Editor’s Picks
Peruse a stylish mix of furnishings and design books; plus, new showrooms to explore
SENSUAL FORMS
The Mannequin diffusers from Locherber Milano are charming in both their scent and design. These Italian-made fragrances are housed in elegant wooden vessels crafted with Canaletto walnut wood, steel and glass. The diffuser exudes a heady scent which opens with citrusy notes of bergamot, mixed with a spicy kick of saffron and closing with a warm vanilla finish. Available at Flaming Queen; f laming-queen.com
REST ASSURED
With its soft and tactile look, the Natuzzi Argo sofa by Paola Navone combines both comfort and style. The sofa features enveloping seats and low, hidden feet made with anti-scratch metal. Two brackets that serve as the armrests are connected to the backrest, ending in a stylish knot at the back of the sofa. Available at Da Vinci; davincilifestyle.com
STROKE OF ART
The Liaigre Sumi table by Desmond Corcoran gives a simple form much artistic f lair. Its name, which means “ink stick” in Japanese, references its marble top, which features calligraphy-like brushstrokes. True to the French brand’s minimalist ethos, this piece features clean lines with sleek brushed oak legs and a table top crafted with Panda marble extracted in China.
ABOVE THE FRAY
Designed by Vincent Van Duysen, the Louisa coffee tables from Molteni&c bring an stylish touch to any interior. Crafted with wood and cement, the rounded design features a slim top that appears to f loat in mid-air; it’s supported by a load-bearing structure hidden within the conical plinth. Choose from eucalyptus wood, ash cement or a brick-red cement for the table top. Available at P5; p5.com.sg
BRIGHT IDEA
Designed by Robert Dudley Best in 1930, the Gubi Bestlite BL1 table lamp combines strong bauhaus inf luences with clean lines and a utilitarian form. It was personally selected by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill for his work desk; he even took it with him on his trips around the globe. Featuring a classic silhouette, the lamp’s simple yet striking design exudes a timeless appeal. Available at Danish Design; danishdesignco.com.sg
EASTERN PROMISES
Inspired by his travels to Japan, Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan crafted the Daiki chairs for Minotti as a tribute to modern Japanese design. Complex woodcrafting techniques were utilised in creating the minimalist shape of these chairs—they feature a f lamed ash veneer-clad structure with a sloping backrest for ultimate comfort. The chair sits on a metal frame in a blacknickel finish, with seats upholstered in a colourful selection of leather or fabric. Available at Minotti by Marquis Interiors; marquis.com.sg
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
London-based real estate firm Domus
Nova has parlayed its property expertise into a new venture called Domus Stay, which offers luxury homes for short-term rental. With locations in residential enclaves such as Holland Park and Notting Hill, those who book a home via Domus Stay can live like a local with the upside of having a guest services specialist on speed dial.
Travellers can also enjoy unique experiences such as an arts workshop with illustrator John Booth, who has worked with Paul Smith and Fendi. The service is currently available in the UK and will slowly expand to the rest of Europe; the company is also exploring opportunities in Asia.