23 34 8 contents features 42 14 8 Bamboo Beauty Using bamboo as the main material and architect combines the versatile material with concrete, glass and timber to provide a distinct identity for a bungalow surrounded by greenery. 14 Luxurious Sense of Grandeur Grange Infinite, in the heart of Singapore’s main shopping district, offers a luxurious lifestyle with its stylish design. 50 46 Trend Spotter Hot from the runway, Fashion Week's top colours for Spring are brought into your home. 26 Treat Up Your Windows Curtains and drapes, with a dash of colour and print, can add character to any room. 50 Cushy up with Cushions & Throw Pillows Our writer unmasks the potential of these petite plushes in polishing your décor. 34 Plush Up Your Floors Perfecting floors with artistic coverings add a plush effect and depth to any room. 68 Chef’s Kitchen Sharusmizal Salleh, Chef de Cuisine of Urban, Hotel Istana, strikes a Spring deal with the season’s ingredients for a sublime fare worthy of an encore. 39 Ways with Ikat Faizal Bakri, Senior Design Consultant of Home Treasures, shows how this chic tribal print can be used in your living space. 20 Fine Touches of Soft Furnishing Hiding flaws or enhancing aesthetic appeal, the needlework, colours and design in soft furnishing can transform a plain living space into a serene sanctuary. 40 In Conversation with Andrea Galimberti Owner of NODUS, makers of exclusive hand- woven rugs, gives an insight into the world of rugs. 23 Spotlight on Tony Throws Give an instant uplift to any living space with throws. 42 10 Sizzling Textile Print Trends for 2012 Printsource New York reveals the top 10 textile print trends for the year. 44 Persian Style Read all about these timeless works of art that exude beauty, elegance and quality. ID special 54 Clean, Contemporary Comeback Space Matrix is of the opinion that white, minimal yet chic interior design is set to rule for this year. 56 Modern Interior Design Touches Like a breath of fresh air, using the right modern influences can take design of space to a whole new level, according to Beverly Home. 58 Designing Dreams Customised designs are the rage now with Dans De Design offering tailor-made interiors. 59 Light & Easy Inventive Design believes that there is a prevailing charm abounding in light toned colours combined with white. No wonder cream shades are all the rage now. gardening 60 Maximising on Minimalism The concept of less is more marks the prevailing design trend for 2012, says Red Zone Interior. books, art & architecture 62 Ideal Solutions The professionals at Envirotech Interior Design have been helping homeowners organise their kitchen to make it the heart and soul of the house. personalities 64 Inovar, Scaling Greater Heights Jason Tan, the Executive Director of Inovar Resources, is one of the driving forces behind the company’s success in the laminated flooring industry in Asia. 66 Maestro in Design Lai Siew Hong, head of award-winning Blu Water Studio, shares his thoughts about his lifestyle, design and success. 26 70 Growing Good Fortune Growing ornamental pineapples and other bromeliads not only add an exotic, tropical rainforest touch but bring good omen as well. 77 Spotlight falls on Coffee-table Books Tropical Interiors; The Japanese House; Contemporary Asian Bedrooms; Living in a Nutshell: Posh & Portable Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces; Bali Home; and Contemporary Thai. regulars 2 Editor’s Note 72 10 Successful Years of HOMEDEC HOMEDEC continues to inspire, provide trendy ideas, designs and solutions to homeowners. The exhibition kick-starts in Penang and Kuala Lumpur this April. 76 Feng Shui Attracting Good Luck in the Year of the Dragon. 66 46 4 5 Inspired by traditional Moroccan patterns, embroidered in wool chain stitch and finished with cotton pompoms, the Izar Throw in Slate & Chartreuse is available at niki-jones.co.uk The Richard Nixon Throw in Hot Pink & White sees Jonathan Adler's classic Richard Nixon pattern transformed into a snuggly soft luxury. Made of pure baby alpaca's wool and is available at jonathanadler.com Throw Pantheon by Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel of Studio Job can be a throw or even a tablecloth. For Moooi, available at spacefurniture.com.my spotlight on... ...Tony Throws Even when arbitrarily thrown on a chair, throws can still look stylish while your room gets an instant update By SHAMINI MANICKAVASAGAM Sybil Throw is hand loomed and made of pure alpaca wool. Available at jonathanadler.com The Boutique Blanket September by Marcel Wanders for Moooi. Available at spacefurniture.com.my 23 Shanghai Florals Stylised Asian floral with a slick night-time feel. 10 sizzling textile Luscious silk satin with a statement dragonfly and embroidered floral bouquet radiates a pretty appliqué. Heather Cushion from the Kimono Blossom Collection is available at janine.com.my print trends for 2012 Printsource New York, the premier market for surface and textile design in the USA, and perhaps the world, revealed the top 10 textile print trends for the year By SHAMINI MANICKAVASAGAM Multi-coloured with fringe for texture, CD Ethnic Theme Cushion available at Abstract Elements iwannagohome.com.sg Taking inspiration from the earth, minerals and other organic matter leaves an imprint of tie-dye textures. Treat yourself to an heirloom with Jonathan Adler's original hand-loomed 100% alpaca thows. The Figure 8 Throw is available at jonathanadler.com Eastern Colour Block Bauhaus and Mondrain inspired with a hand painted feel. Designed by Scholten & Baijings for hayshop.dk. These highly defined and richly coloured carpets are made of 100% New Zealand wool, uses colour gradients with optical transparency in mind Photobased Prints 3D and chromatic aberrations. The Bubble Tech Collection from Pasaya is bursting with options. We pick this Rainbow curtain in Mars for that glitz and glam 3D feel. Available at pasaya.com Tribal Wash Hand-painted ethnic prints that are akin to part of the design washed by rain. Under the Microscope The collision of science and design give way to detailed images shown in overblown scale. Bohemian Folk Batik Tulis, a charm Portuguese textile designer, Ana Romero Monteiro (anaromerodesign.com) brings elementary science into vivid abstract visions on print that can never fade away. Available at Geometrics, paisleys and floral designs influenced by Ballets Russes. hometreasures.com.my Bright and striking hues on black fabric for a version of a Bohemian rhapsody. Terracotta Lifestyle Cushions available at iwannagohome.com.sg Sundays paisley print on 100% Indian cotton sets to liven up your dinner table for an even more memorable meal. Available at sundays.my Ink Blot Camos Pop Art Conversationals Taking inspiration from Roy Lichtenstein's technique with bold, outlined shapes. The Floor and Hole in the Floor by Carol Black are clever floor cloths that do justice to pop art. Available at rareculture.com 42 Watercolour and ink spots create an organic update. Baroque Opulence Rich, ornamental, embroidery inspired designs with an antique feel. StudioL2 Design christened the name 'Ink Blot Camos' to this fun technique of modern textural look. Seen here is Erik by the late Sheila Bownas. From flora-dora.co.uk Lelouvre in Rich Gold and Misty Jade brings the grand Sundays opulence of Baroque into your living space. Available at pasaya.com 43 cushy up with cushions & throw pillows Cushions and decorative throw pillows make a world of difference to any room. SHAMINI MANICKAVASAGAM unmasks the potential of these petite plushes in polishing your décor D ressing up and reinventing a room requires a touch of simplicity, not an upheaval. A little scatter of cushions or a quick display of decorative throw pillows provides a fresh vision of glamour, be it for a masculine vogue or mod chic. A cushion, which is traditionally used for sitting or kneeling upon, softens the hardness or at times, the angularity of a chair. Decorative throw pillows are also used on chairs and couch though it is purely aesthetic. With the right pick of colours and designs, your living space can be given a trendy and vibrant switch-up now and then. Cherry Picking The Plushes Trendy Traditional or Mesmerising Modern: For living space with traditional design theme, opt for cushions and decorative throw pillows that are ornate or with decorative trim work. A rule of thumb is to get them in smaller size and in even numbers. You can also set them in bunches to maintain the traditional setting. For modern design themes, get larger cushions and decorative throw pillows in solid colours and simple designs. They should be well spaced out and used in odd numbers for a more modern look. Image: lindsfurniture.com 50 This rustic countryside semblance is further extended with the right pick of richly textured stripes, simple checks and pleasing prints for an altogether complementing look. Decorative throw pillows dressed in Exmere fabrics. By William Yeoward for Designers Guild. Available at janine.com.my Look for Inspirations: To play safe, gather textures and colours around your house before selecting your cushions or decorative throw pillows for a match. This safe bet not just unifies the look of your living space but it also extends the décor. Or you can pick just one object, say, a piece of furniture, and match your cushions and decorative throw pillows accordingly. Simple throw pillows in Earth inspired colours from the Esprit Collection, sits accordingly on the Cool Breeze upholstered sofa from the Elvira Collection – both from Warwick. Available at lindsfurniture.com Highly creative yet eclectically subtle, the play on purple on the throw pillow against the soft blue of the upholstered chair is a safe colour blocking bet for non-risk takers. Manton fabrics by William Yeoward for Designers Guild. Available at janine.com.my Be Creative & Eclectic: At times, a non-traditional way can punch up your living space. Pick cushions and decorative throw pillows in vivid colours and prints, and place them against solid colours for an eye-pleasing colour blocking. If you want to be even more creative, go for different shapes for a whimsy pop. Throw pillows in 50s inspired print gives you a whimsical stir against any backdrop. Available at iwannagohome.com.sg The colourful world of Bollywood captured in these glitzy plushes for a quick pop in any room. The Bollywood 50s Theme Cushions are available at iwannagohome.com.sg 51 Mixing it Right: Torn between a traditional and modern style? Why don’t you just mix them up. Bunch them up and bring together various styles and shapes. This is ideal if you cannot decide on the style. Even them out if you are afraid of cluttering your room with just one style. Heavy Usage or Otherwise: Get cushions and decorative throw pillows in any The groovy Positano Needlepoint Pillow by Jonathan Adler adds a singular interest of texture and design. Available at jonathanadler.com materials and colours that you fancy if you are going to use them in areas or rooms that are rarely used. If it’s for heavy usage, get cushions and decorative throw pillows in washable covers, especially if there are children or even pets at home. Also, pick colours that are anything but light. Ideas To Try Adding Texture: Apart from shapes and sizes, This 100 % natural linen Woodland Cushion by Nikki Jones is a work of play with fabrics for additional interest. You can also place stripes, plaids as well as solid and floral designs together. art like never before. This silhouette pattern is inspired by traditional Polish paper cuts and folk illustrations, giving you an excuse to display it in style. Available at niki-jones.co.uk Store it Away: When not in use, store your plushes, particularly decorative throw pillows in a wicker basket. The basket can be placed in a corner or behind the couch / sofa. This is not just a visual treat but it also ensures your plushes remain fresh, clean and out of sight when the occasion calls for it. Inspired by Mexican folk art, Havana by Designers Guild are vibrant in colour and robust in character as well as finish. Mix, match and play with these full-flavoured cotton prints for your ultimate beach inspired laze. Available at janine.com.my Artistic Value: Instead of wall paintings, you can use your favourite decorative throw pillows as a piece of art. It can be displayed on an open shelf or panels as part of your room’s décor. Pick the ones that are whimsy or boasts a one-of-a-kind workmanship for a pleasing and interesting sight. Multi-coloured stripes against a simple and soft leave motif cushion checks in the contrast, texture and colours. Available at iwannagohome.com.sg Personal Beach Resort: Why not bring the beach into your own backyard? Get cushions and decorative throw pillows in botanical and floral-print designs and scatter them on your rug. Pick colours that are Earth inspired such as orange, red, brown or even green. You can also glamorise it with a little gold and silver. A few striped plushes give a masculine punch while adding more texture. This can also be used indoors, in a corner. Not only is this perfect for lounging with your intimate circle, but it also brings the outdoors inside – especially if you don’t have the luxury of a backyard or garden. 52
© Copyright 2024