furniture pieces that
wont look childish.
above Her home
office is a tasteful
combination of industrial
and Scandinavian
aesthetics.

as well as its adjoining porch serves as a

playground for Anouks three- and five-year-
old sons, who are blessed with a collection of
toys that double up as stylish home accessories.
The vintage-inspired play car and tricycle add
a nostalgic flair to this property, and even the
miniature furniture pieces for the boys have
history. One of my favourites is a custom-made,
canvas upholstered chair. My grandfather used
to work at the post office, so we got some old
canvas bags that they used to carry letters in, and
used them to cover these mini wooden chairs,
she shares.
125
 above Anouks
favourite element of the
childrens room is the
powder-blue elevated
bed designed by Dutch
designer Piet Hein Eek.
left A painting by her
mother is casually
displayed in the
master bedroom.

She is passionate about preserving her familys

stories, and that propelled her to gather a few
creative friends to produce Time Capsule, a stylish
alternative to a shoebox in which you can store
all the letters, drawings and photographs that
immortalise a period in someones life; and Little
Quote Jar, a nifty item to have around the home to
jot down and store all the unexpected things the
little ones often blurt out. Both items are available
at Bloesem and www.make-history.com.
In one way or another, Anouk finds little ways
to surround herself with bits and pieces of her
family, enabling her to feel at home anywhere
in the world.
126
rubine CONTEST

CLICK & WIN!

10 Units of
Rubine SSE
Water Heater
to be won!
RCP:RM799

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Contest runs from 1 August 2014 to 30 September 2014. Entry thereafter will not
How To Enter: be entertained.

1. Go to Home & Decors Internal staff and supplier are not entitled to participate.

Facebook page starting from Any entry with incomplete personal data or questionnaire will be disqualified.
All winners agree to participate in any publicity or promotion including through
1st August 2014. mainstream or alternative media channels and to the use by the Organiser and/or
2. Choose your favourite design the Sponsor of the winners name and/or photo for purpose of the promotion and
publicity of the Contest.
from six pictures displayed on The decision of the lucky draw will be randomly generated by computer and
the Facebook page. winners shortlisted are final. The Organiser and Sponsor shall not entertain any
correspondence regarding the judging process.
3. Answer six questions The Sponsor reserves the right to change or add to the prizes or substitute any
correctly. prize with a comparable alternative in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

4. E-mail the answers to The lucky winners will be notified via phone call by 15th October 2014 and prizes
127

shall be collected at Fiamma Trading Sdn Bhd office. The winning entries shall be
homeanddecor@bluinc.com.my announced and published via the Organisers media platform.
 H&DHOMES
text AMANDA JAYNE LEE
photography ALAN LEE / K STUDIO
art direction KRISTY QUAH

mixed
feelings
THIS HOME OFFERS CUES ON HOW TO PUT
TOGETHER A MASH-UP OF STYLES WITHOUT
IT DESCENDING INTO DESIGN CHAOS.
128
thefacts WHO LIVES HERE A CONSULTANT, HIS WIFE AND THEIR THREE-YEAR-OLD SON
HOME A FOUR-BEDROOM CONDOMINIUM UNIT SIZE 1,830SQF

The original false

ceiling was removed
to increase the height
of the common areas,
leaving a drop around
the ceiling border to
hide utilities such as the
air-conditioning unit.
 A
fter living in a typical cookie-cutter
home for five years, Andrew and his wife
decided that their new home was going
to be completely different. No more household
shelters, low ceilings or balconies, laughs the
35-year-old consultant.
The pair were determined to pick a home
close to a good school for their son and were lucky
to have found the four-bedroom condominium
unit. When we first walked into the space,
we could already see how we were going to
renovate it. The fact that it was fairly rectilinear
also meant that we did not have to deal with any
awkward corners, says Andrew. He had pictured
a loft-style interior for his home, a space in which
they could mix different decor themes with
plenty of storage space.
Having seen the work of Museum interior
designer Alex Kwan in a friends home, Andrew
130
took a look at the designers portfolio online. In
his work, we saw incarnations of what we wanted.
It made sense for us to go with him, explains
Andrew. After meeting, he handed Alex a floor
plan in which all the internal walls except the load-
bearing ones, were removed. I told Alex to have
fun and tell us what he could do, says Andrew.
As you can see, he had some great ideas.
WIDE OPEN SPACES
Alex left the living, dining and kitchen areas
as one open-concept space, giving visitors
opposite Vintage-
the impression of a loft-like interior. This was style lamps above the
accentuated by removing most of the false kitchen island add
colour to the scene.
ceiling in the living area leaving a border below The kitchen is
to conceal the air-conditioning unit, projection a conglomeration of
styles with its marble
screen and electrical wiring and painting island, barn-style
part of the border black, which adds depth to door and shabby-chic
reclaimed cabinet.
the ceiling.
131
 Alex extended the
master bedroom into
the corridor, providing
the owners with space
132

for a larger wardrobe.

 A large cabinet was built in front of the private
lift lobby, giving the family plenty of storage
space for shoes, and hiding the guest bedroom
and common bathroom from the entrance
of the home. To keep the lift foyer separate,
a translucent panel of wire-mesh glass helps to
partition off the area. The panel was something
Andrew had seen in a cafe I didnt want a clear
glass panel, but I wanted something unique that
could allow light in. The sliding panel can be
tucked away to help open up the space, and it
is also used in the door to his sons bedroom,
as it allows the couple to keep a watchful eye on
their son, yet not block the passage of light into
the living room.
The master bedroom was also made larger
by extending its entrance into the hallway of
the home. Doing this enclosed the common
bathroom in the footprint of the master bedroom,
and provided extra space for the wardrobe.
Alex then turned the former en suite bathroom
into a private study area for Andrew to make
conference calls.

The study area behind

the glass doors used
to be an en suite
bathroom. above
Andrews eclectic taste
is exemplified in his
bathroom, which has
a marble countertop,
graphic tiled floor and
a brick wall.

133

Andrew had Alex create
a storage unit at the
corner of this concrete
screed feature wall.
MIX OF STYLES
Having an open-plan space with a simple black
and wood palette gave Andrew the freedom
to play around with colours and different looks
throughout the home. There was no style
direction, explains Alex. It was just a mix of
their favourite things.
The dry kitchen is zoned off from the living
and dining room by a retro-style black and white
chequered floor. At its centre sits a marble kitchen
island with a weathered wood countertop,
accented by industrial-style stools and vintage-
look hanging lamps.
On the left of the kitchen island is a
green, reclaimed wood cabinet from a shop
at Gillman Barracks that stores cookbooks
and other tomes. On the right, a bright-red
ashwood sliding barn-like door conceals the wet
134
whatwelove
RED HOT
A FIRE ENGINE-RED DOOR THAT
HIDES THE POWDER ROOM ADDS A
BOLD SPLASH OF COLOUR TO THE
OPEN-CONCEPT HOME.
kitchen, which sports Peranakan-style flooring.
A pair of doors in the same shade of red lead the
way into the powder room.
The industrial look is paired with vintage style
in the living room; a wall in the dining area that
is covered in concrete screed contrasts against a
storage cabinet that hides the telephone, DVDs
and other audiovisual equipment. Mounted on
the same wall is an industrial-style lamp from
Museum, which can be swung out of the way.
A vintage teak sofa bench they had upholstered
with black faux leather anchors the space next to
the dining area.
The renovation took four months, but Andrew
couldnt be happier. He had the freedom to mix and
match different decor styles, without it descending
into a design disaster.
snaidero SPECIAL

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Kitchens are more than just an
area of the home where you cook;
it is where you entertain or simply
unwind with a cup of coffee with
WITH ITS REFINED
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CONCEPT AND ATTENTION become the new living space. The
TO DETAILS, THE Snaidero Orange Evolution kitchen
may just be what you need.
SNAIDERO ORANGE While utility remains as its core,
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revolutionises the conventional
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FUNCTION AND STYLE. attention to aesthetics. Its simple,
linear outline ensures longevity
in terms of style while bright
surfaces enhance its contemporary
appearance. Supported by plinths,
a suspended look is achieved,
thus giving the kitchen a light and
airy silhouette.
The Orange Evolution kitchen is
created with laminates of high
quality to ensure an optimal
aesthetic and functional finish.
The doors are made of soft
melamine and are highly resistant
to heat, moisture and heavy
load. The handles and bookcase
are constructed from painted
aluminium.
The man behind the Orange
Evolution kitchen is Italian
designer Michele Marcon. He
worked for Luno Codato for
twenty years, honing his skills
in interior and industrial design.
In 2008, he turned freelance
and continues his pursuit for
innovative and harmonic design.

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135
 H&DHOMES
text LOUISA CLARE LIM
photography WONG WEI LIANG
art direction KRISTY QUAH

The balcony was

converted into an
extension of the
interior space, and it
now accommodates
a cosy dining area.
a fine dining
concept
THIS BISTRO-INSPIRED HOME
WAS REWORKED TO BRING THE
OUTDOORS IN AND THE INDOORS OUT.

thefacts WHO LIVES HERE A FAMILY OF FOUR HOME THREE-

BEDROOM CONDO UNIT SIZE 1,600SQF
137
 whattheydid
SCRIBBLE WALL
NO BISTRO IS COMPLETE
WITHOUT A CHALKBOARD, SO THE
HOMEOWNERS INCORPORATED
A LARGE ONE ONTO THE
KITCHEN CABINETRY.

H
omeowners Terrence Tang and Amanda
Kwan were so smitten with a dining
experience they had at PS Cafe at
Dempsey Hill, Singapore that they wanted
to bring it home. For their three-bedroom
condominium unit, they wanted a contemporary,
yet relaxed setting that would capture the feel of
an open-air terrace amid the trees.
It sounded like a tall order one which they
tasked Alan Choo of Project File to achieve. To
translate the trendy, modern bistro feel into their
home, the designer added a hint of industrial
chic with the use of materials such as steel and
above, right The
homeowners wanted aluminium for the frames of the built-in shelving.
an open-concept However, he balanced the look with wood-like
space in which the
family can enjoy their tiles in deep brown hues, comfortable and inviting
hobbies, such as cream-coloured furniture, classy black quartz for
playing the piano.
the kitchen island and warm teak wood accents.
138
To introduce nature to the home, a live
green wall from Greenology was installed, so the
couple can enjoy lush greenery even in an urban
development.
The apartment initially came with a generous
al fresco space, which the homeowners agreed
to integrate as part of a bigger open-concept
interior. Alan removed the doors separating
the living area and balcony and added sliding
louvred panels just in front of the planter boxes,
for privacy. Amanda tells us more about her
home and the ideas behind its unique design.
How did you decide on a bistro-style design?
We had the idea years back, when all the trendy
restaurants were opening. I remember one
particular Christmas lunch we had at PS Cafe at
Dempsey Hill, where it felt really comfortable.
The addition of
a statement-making
green wall brings
an element of nature
into the interiors.

139
 At the time, we were living with my in-laws in a
condominium unit in Tampines a Balinese-style
home furnished with lots of wooden and rattan
items. Although we loved the resort theme, we
wanted something different for our own home.
Some food-and-beverage places give you
a cosy feel that makes you want to sit there
the whole day. So, having this same feel in our
home will make us want to spend more time at
home together.

What are some elements that you had to have

to complete the look?
A home cant exactly be a bistro, but we
incorporated some design ideas. PS Cafe had
white bricks, but we opted for white subway tiles
so its less raw-looking. The long teak table that
Alan customised allows for communal dining as
seen in bistros, and is also extendable. The open,
natural feel at PS Cafe was recreated with the
lush green wall.
Alan extended the island counter that came
with the apartment and created a ledge in front
of the green wall. This is great for guests, as they
can place their drinks here and chat. Another
good idea was a chalkboard that we can draw
and write on.

Did you have any hesitations about sacrificing

the balcony to extend the interior space?
No, as we wanted to make full use of the
balcony. We were debating whether or not to
remove the sliding doors between the living area
and outside space, as we wanted to use it as a
dining area.
Finally, we added sliding louvred panels
all around, but left a space between them
and the edge of the balcony to install planters
for some privacy and more greenery. If we whatwelove
hadnt extended outwards, the place would
have been too small. This way, we can have CRATE IDEA
REPURPOSING WINE CRATES
both an air-conditioned interior space and an
AS SHELVES FOR THE FAMILYS
open space, by simply sliding the panels.
ART CORNER IS A CLEVER AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY IDEA.
140
An elegant scheme
of neutral colours and
wood tones is adopted
throughout the home.

141
 right The bay window
space in the master
bedroom is utilised by
installing concealed
storage shelving
that doubles as the
headboard.

Do you entertain often now?
Last December, we held eight parties here! We do
entertain often, especially at the end of the year
and during festive seasons. It gets hectic, but we
love having both friends and family over. We will
plan the menu together and I will cook.
How does the family enjoy the new home?
I work from home, and I like to work in the dining
area, as its quite breezy. The large table can
accommodate all my things.
In the living room, we dont have a coffee
table or a side table, and that space is a
great place for us to gather. On the weekends,
142
my son (aged four and a half) likes to build
his toy tracks there. Im going back to baking,
and the kitchen island is good for kneading
dough. Terrence likes to relax and drink coffee in
the dining area.
As the dry kitchen, living and dining
areas are interconnected, we can still interact
while doing different things. We spend more
time out here as a family, rather than in our
rooms. Id rather spend time doing meaningful
things as a family than just watching TV
thats why even the TV set can be hidden
behind a sliding panel.
 living
A RT | CU LT U R E | F O OD | L I F ES T Y L E

simple ideas,
BIG DREAMS
LAW SOO PHYE

WE SPEAK TO LIFESTYLE MOVERS AND

SHAKERS TO BRING YOU THE BEST IDEAS.
photography
 PAPER THE BOK FAIR,
ORGANISED BY BOK TJUV
AND HELD AT KAKI SENI
AT SS2 MALL, SEES THE
CONGREGATION OF THE
FINEST INDEPENDENT
PAPER GOODS MAKERS
IN MALAYSIA.
text WENSHAN PANG & NG YI XIANG
photography NG YI XIANG

BOK TJUV PIKALAND SNACKFOOD OH & AH

ALPHABET
DESIDERATA MOSSERY
PRESS
144
BOK TJUV
Bok Tjuv is Swedish for book thief and was founded in 2011 by Yu Kiat, Kean Yek and
2
Chee Wei, three friends who share a love for magazines and handmade goods. Bok
Tjuv stocks a vast variety of independent magazines from all around the world with an
emphasis on art, design, architecture, travel and food. It also carries a collection of
tote bags designed and handmade by Chee Wei in addition to oddities sourced from Yu
Kiats hometown such as glass beakers, stationery and rubber stamps. We speak with
Yu Kiat to find out what makes the Bok Fair an affair to remember.

www.facebook.com/boktjuv

1. The founders of
1 Bok Tjuv.
2. Stationery and
oddities at the booth.
3. Beakers and bottles
Yu Kiat found from
Kuching.
4. Tote bags designed
by Chee Wei.

WHAT WAS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE
BOK FAIR?
The Bok Fair is a casual gathering
between local artisans, independent
publishers and visitors who share
common interests. It is held in
conjunction with Bok Tjuvs third
anniversary. We also want to share
our love for zines and to promote
self-publishing. Besides, it is a good
opportunity to get to know Malaysian
creatives and to meet friends who
couldnt visit us at our respective
spaces. We hope the participants will
benefit from the ideas and inspirations
shown at the Fair.
WHY SHOULD WE SUPPORT
INDEPENDENT MAKERS AND
PUBLISHERS?
By supporting independent makers and
publishers, we help preserve the local
arts and crafts. We will also be able to
understand and to appreciate our own
identity. Emerging designers should
collaborate with experienced craftsmen
in order to bring Malaysian products to
the next level.
WHO IS THE BOK TJUV CUSTOMER?
4
The Bok Tjuv customer is a biblioholic
who appreciates fine craftsmanship.
WHICH MAGAZINE SOLD THE MOST
COPIES AT THE FAIR?
Desiderata.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM BOK
TJUV IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
We will organise more workshops and
collaborate with friends to set up pop-up
stores. We will keep on exploring and
designing objects of our affection, such
as publishing our own zines.
145
 PIKALAND
Amy Ng is the woman behind Pikaland. She worked as an editor of a design magazine
2
before becoming a guest lecturer at The One Academy. On her blog, she writes articles
on creativity and entrepreneurship and sheds light on the area where both aspects
intersect. She also runs an annual online workshop called Work Art Play that helps
aspiring artists find opportunities to bring their work to the publics attention. At her
booth, Amy presents a collection of illustration booklets and the Good to Know zines,
where she compiles quotes from artists and designers on various topics such as
creativity, time management and plagiarism.

www.pikaland.com

1. Zines from a design school.

1 2. Amy Ng, founder of Pikaland.
3. The Good to Know collection.
4. Illustration booklets from international artists.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF WHO IS THE PIKALAND CUSTOMER?

SELF-PUBLISHING?
Self-publishing is a great way for
writers, illustrators and artists to test
the water;it is better than sitting around
waiting for a traditional publishing
contract. Taking charge of your work
and releasing it to the world can be a
scary undertaking but it can also drive
conversation which is important in
order to move forward in your craft (and
ultimately, your business).
WHY SHOULD WE SUPPORT INDIE
PUBLISHERS?
Support them because you love their
work and because it adds value to your
life. I dont believe in supporting indie
publishers just because they are indie;
it might be helpful in the short term, but
not in the long run. Furthermore, what
they are doing is also a form of business
and the only way to move forward is
to strike a balance between delighting
customers and providing something
valuable.
146
Pikaland customers are curious artists
and illustrators who are interested to
know more about navigating the modern
landscape of creative entrepreneurship.
What I do is communicate what Ive
learnt and help them connect the dots
so that they can see clearer, both as an
artist and an entrepreneur.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE
OF MALAYSIAS ILLUSTRATION
4
INDUSTRY?
There are some great illustration works
in Malaysia I just wish I could see
more of it! But then again, I tell my
students (who come from all over the
world) that it doesnt matter where
you are; geographical borders are
almost non-existent, especially when it
comes to great art that communicates.
Today, the job scope of illustrators has
extended beyond traditional print and
advertising and its important for them
to continually put themselves out there.
SNACKFOOD
Adeline Chong is the Chief Inspiration Officer of Snackfood. Calling herself a collector
2
of happy things, she travels across the country in search of the most unique vintage
pieces, which include enamel mugs, film posters, suitcases and furniture. Today,
Snackfood is more than just an antique store; it offers a wide range of modern home
and lifestyle products like notebooks, terrariums, scented candles and magazines. At
the Bok Fair, Snackfood offers its latest creations: the Recital postcards, the Homage
to Haruki Murakami cards and the Note to Self stickers. She believes that a good
design must arise from a good story and have sustenance.

www.ilovesnackfood.com

1 3
1. The Recital post cards,
2. Kristy Chong designed the Note to Self collection.
3. Stickers featuring images the lungs, the brain and
the heart.
4. Colourful ballerina eggs.

WHY DID SNACKFOOD PARTICIPATE dangerous was Norwegian Wood. After

IN THE BOK FAIR?
Simply because we admire Bok Tjuvs
vision. And also its a great pleasure to
be surrounded by the best designers in
Malaysia.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT
SNACKFOODS NEW PRODUCTS?
The Recital is about a troupe of ballerina
eggs. The idea stems from our childhood
admiration of beautiful ballerinas and
their grace and poise. Unfortunately, in
reality, not every girl (or boy) is cut for it.
So the elegant dancing eggs in the Recital
are our reimagination of their world: the
eggs are presented in different ballet
poses and, despite their rounded bodies,
they are elegant and graceful.
Homage to Haruki Murakami is a
personal project that has been boiling in
my mind for a few years. A lot of people
have heard about his work but not read
it, so I decided to share my favourite
quotes from all the Murakami books
Ive read. My first book and the most
that, I was obsessed by the protagonist,
Toru Watanabe for a strange few years.
Murakamis work is romantic but dark,
funny but not loud.
Lastly, the Note to Self collection,
designed by our producer Kristy Chong,
consists of note cards and stickers. The
three vital organs the brain, the heart
Photo: Snackfood
and the lungs symbolise the fact that
our basic needs to get by are simple
but too often neglected. The cards aim
4
to remind ourselves, of ourselves. Of
course, they also send subtle messages
when theyre given to someone else.
ARE FAIRS SUCH AS THE BOK
FAIR EFFECTIVE IN BRINGING
SNACKFOODS PRODUCTS TO A
WIDER AUDIENCE?
Fairs dont necessarily expose our name
to a wider audience but they definitely
bring us closer to the ground and to our
customers. A lot of our customers are
delighted when they get to meet us and
that is how friendships blossom.
147

Photo: Snackfood
 OH & AH
Five friends who love delightful, eccentric everyday objects come together to form Oh
2
& Ah. All items from Oh & Ah, ranging from stationery, lighting, T-shirt to fashion and
home accessories, are handmade by the quintet. The team believes that a good design
has to be beautiful, timeless, original, practical and of good quality. Su and Sweii from
Oh & Ah are manning the booth at the Bok Fair and they reveal why participating
in fairs is important. They sell note holders, table lamps and cards inspired by the
Chinese zodiac.

www.oh-and-ah.com

1. Su and Sweii, two

1 of the founders of
Oh & Ah.
2. Table lamps.
3. Colourful book
marks.
4. Name card holders.

WHY DID OH & AH PARTICIPATE IN THE
BOK FAIR?
Weve been friends with Bok Tjuv for
several years and have been supporting
each other all this time. When we are at
events, we always introduce each other
to our customers. Bok Tjuv has been
promoting the book culture in Malaysia
quite actively and we appreciate Yu Kiats
effort. So when he asked us to participate
in this Fair, we wanted to support him.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE FAIRS SUCH AS
THE BOK FAIR IN HELPING OH & AH
REACH A WIDER AUDIENCE?
The crowd at the Bok Fair is definitely
different compared to the one at art
bazaars we often participate in because
the people who show up are book lovers.
At art bazaars, however, visitors come
from a varied background. We have
become friends with the participants,
exchanging ideas and exploring the
possibilities of collaborations. Not only is
148
this event a valuable gathering for art and
design aficionados, it has brought Oh &
Ah to a different type of audience.
WHO IS THE OH & AH CUSTOMER?
Our name Oh & Ah is probably a good
indication of the fact that we love putting
surprises into what we make and how
we live. Our creations reflect our sense
of humour and our craftsmanship; so 4
anyone who appreciates our vision is
our customer. The Oh & Ah customer is
one who dares to try new things and be
different and we value the people who
cherish our ideas.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM OH & AH
IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
We aim to make our products more
accessible by looking at more points
of sale. Next, we have to overcome the
challenge of clearing existing stock while
devising new designs. We hope to see a
positive feedback from the market.
ALPHABET PRESS
Four friends went from studying Multimedia Design at MMU to managing a web design
2
company and at the same time, reviving the dying art that is letterpress. It was when
they could not find a printer to do letterpress name cards that propelled them into
learning more about the trade. Founders Zeejay Wong, Helios Loo, Cliff Leong and
Fidella Chng are now making business and wedding cards, some of which are custom-
made upon customers request while others are limited editions sold on their website.
They think themselves as a family of thinkers, designers, artisans and makers .

www.the-alphabet-press.myshopify.com

1.Founders of Alphabet
1 Press, Helios, Cliif,
Zeejay and Fidella at
their booth.
2. Some of the
materials used in
letterpress.
3. A limited edition
thank you card for
their customers.
4. Valentines Day card 3
available from their
online website.

WHY DID ALPHABET PRESS various scenarios that have happened in

PARTICIPATE IN THE BOK FAIR?
Yu Kiat, the founder of Bok Tjuv is our
friend. He came out with the idea to have
a creative gathering and invited us to join
the event. This is our very first public
appearance since starting in November
2013. We thought that it was about time to
gain more exposure towards letterpress
printing.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ALPHABET
PRESSS NEW PRODUCTS?
We came out with new social and Raya
cards. The social cards enable you to
make social connections. They range from
birthday, wedding, birth announcement
and graduation cards. While the Raya
cards are infused with a little fun element.
A recipe card for Raya. Although
it does not consist of a real recipe of
the traditional kuih, it does send out a
positive message. We also have signature
letterpress postcards which depict
our country. They are all designed by one
of our co-founders and designer, Fidella.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE FAIRS SUCH AS
THE BOK FAIR IN HELPING ALPHABET
PRESS REACH A WIDER AUDIENCE?
Photo: Soo Phye
Surprisingly, during the fair we ended
up meeting retailers who are sourcing
products for their stores. So we talked 4
about how we can work together and
possibly sell our products through their
channels. So in a way, this is how we can
reach a wider audience.
Design is the foundation and soul of
what we are doing. Without it, there will
be no us. However, people tend to get
confused between art and design. Design
is all about function and things that work. It
solves problems while art is the aesthetic
side of things that relates to both emotion
and mind. Our job in Alphabet Press is to
bring these two elements together and
make something out of it.
149

Photo: Soo Phye

 DESIDERATA
Desiderata was founded by Azu, Fad Manaf, Farah Nur and Azizi who share the
2
same passion for food, travel and design. The first volume was launched in
September 2013 with up to 80 per cent of its contents contributed by Malaysian
writers. The quarterly magazine is known for its clean and minimalistic design.
At the recent Bok Fair, together with their publishing company Paperleaf.co,
Desiderata also offers a range of tote bags from The Tot.

www.desideratamag.com

1. Creative Director,
1 Fad Manaf, Founder,
Azu and Farah Nur.
2. Azu and Farah
with tote bags
from The Tot.
3. & 4. Desiderata at
Bok Tjuvs booth.

Photo: Desiderata

WHY DID DESIDERATA PARTICIPATE HOW EFFECTIVE ARE FAIRS SUCH AS

IN BOK FAIR?
Well, we try to take part in community
projects. In Bok Fair, we get to see
the local design community grow
and support each others projects. It
motivates and inspires us especially
when we get to meet people who love
doing the same things as we do.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE
TWO NEW MAGAZINES WHICH
ARE ABOUT TO BE PUBLISHED
BY PAPERLEAF.CO?
Ooara is a travel journal while Odd One
Out focuses on talented or interesting
individuals with a story to tell. Both
magazines will be published sometime
in November.
WHO ARE DESIDERATA CUSTOMERS
AND READERS?
Our readers are mainly those who are
on social media such as Instagram,
Twitter and Facebook.
150
THE BOK FAIR IN HELPING ALPHABET
PRESS REACH A WIDER AUDIENCE?
We get to introduce our products to the
market as we have been relying solely
on the social media. Bok Tjuv was also
very supportive when we first started the
business, when we were informed of the
event about a month ago, we were just so
excited to be part of it.
4
HOW IS DESIGN IMPORTANT TO
DESIDERATA?
To gain attention we need to set the
expectations at a very high level. To gain
and retain readers we need to surpass
those expectations on a regular basis. A
great way to start is by setting the table
for quality inside our organisation and
one of the best ways to do this is through
our own design product. While we do like
to focus heavily on the look and usability
of our products and experiments, we
believe designs greatest value to a
business goes deeper than that.
MOSSERY
After a year of careful research and planning, countless cups of coffee and a little bit
2
of arguing in between, Mossery was born in 2011. The idea of Mossery first occurred
when two graphic designers from Saito College were assigned by their lecturer to
work on a project which required the combination of his expertise in printing and her
strength in illustration.
At Mossery, Wai Lam is the product manager who takes the responsibilities in
the printing and production area while self-taught illustrator, Vivian Loh plays a role
as a product designer and business idea generator. Their intention is to share the joy
of paper through unique and useful stationary, which in turn help people get their
thoughts organised.

www.mosseryco.com

1. Founders of
1 Mossery, Vivian Loh
and Wai Lam
2. 3. & 4.Pocket
notebooks sold at
Bok Fair. 3

WHY DID MOSSERY PARTICIPATE IN CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT MOSSERYS

BOK FAIR?
We just want to have fun and be part of
the design community, to support each
other. We have been lucky to be invited by
Yu Kiat to Bok Fair. We have known him
for quite a long time. Besides, through
Bok Fair, we managed to meet people
who are highly passionate about things
they do and I am inspired by the creative,
humble and talented designers we met.
WHO ARE MOSSERYS CUSTOMERS?
Our customers are mainly those who are
fond of paper products and prefer to use
the traditional medium to jot down their
thoughts.
PRODUCTS?
We have our best-selling pocket
notebooks, folder files, planners, to-do- 4
lists and notepads.
HOW IS DESIGN IMPORTANT TO
MOSSERY?
Design is everywhere. From the mug you
use, to the apps in your smart phone. All
these products need to go through the
design thinking process before they are
out in the market. Therefore, design is
very important, especially when you are
a product designer, you need to think
of a thousand ways of how people are
going to use your products and make
modifications from there.
151
 living
EXPERT SERIES
text ELAINE DONG
photography LAW SOO PHYE
art direction & styling ELAINE DONG
& JAMIE SOO-HOO

Sweet
T:
THE INGREDIEN

potato SWEET POTATO IS VERY

MUCH A PART OF THE
MALAYSIAN PALATE. WE
HAVE IT ROASTED, COOKED
IN SWEET SOUP OR FRIED IN
BATTER. GET TO KNOW THIS
NOURISHING TUBER.
152

Q THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO COOK THE SWEET
POTATO - BOILING, GRILLING, BAKING. WHATS
THE BEST WAY TO BRING OUT ITS SWEETNESS?
a My favourite way is to bake the sweet potato with the
skin on. This retains all of the flavour and nutrients, and
the sweetness of the sweet potato concentrates when
baking.
Q WHATS YOUR TIP FOR BOILING SWEET POTATOES?
a If you boil the sweet potatoes, add some butter and
herbs to the water. I would add garlic, butter and thyme
so it adds a touch of flavour without masking the true
flavour of the sweet potato. If youre grilling it, you could
either do from raw or better still to par boil with the
butter, garlic and thyme and then finish off on the grill so
they dont burn easily.
154
Q HAVE YOU TRIED MAKING ASIAN SOUP DESSERTS
WITH SWEET POTATOES?
a I have never tried, but I have eaten a few Taiwanese
snow desserts with the sweet potato dumplings. My staff
have done sweet potato fried in batter for a sweet dish.
It was slightly spicy with Indian spices, very interesting,
but mainly I have done sweet potato tarts, similar to the
American Pumpkin Pie.
Q HOW DO YOU NORMALLY EAT THE SWEET
POTATO?
a I love sweet potato fries. They are a great snack,
especially with a truffle mayonnaise! Though I really
think roasted in the oven with a nice salad is a more
healthy way to enjoy them.
Q WHATS GREAT ABOUT IT IN DISHES?
a Sweet potatoes give a different dimension to any dish.
They fill you up and surprisingly have more carbohydrates
than a normal potato, but used as a supplement to fish
or chicken they can add a little sweet edge to counter
balance a dish instead of adding fruit.
Q HOW DO YOU PICK GOOD SWEET POTATO?
a Pick a small to medium sized sweet potato with a nice
shiny skin. Make sure there are no white strings attached
either as this means they are over matured and will be
tough. The sweet potato should also be quite firm with
no signs of bruising.
Q THERE ARE ORANGE, PURPLE AND WHITE
VARIETIES. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN
FLAVOUR OF EACH?
a There are many types of sweet potatoes all with their
different taste and uses. The white variety is more
crumbly in texture and slightly less sweet than the
orange Japanese ones, which can be sweet and sticky
compared to a normal sweet potato variety. Also the
Japanese sweet potato tends to be more creamy than
the rest. The taste of the purple sweet potato is more
inclined to your usual conventional sweet potato but
the purple variety has a better nutritional content that is
commonly used as an antioxidant.
PICK A SMALL TO MEDIUM
SIZED SWEET POTATO WITH
A NICE SHINY SKIN.

155
TRIED & TESTED! BAKING SWEET POTATO WITH
The Home & Decor team
was on hand to try out THE SKIN ON RETAINS ALL OF THE
every recipe in this series,
and we give it the great FLAVOUR AND NUTRIENTS.
seal of approval!
Chili baked sweet potato with papaya & avocado salad
ingredients Spicy Lime
dressing
450g sweet potato peeled
and diced 7ml lime juice
3g dried red chili 60ml olive oil
50ml olive oil teaspoon lemon juice
5g salt 1 tablespoon chopped red chili
1 avocado, peeled and diced 1 clove crushed garlic
200g papaya, peeled and diced. 8g chopped herbs
3 baby romaine lettuce (chervil, parsley, dill)
100ml spicy lime dressing
crushed black pepper to taste Method
Mix all ingredients together.
Method This dressing has to be used fresh
Rub the sweet potato with the and cannot be kept longer.
dried chili and olive oil and bake
at 190oc for 15 minutes, until
golden brown and soft.
In a bowl mix the sweet potato
with the rest of the ingredients
and serve.

How to boil
sweet potato
Boil them with the skin on, so the sweetness
is retained. Once you remove them from the
pot, scrap the skin off with a butter knife and
slice it up to use in a salad.
157
 Sweet potato and chocolate brownies
Ingredients
370g caster sugar
80g cocoa powder
60g plain flour
5g baking powder
4 eggs, beaten
225g unsalted butter, melted
100g dark chocolate chips
300g Sweet potato

Method
Preheat oven to180C
Profile Boil the sweet potato with the skin on for 30 minutes.
Peel the sweet potato and then dice.
I love running restaurants. People want
a nice place to eat out at after a week
Stir the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, sweet potato and baking powder
of cooking at home. They want to try together.
different flavours and food. We try to Add the eggs, melted butter and vanilla. Mix until combined.
provide that variety in our menus, and Mix in chocolate buttons.
hopefully our customers are happy! Pour into lined 9 square tin. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
While still warm, cut into slices.
Steve Allen is the CEO of The Delicious
Group, which has restaurants in
Malaysia and one in Singapore. Go to
www.thedeliciousgroup.com for more
information.
158
I LOVE SWEET POTATO FRIES. THEY
ARE A GREAT SNACK ESPECIALLY
WITH A TRUFFLE MAYONNAISE!

159
 living WINE
text WENSHAN PANG
photography DANIEL LAI
other photos WINE TALK
SERVES UP
WHAT ARE THE PERFECT SERVING TEMPERATURES FOR WHITE AND RED WINES? TO DECANT
OR NOT TO DECANT? AND DID YOU KNOW THE WAY YOU SERVE YOUR WINES CAN AFFECT
THEIR FLAVOURS? DAVID STEPHAN, SOMMELIER OF WINE TALK, HAS THE ANSWERS.
1 WHAT IS THE IDEAL SERVING
TEMPERATURE FOR WHITE
WINE? HOW DO WE KEEP IT
CHILLED BETWEEN POURS?
White wines should be served between
eight to 12 degrees Celsius, but the
ideal temperature is dependent upon
the white grape varietal and winemaking
method. Light, fresh white wines like
Sauvignon Blanc should be served
colder, while oak-aged Chardonnay and
other full-bodied whites will express
2 more aromas when served a tad warmer.
Keeping the bottle on your dining
table while maintaining the desired
temperature is a bit of a struggle
in Malaysia, especially when dining
outdoors. The best way would be to
immerse the bottle in an ice bucket,
like how it is done in a restaurant.
Otherwise, you will have to keep making
trips back and forth to the fridge! You
can also get a wine sleeve which you
can keep in the freezer beforehand and
put it around the bottle when being
served. This can help keep it cool for
a while.
1 Le Chteau de Fontarche is one of the oldest estates in Le
Languedoc, Southern France. 2 Vineyards in Malhadinha Nova,
160
Alentejo, Portugal.
IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT RED
WINE DOES NOT REQUIRE
CHILLING PRIOR TO
SERVING. HOW TRUE IS THIS
STATEMENT, GIVEN OUR
TROPICAL CLIMATE?
You may have heard that red wines
are supposed to be served at room
temperature but the room temperature
in Malaysia is a bit different than that in
my native France! During winter, when a
bottle is taken from the cellar it is already
pretty cold and it would be left at room
temperature to let is temperature rise a
little 16 to 20 degrees Celsius being
the best for reds. But it depends on the
grapes. For example, Pinot Noir is best
served a bit cooler.
In Malaysia, red wines that are kept
at room temperature will be too warm
to be fully enjoyed. So if you plan to
open a bottle of red wine, I recommend
keeping it in the refrigerator for a
couple of hours before opening it. The
wine will quickly come up to the perfect
temperature a few minutes after having
been poured into a glass.
TO DECANT OR NOT TO
DECANT?
At home, I decant most of my red
wines and sometimes even my white
wines, but only the more premium
ones which have spent a fair amount
of time in oak barrels. Most of the
wines on the more affordable side,
often ranging from RM35 to RM60,
havent been aged in oak barrels
and thus dont really need to be
decanted.
Some wines, mostly in the mid to
high range, need to age for five to
10 years before showing their true
potential. During the ageing process,
fragments of grape pulp and dead
yeast cells get consolidated and
form sediment. Therefore, when you
plan to enjoy a bottle of old wine,
we suggest removing it from storage
a few hours earlier, and gently pour
the content into a decanter. The
sediment will collect at the bottom
of the bottle. Sometimes, the
ESSENTIAL WINE ACCESSORIES AT HOME
2 4
1 Georg Jensen wine carafe, from Skandium. 2 Hederlig wine glass, from Ikea. 3 Wine cooler, from Royal
Selangor. 4 Alessi Parrot limonadier, from Robinsons.
amount of the sediment may be too
large that you cant successfully pour
out all the wine in the bottle and you
can solve this problem by filtering
the wine with a sieve.
Younger wines over RM60 have
spent at least a little time in oak
barrels. However, they would not
have had the chance to develop
sediment yet. The act of decanting is
to simply wake up your wine from
being dormant in the bottle and to
show its true flavours faster. In this
case, there is no need to be delicate
when pouring, In fact, give it a good
twirl to help it come back to life.
Some wines may need more time
to breathe than others. Varietals
with high tannins like Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz will
need more time. Young wines below
RM100 can be served immediately
after decanting while premium wines
of about five to 10 years of age may
need to breathe for a few hours
before being enjoyed.
161
 Place a tea light below the
neck of the bottle when
HOW TO DECANT A BOTTLE OF WINE Davids decanting. This will help
tips: you see the flow of the
1. Remove a bottle of wine the flavours of the wine. in the bottle. You can sediment more clearly.
from storage a few hours 3. With the rim of the run it through a sieve or
before you plan to have bottle on or close to the through filter paper.
it served. Keep is upright opening of the decanter, 5. Let the wine breathe
to allow the sediment to pour the wine slowly and serve when the level DOES USING PROPER WINE
collect at the bottom of and steadily into the of aeration desired is GLASSES MAKE A BIG
the bottle. decanter. The sediment achieved. DIFFERENCE? HOW DOES
2. Rinse the decanter will collect at the 6. Refrain from washing the
THE SHAPE OR MATERIAL
with a small amount of shoulder of the bottle. decanter with chemicals.
OF THE GLASS AFFECT
wine. This is to remove 4. There will be a Simply rinse it with
any foreign smell in the few centimetres of coarse salt and warm
THE TASTE AND AROMA
decanter that may affect sedimentary wine left water. OF WINE?

The shape, size and quality of a glass

are important when enjoying wine.
The flavours can change dramatically
depending on the type of glass you use.
A glass with a stem is the most ideal as
holding the glass itself will cause heat
to transfer from your hand to your drink.
But with Malaysias climate, one does not
need extra help to heat up the wine!
When choosing a wine glass, always
go for one with a tulip shape: wide
bottom that is tapered upwards. This
allows the wine to release aromas when
swirled and concentrate near the mouth
of the glass. Glasses whose rims are
wider than their bowl are not suitable for
wines with delicate aromas. Avoid using
coloured glasses with quirky designs; they
may look good on your dinner table but
they are not the best way to enjoy your
wines. The thickness of the glass is also
an important factor: the thinner it is the
better enjoyment you will get from your
wines. We recommend using Stolzle
Crystal glass as it is much thinner than
regular glass and more resistant too.
Some brands create series of glasses,
each made to suit a specific grape
varietal. However, if you do not want
to have a huge collection of glasses at
home, choose a set of medium size ones
that you can use for any wines. I love my
white wines in big glasses!
162
WHAT ARE SOME USEFUL
WINE ACCESSORIES THAT A
HOMEOWNER NEEDS?

There are a lot of wine gadgets available

these days but I have to admit that Im
fairly old-fashioned and dont use many!
The most important thing to have is a
proper wine fridge as regular fridges are 1
not designed for keeping wines for a long
period of time and corks will dry out.
Besides, you may want to have a good
quality corkscrew, one or two decanters,
one small sieve for vintage bottles
(remember to use it only for wine!) and an
ice bucket.
There are also some fun accessories
which you can get. The Magic Decanter
allows you to pour wine into the decanter
or directly into your glass. It aerates the
wine while it is being poured into a glass
or a decanter, speeding up its breathing
time. A wine pourer is a round soft metal
tube which you insert into the mouth of
the bottle to prevent droplets of wine
staining your nice table cloth. Lastly, the
Vacu-vin pump which removes air inside
the bottle so you can save it up for a little
2
longer, perhaps up to a few days.

1 A view of the castle at Le Chteau de Fontarche. 2 Malhadinha Nova employs and organic approach.

WHO IS DAVID STEPHAN?

Before moving to Malaysia, David Stephan
worked in various hotels and restaurants
in France, the Caribbean and China. He is
currently the sommelier of Wine Talk, an
online wine store and heads the companys
Wine Club, where members will have wines
delivered to their homes handpicked by
David. David also conducts wine classes
in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. For more
information, visit www.winetalk.com.my.
163
 food notes
text NG YI XIANG

FIT FOR A PARTY

Set up an outdoor tea party with your children this
summer. Pick up a set of duktig bowls from Ikeas
Summer Collection. The miniature crockery are
suitable for three-year-olds and above.

Available at Ikea, No.2, Jalan PJU 7/2,

Mutiara Damansara, Selangor, tel: +603-7726-7777.

VERSATILE CHERRY
Perk up your kitchen with this cherry. Whats
better than a decorative piece with multiple
functions? This cherry can be used as a storage
bin and is especially perfect for composting as its
stem pushes down its contents for more space.

For more information, visit www.dsyr.com

Mini Bottle
Tupperware has just recently introduced its eco-friendly Mini Eco
Bottles. These 310ml drinking bottles are easy and safe to carry
around in a handbag as they come with spill-proof screw caps. They
are available in trendy colours of Magarita (Green), Grape Fizz (Purple)
and Fushia Kiss (Pink).
Available at authorised dealers.

SPACE SAVER
Create your own spice corner with this little
SpiceStore Carousel from Joseph Joseph. It helps
you to save space and keep track of the spices you
have. It comes with ten stackable small jars with
airtight silicone covers and labels. Its rotating base
makes selection easier when cooking.
164

For more information, visit www.josephjoseph.com

 SMART OVEN
The Samsung Cello Smart Oven with its Slim Fry
technology is a microwave and grill with a convection
heater that retains moisture in food. The Smart Multi
Sensor determines the correct cooking duration for
frozen or chilled food. The oven has thirteen pre-set
auto cooking modes, an easy to clean and scratch
resistant ceramic interior and a fermentation feature
suitable for yogurt and bread.

Available at authorised dealers.

Samsung Recipe in Collaboration with

Chef Nik Michael Imran:
CHICKEN TANDOORI.
Wooden Elegance
This salad bowl, a part of Circa Stripe
range from Royal Selangor, exudes
Ingredients:
elegance with its stripes of two-
4 tsp Greek Yogurt
toned, dark and light wood and its
2.5 cm Grated Ginger
circumference encased in pewter.
1 clove of Grated Garlic
5 tsp Lemon Juice Available at retailers.
2 tsp Cumin Powder
0.25 tsp Garam Masala and turmeric powder, each.
0.5 tsp Paprika Powder
Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper to taste
2 Whole Chicken Legs
Oil to coat Marinated Chicken

Method
1. Mix yogurt, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, cumin,
garam masala, paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper.
2. Marinade the chicken with the mixture and
refrigerate it for two hours or overnight for more
flavour.
3. Place the chicken on the Microwave Tray, drizzle a
tablespoon of oil over it.
4. Place on the upper rack in the Smart Oven and set
to Microwave + Grill for 12 minutes.

GOLDFISH HAPPY
Made from ceramics, The Bo Happiness cake stand depicts Bo swimming
happily, with wavy patterns on the sides. This cute custom made cake
stand is available by order only.
165

To place your orders, e-mail: hello.boandfriends@gmail.com

 ecoWARRIOR
text MILITZA MAURY

greenCLEANING
DITCH THE CHEMICALS AND GO ALL-NATURAL
FOR A SQUEAKY CLEAN AND HEALTHY HOME!
Did
you
know?
If youre using conventional
Creating your own green cleaners is as easy as raiding the kitchen pantry. household cleaning products,
We show you five everyday ingredients that get the job done. you may be creating a toxic
environment in your own home!
VINEGAR A powerhouse cleaner, known to kill 99 per cent of bacteria and germs, Chemicals found in cleaning
and 82 per cent of mould. Vinegar also breaks down soap scum and water stains products linger and do not
and leaves your windows and mirrors clean and streak-free. biodegrade easily. They land
try this! Eliminate soap scum and mildew in your shower. Spray with vinegar and on our skin, transfer onto our
allow to sit for a few minutes, then wipe cleanly away. food, and we breathe them in.
These chemicals can enter the
BAKING SODA Soaks up bad odours, kills bacteria and, because of its gritty bloodstream and cause a host of
texture, makes the best soft scrub youll ever need. health concerns, not to mention
try this! Deodorise upholstery by sprinkling baking soda over your sofa, mattress polluting our water and killing
and rugs. Allow to sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum off. wildlife. If the fumes make you
hold your breath when cleaning,
LEMON JUICE A great disinfectant, lemon juice kills bacteria, breaks up grease you know something is wrong.
and lends a real lemon-fresh scent.
try this! Clean your microwave. Microwave a used lemon on a plate with a little
bit of water for three minutes. The essential oils will help to break up caked-on
stains, to be easily wiped away.

NATURAL LIQUID SOAP Look for a biodegradable, all-natural soap to wipe up

grease and dirt. Mix with water to make a simple, effective cleaning solution.
try this! Make an amazing scrub cleaner by mixing natural liquid soap with
easyDIY
baking soda until it forms a paste. Use this to scrub the bottom of pans, sinks,
tubs and anywhere that needs a little extra help. MAKE AN ALL-PURPOSE
VINEGAR SPRAY
OLIVE OIL Thinking of shining your wood and leather? Dont use your premium Making your own green cleaner
oil for this job all you need is an inexpensive olive oil. is easy, healthy and saves money.
try this! Make the same wood-cleaner recipe used by the caretakers of Use this recipe on just about
Scotlands Glamis Castle to clean their antique furniture: simply mix 1/4 cup of every surface in your home
vinegar with one teaspoon of olive oil. except marble and granite. Its
especially good for cleaning the
inside of the refrigerator and also
kitchen counters, where you want
to keep chemical cleaners away
from your food!

Spray bottle
1/2 cup white
distilled vinegar
1 1/2 cups water
Optional: splash of lemon
juice to add a fresh scent
and boost cleaning power

Simply fill your spray bottle with

the water and vinegar. Use it
as you would any store-bought
all-purpose cleaner. Chrome,
windows, mirrors, counter tops,
GINE

tile, wood, plastic and even

166

photo INMA

upholstery can all be cleaned with

this simple recipe!
BUYING
MALAYSIA
GUIDE
YOUR ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Acacia Fine Fabrics Ikea Linds Furniture Pensonic

tel: +603-4252-3378 2 Jalan PJU7/2 162 Jalan Maarof tel: 1800-881-770
www.acaciafabrics.com Mutiara Damansara Kuala Lumpur www.pensonic.com
Petaling Jaya tel: +603-2094-6055
Alpha tel: +603-7726-7777 Robinsons
tel: +603-5740-6666 Lorenzo The Gardens Mall
www.alphamalaysia.com Interfal Marketing For store listing, go to Kuala Lumpur
158 Jalan Maarof www.lorenzo-international.com tel: +603-2089-1188
Apex Kuala Lumpur
For store listing, go to tel: +603-2093-9588 Miele Samsung
www.apexboutique.com Menara Kencana Petroleum Suite E-09-01,
Janine Solaris Dutamas Level 9 East Wing
BoConcept S112 Bangsar Shopping Kuala Lumpur ICON Jalan Tun Razak
T112 Bangsar Shopping Centre tel: +603-6205-3899 Kuala Lumpur
Centre Kuala Lumpur tel: +603-2165-0000
Kuala Lumpur tel: +603-2094-9530 MML (Malaysian
tel: +603-2011-0178 Mosaics Sdn Bhd Sharp
J & J Chesters 1A Jalan 205, Off Jalan No 1A Persiaran Kuala
Caesarstone Malaysia Sdn Bhd Tandang Langat Section 27
www.caesarstone.com.sg Block B-0-1, Megan Avenue Petaling Jaya Shah Alam
1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak tel: +603-7718-7333 tel: +603-5102-5311
Bosch Kuala Lumpur
www.bosch-home.com.my tel: +603-2166-4121 Molecule Signature Kitchen
6.49.02 Pavilion KL Lot 24 Jalan Teknologi
Electrolux KDK Kuala Lumpur Taman Sains Selangor 1
tel: 1300-88-1122 3rd Floor, No 15 Jalan tel: +603-2148-3300 Kota Damansara
Tandang tel: +603-6286-7000
Feruni Ceramiche Petaling Jaya Muji
12 Jalan 213 tel: +603-7785-5011 5.10.00 Pavilion KL Space Furniture
Petaling Jaya Kuala Lumpur 3-12 The Intermark Mall
tel: +603-7784-7277 Kitch tel: +603-2141-0223 Kuala Lumpur
G16 Bangunan tel: +603-2166-2212
Goodrich Global Perdagangan D7 Namu Haus
M-2-2 Block M 800 Jalan Sentul 3 Jalan Timur Teka
Plaza Damas Phase II Kuala Lumpur Petaling Jaya tel: +603-7620-1600
Kuala Lumpur tel: +6018-599-8233 tel: +603-7932-3999
tel: +603-6201-5757 Terracotta Tiles
Kitchenaid Nippon Paint 15 Jalan Pendidik U1/31
Gudang Damansara tel: +603-7877-5216 tel: 1800-88-2663 Hicom Glenmarie
S15 Bangsar Shopping Centre www.nipponpaint.com.my Shah Alam
Kuala Lumpur Lazzoni tel: +603-5569-4799
tel: +603-2092-2618 154 Jalan Maarof Niro
Kuala Lumpur Lot 1, Lorong 19/1A Toshiba
Guocera tel: +603+2201-3323 Petaling Jaya Tel: +603-5565-8000
5th Floor Wisma Kemajuan tel: +603-7652-9333 www.toshiba.com.my
No 2 jalan 19/1B Legrand
Petaling Jaya Lot 1888, Jalan KPB7, Panasonic White Horse Ceramic
Tel: +603-7958-7922 Kawasan Perindustrian Lot 10, Jalan 13/2 tel: 1800-88-1880
Balakong, Selangor Petaling Jaya www.whitehorse.com.my
Harvey Norman tel: +603-8962-3333 tel: +603-7953-7600
For store listing, go to
www.harveynorman.com.my LG Rinnai
tel: 1800-822-822 D2-3-G & D2-3-1,
Hafele www.lg.com Block D2, Pusat
18 Jalan Juruhebah U1/50, Perdagangan Danau 1,
Glenmarie Lightcraft Jalan PJU1A/46, Ara
Selangor 145 Jalan Sungai Besi Damansara
tel: +603-5569-2526 Kuala Lumpur tel: +603-7832-0037
tel: +603-9222-2413
Hitachi Rubine
Suite17.3, Level 17 Ligne Roset Fiamma Tradings Sdn Bhd
Menara IMC, Jalan Sultan Ismail S3 Pamper Floor WismaFiamma
Kuala Lumpur Starhill Gallery No. 20, Jalan 7A/62A,
tel: +603-2031-8751 Kuala Lumpur Bandar Menjalara,
tel: +603-2710-3388 Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-6279-8888
167
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