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SG.ID Seen is a regular column on Home & Decor, where we pick out some of the most interesting home interior projects completed by designers in Singapore and share what we like about them.
Founded by J Q Ong in 2012, The Association minces no words by stating clearly its design philosophy on its website: In The Association, we focus on anti-luxury design.
Wow. Bold words that we haven’t really heard other interior design studios say before. When we chanced upon The Association’s portfolio recently, it definitely caught our eye because of their thorough execution and well thought out concepts. This particular one really stood out, and gets the SG:ID Seen seal of approval for its bold flair and stunning definition of Wabi-Sabi.
“In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete” in nature.”
Wikipedia
You’ve probably seen Wabi-Sabi mixed with Scandinavian or Japandi styles previously, but in this case, the design team decided to find a miraculous blend between the Japanese concept with the raw industrial look. The resulting interiors look so beautiful, and so natural, that we’re left wondering why no one has ever thought of it before. Scroll to see what perfect imperfection looks like.
Unpretentious would be the first thing you feel as soon as you step into this home. Here, the paint has been stripped back from the walls, showing off the cement and bricks in all their naked glory. You can even see the marks where the skirting boards used to be, and space where there used to be a power outlet. It may look like a dilapidated property, but it’s the little stylish accents that give it a “we left these bare on purpose” wink.
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Light strips run along the walls, leading you into the main living and dining areas. Matte metallic finishes in the piping and wall accessories add to the toned-down earthy feel.
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It’s in the dining area that you get a better sense of how well the design team incorporated both themes. In one end of the room stands a backlit kitchen counter. In order to accentuate the double-volume ceiling height, the counter is topped by uplights that also help to brighten up the entire space, making it feel roomy yet intimate. Walking into this space makes you feel like a child who has just stumbled upon a secret lair that no one knows, and become your favourite hideout.
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The counter is designed to complement the straight lines throughout the home. We love that the team proposed a cylindrical kitchen hood over the induction stove top though, which stands out prominently from the flat surfaces.
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The cabinetry is covered in a burnt bronze tone, adding to the warmth of the colour scheme. It’s clear that the design team also paid a lot of attention to the way the diffused light helps to tone down the cold look of the unfinished walls.
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An alcove has been converted into a display area for showing off the homeowner’s prized sake collection. The juxtaposition of the beautifully finished shelves and subtle backlighting against the exposed bricks and cement is pure artistry.
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Notice how the counter surface reflects the screed concrete on the floor? Furthermore, the backlighting on the walls transformed the unique texture on the wall into a contemporary work of art. Sheer Brilliance!
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Barren as the walls may be, the home is stilled fitted with everything necessary for turning this artsy space into a functioning home. By keeping the lighting along the walls, every imperfection becomes a standout feature.
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The wall between two rooms were hacked away, creating a large living area instead. Cubic sofas surround a lit console, helping to create a visual anchor for the space. The black wire trunking helps to outline the edges along the ceiling, making the room feel more spacious as well.
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The edgy look extends to the bathroom, where all storage is concealed behind a rectangular mirror hanging above a free-standing wash basin.
It’s clear that for this home, ‘Less if definitely More’. Kudos to The Association for a standout home.
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