Illumination
Artistic lighting designs that serve both function and form
Bernard Tschumi’s iconic architectural creations are inspired by the interactions between buildings and their inhabitants
they drew were products of the designer’s imagination. Birds, flowers and fanciful landscapes were also popular, as were pagodas.
CHINOISERIE TODAY
In a reaction to the minimalism that has dominated the design scene for much of the past decade, designers are now embracing luxury and pattern. Thus, there is a return to glamorous, colourful interiors and Chinoiserie is at the forefront of this trend. Twenty first-century Chinoiserie is still glamorous but it is a glamour mixed with humour invoking a sense of luxury without formality. Chinoiserie rooms don’t have to be busy: the look is more streamlined and crisp than it was centuries ago. This style is a much-used tool in my design team’s arsenal and elements of Chinoiserie pepper many of our projects. A Chinoiserie backdrop enables us to combine family heirloom pieces within a modern living environment so that we can personalise the homes of our clients. We also use it to spice up interiors with little architectural interest. And, because Chinoiserie reflects so much of the culture and colour of life in Singapore, we often incorporate Chinoiserie accents to give our projects a sense of place. Personally, Chinoiserie is a particular favourite of mine, because I am drawn to the light-hearted, playful feeling that it infuses into a room. The stylised oriental figures, patterns and colours make me smile. And there can be few better reasons to decorate your home than to create an environment that lifts your mood and makes you feel good. For me, Chinoiserie does just that.