COLOUR WHEEL
Cube Associate Design blends practicality and artistry to create truly memorable homes
Mosaic tiles in olive green, chocolate brown, navy and white adorn the pool steps. Similar tiles clad the bathroom. Iridescent Shimmer mirrors from Glas
Italia throw fuchsia shadows onto the tiles, with this playful air reinforced by the sculptural bathroom fittings.
“Bathrooms need to be functional; light and air are very important. But so is a feeling of joy and energy. The tiles are incredibly tactile and feature tiny f lecks of colour in their glazed surfaces. We wanted to demonstrate that colour can in fact be sophisticated when juxtaposed against natural materials and a nuanced external palette,” says French.
Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola’s vibrant aesthetic language is present in many of the chosen furnishings. Her Redondo bed for Moroso gives the master bedroom a feminine touch, while in the living room, the curves of the Moroso Gogan sofa contrast with the angular layout.
These rounded pieces work well with furniture by other designers, such as the minimal lighting pieces by Londonbased designer Michael Anastassiades and Spanish designer Jaime Hayon’s colourfully jovial and eclectic accessories.
“The home developed over time to ref lect a lifestyle centred on entertaining,” says French. The kitchen is integral to this social approach. A large pivot door conceals a culinary space tailored to catering and food preparation.
The dry kitchen continues the screen motif with a sliding timber door behind the island counter to hide clutter. Its location, between the living and dining areas, facilitates movement between the two spaces. It is also a peaceful breakfast spot with a view out to the courtyard.
The home’s current owner appreciates its idiosyncratic charm and thoughtful functionality; a testament to the accomplishments of the design firm.
When Cube Associate Design principal Sarah Tham and her team were tasked with transforming a three-storey shophouse into a modern home, they jumped at the opportunity despite the project’s many challenges. These included the ageing structure’s elongated and narrow layout, low ceilings and limited access to natural light. Drawing on their collective experience, the team set about updating the residence through inventive layout changes and a stylish mix of statement pieces.
Whether it is modernising prewar shophouses or embellishing luxury apartments with a beguiling mix of fittings,
Cube Associate Design has carved a niche with its detail-oriented approach. Established in 1998 by design director Sarah Tham, the award-winning interdisciplinary practice offers architecture and interior design services to residential and commercial clients.
“It’s not about the scale of the project, but the potential to explore creativity in every project,” she says. “I believe a good-looking home should also be incredibly functional.” We find out more about what drives the affable design maven.
What inspired you to become an interior designer?
I’ve loved drawing and painting from a young age. I was also very interested in the structure of things and how different materials worked together. I knew I would probably end up in a creative field, either interior design or architecture!
Tell us more about your firm’s guiding principles.
Knowing that we are accountable for the success of every project makes us work extra hard. We also believe in being upfront with clients. We don’t tell them what they want to hear, but rather what we think is best for them. This direct, honest approach has helped us maintain good relationships with clients.
Personally, I preferred clean lines when I started out. These days, I combine various inf luences. I believe design shouldn’t follow trends, if it does, it wouldn’t last very long in today’s fast-paced world.
What keeps you inspired?
It can be anything: a picture, clothing, a piece of furniture or even a conversation with someone. When I travel, I always visit museums and parks, and walk around the streets as much as possible to absorb the culture of that city.
What are some typical challenges you face in your work?
The biggest one is staying true to what you believe is the best outcome for the project. Sometimes along the way, people will comment without understanding the final result, but you must stick to your guns. Just because it has not been done before doesn’t mean it cannot be done.
Could you name a few of your most memorable projects?
My very first assignment was for an Italian restaurant in Singapore’s Central Mall. I was 23 years old then and had just graduated from design school; this project taught me what design is all about and made me realise that experience was going to be my greatest teacher. My first architecture assignment involved the construction of a terrace house in 2005. It was invaluable in teaching me about the link between interior and exterior design.
Cube Associate Design 201 Henderson Road #09-10 Apex@henderson Tel: 6538 8918 cubeassociatedesign.com