In this series, Design Stories meets Asian creatives who open the doors to their homes to showcase some of their most beloved Scandi-style design pieces. This time, we visit the Singapore-based architect couple behind OPEN Studio.
OPEN STUDIO, based in Singapore, is a design firm specializing in spatial planning, co-founded by husband-and-wife team Lam Jun Nan and Jax Tan in 2016. Both trained architects, they furnish both private homes and commercial spaces professionally.
But what does the couple’s own home look like, and what items have they chosen to fill it with? Design Stories went for a visit to find out.
Pholc: Mobil 150 wall lamp
“Drawn to its sleek sculptural form, we were hooked on the Mobil 150 wall lamp by Monika Mulder the moment we laid eyes on it at a local designer store several years ago. In fact, we decided to design our foyer around it even before we finalized the rest of the house’s design. It was a bit of an unexpected decision for us as designers, but it turned out to be one of our favorites!
The proportions of the Mobil 150 wall lamp work perfectly for our space, and the playful touch of the bijou globe adds a unique charm. It creates a beautiful contrast against our striking long green marble feature wall, adding depth and character to the entrance. The illumination of the light balances well between functionality and ambiance too! More than just a fixture in our home – it’s a statement piece that welcomes and delights our guests every time.”
• Pholc’s Mobil 150 wall lamp >
Vitra: Plywood Group LCW lounge chair
“In our home, we’ve curated a vibrant palette featuring pops of red complemented by hints of blue. This selection of colors has become emblematic of the ambiance we seek to cultivate within our living space. Originally drawn to purchase the LCW lounge chair in red, we opted for a black stained ash finish to complement our verdant green marble wall instead.
Our choice of the black finish extended beyond mere aesthetics. Charles & Ray Eames’ design exuded a timeless elegance that we believed would ensure a harmonious aesthetic and versatility even for our future moves. The thoughtful consideration of human proportions in the chair not only enhances comfort but imbues it with a sculptural quality beyond functionality.
Our fascination extends to the chair’s construction, particularly the innovative use of bent plywood. Its remarkable craftsmanship adds a unique and captivating touch to our space, enhancing both its visual appeal and structural integrity.”
• Vitra’s Plywood Group LCW lounge chair >
Flos: Luminator floor lamp
“A well-designed home is one that is cleverly illuminated to bring comfort to the eyes while encouraging productivity. This principle guided our decision when purchasing Flos’ Luminator floor lamp.
Designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the lamp’s contemporary design not only harmonizes with our interior decor but also delivers abundant diffused light, creating a conducive environment for our daily activities. Equipped with smart technology, it affords us precise control over the lighting settings, seamlessly integrating convenience into our daily routines.
We were also drawn to the lamp’s sleek aesthetic, characterized by its slender metal legs reminiscent of a tripod stand. This design element imparts a playful yet refined charm that resonates with our modern sensibilities.”
• Flos’ Luminator floor lamp >
Spring Copenhagen: Salt Egg
“During the process of designing our first kitchen, we encountered the challenge of selecting suitable accessories. It was a balancing act between practicality and aesthetics. While functionality was paramount to us as designers, we also sought to infuse our space with a sense of visual appeal and whimsy.
Amidst this deliberation, we stumbled upon the Salt Egg salt cellar, a delightful addition to our kitchenware! Its quirky charm resonated with us, making it a natural choice. Fun fact – we acquired it through a local online marketplace, where we also purchased the iconic Eames House Bird from the same seller. These acquisitions represent a curated collection that has gradually grown since we settled into our new home.”
• Spring Copenhagen’s Salt Egg at Franckly >
How is the selection of furniture in your home influenced by your personal philosophy as designers?
Jun Nan: “I believe that aesthetics are driven by the philosophy of the designer. Each piece of furniture in our home was meticulously selected based on our adherence to the designers’ beliefs.”
Jax: “We were also very conscious of selecting collectible items to grow old with, while ensuring they fit the context of our home.”
“To me, an armchair is an essential piece in every home. It serves as a symbolic reflection of the owner’s personality.”
Jun Nan: “The proportions and scale of the furnishings are also carefully considered, ensuring a seamless integration within the space. To me, an armchair is an essential piece in every home. It serves as a symbolic reflection of the owner’s personality.”
Jax: “We adore the human-centric design philosophy of the Eames couple, which led us to acquire the LCW chair. I once stumbled upon a photograph of the Eameses seated on their iconic plywood chair, which resonated deeply. It vividly portrayed the chair’s sturdy yet ergonomically precise design, offering relaxation without compromising structural integrity. Its compact dimensions showcased adaptability for smaller living spaces, challenging conventional notions of comfort.”
What kind of styling tips would you like to share with our readers?
Jax: “Embrace the beauty that emerges between practicality and style. And be encouraged to follow your instinct! It’s a process of self-discovery. The items we select to adorn our homes reflect our personalities, values, and tastes. This is how a sense of authenticity in a home is fostered.”
Jun Nan: “Buy a rug! Often, I find that it helps to anchor a living space.”
Jax: “Or decorative art pieces!”
Jun Nan: “Another tip I might suggest is to snap a picture of the space and doodle on it to visualize what is missing, whether soft furnishings or harder elements. This is one method we often use when styling for our clients or our projects’ photoshoots.”
If you could pick one meaningful object for our readers to add to their home, what would it be?
Jun Nan: “The Aalto Stool 60, especially those with the unique colored tops! I love that it is such an affordable, practical, ubiquitous piece that is so well designed. I also like the limited edition pieces, particularly the ColoRing version designed by Jo Nagasaka, one of our favorite architects.”
“Choosing something non-practical is really the simplest way to exercise frivolous joy in choice!”
Jax: “I would recommend checking out the accessories section because choosing something non-practical is really the simplest way to exercise frivolous joy in choice! And there you have something unique for your home. I’ve been admiring the Vitra wooden dolls – I love their colors and the adorable two-dimensionality of the graphics in a little wooden sculpture.”
Finally, how would you describe your perfect home?
Jax: “A space that meets our needs without being overly expansive. For instance, our current residence where the living and kitchen areas are appropriately sized for our needs, complemented by a compact yet functional bedroom.”
Jun Nan: “A place that strikes the perfect balance between a relaxed atmosphere and a bit of vibrant energy; fostering creativity and productivity through a healthy level of spontaneity.”
Jax: “To add – natural daylight and ventilation are fundamental essentials too!”
Get inspired
Plywood Group LCW chair
Eames House Bird
Luminator floor lamp
Mobil 150 wall lamp
Palissade Cone table
Aalto stool 60
Evelina Kroon Berry Rain rug
Wooden Doll No. 1
See also:
• Follow @openstudio.sg on Instagram >
• New arrivals at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Melissa Tsang Images: Khoo Guo Jie