In an industry dominated by fleeting trends, it is easy to get swept up in impractical fads and short-lived concepts. Many do get caught up in this whirlwind of ideas, but with years of interior design expertise and experience under his belt, Lawrence Tan knows how to navigate the ins and outs of this field.
The designer, who recently founded his own firm Between Walls, focuses on reflecting each client’s individual personalities through design. It is apparent how meticulous he is when it comes to nailing the details, creating spaces that feel like home. In this edition of Sol Meets, we discover more about the bespoke service Between Walls provides, while touching on topics regarding quality, style, and more.
Casting a spotlight on the natural textures of wood finishings with the Globula Track.
Describe Between Walls’s signature style in 3 words.
Unfussy, Relaxed, Adventurous
My approach to design is to reflect the personalities of the homeowners and work in what they like aesthetically. My goal is not to make the homes look perfect -like in a catalogue- but to encourage a freedom of expression and the right level of quirkiness that is unique to homeowners. This way, houses will feel like homes - real and uncontrived.
How do you define ‘quality interiors’?
I believe a good interior space is about the experience. It’s not entirely about the style, but also how the space makes someone feel. So, it will be about the way we plan and use the interior spaces, the type of furniture and furnishings, and even down to the lighting and the mood it creates. All these elements come together to set the desired mood. When it comes to creating quality interiors, I believe the devil is truly in the details.
Cosy homes are crafted through a combination of different textures, surfaces, and colours complemented by the warm illumination of AEON luminaires.
How does Sol Luminaire’s lighting play a role in creating quality spaces?
I have used and trusted Sol Luminaire‘s lighting in many of my projects. I find that it injects the right amount of warmth into an interior space without compromising on the level of brightness for homeowners. Sol Luminaire’s spotlights are also great in bouncing light off surfaces to give a soft, subtle illumination and polished architectural finish to a space. These effects will not be achievable with diffused lighting.
Is product or material longevity an important factor in designing a functional space?
Absolutely, I daresay it’s one of the most important factors. Through my years working in this industry, I’ve come to understand the saying “you pay for what you get” very well. Home renovations are a huge investment. To make it a worthy investment, we must ensure that fixtures in our homes - like lighting and carpentry - can withstand the test of time.
I had a client who was deciding between getting lights from Sol Luminaire or sourcing online for more affordable options. When he visited Sol Luminaire’s showroom and witnessed what their lighting can do, he was impressed with their products but felt that lights are just lights. What changed his mind entirely was when he felt the product in his hands. The quality and finish of Sol Luminaire’s light fixtures speak for themselves.
An unfussy bedroom design featuring subtle accents imbued with character.
What sets Between Walls apart from other design studios in Singapore?
What we do here is basically problem solving. To begin this process, we always start from scratch from understanding the requirements and preferred style all the way down to space planning and detailing. No two projects are ever the same.
Therefore, it is not so much about what sets Between Walls apart from other design studios but what Between Walls can provide-- a bespoke interior space that can be executed, and assurance that clients will be taken care of throughout their renovation journey. At the end of the day, it is a journey that spans months and our job here is to make the process as enjoyable as possible for both parties.
Which products from Sol Luminaire are your favourite, and why?
This is tough as I’ve used all the lights from Sol Luminaire at least once! If I were to pick a favourite, I’d pick Isa V3.
What I like about Isa V3 is firstly, it has a dim-to-warm function that can really set the mood for a nice relaxing evening. It also has various funnel finishes that can match different interior looks. Last of all, it has a rimless version that is extremely sleek and eases future maintenance for homeowners.
The warm, cosy aura of this beckoning kitchen space is achieved through a combination of warm light from the Globula Track and cove lighting.
What are some ways clients can inject personality into their spaces?
To me, a well-renovated home is just the beginning. Injecting personality into spaces takes time and can be done through decorative, conversational pieces around your home. It’s always good to display items that tell your stories or reflect your interests. For example, artwork, photographs, souvenirs if you enjoy travelling, or sentimental pieces. Not only does this add a personal touch to your space, but you’d also have plenty of stories to share with guests when they come over! Oh, and you can never go wrong with plants - they make interiors feel much livelier and cosier.
Do you typically pay attention to design trends for projects? Or do you look to other areas for inspiration?
Trends come and go; I don’t pay particular attention to them. But Mother Nature surrounds us, and we live and breathe in it. So, I take design cues from nature because I believe that’s the best way to go about creating something that will never go out of style. I’ll bring in natural elements into homes that I design through colours, textures and materials like linen, rattan, timber, and marble. This often results in an interior that feels inviting and relaxed and will certainly outlive any design trend.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I try to take a break from designing or anything related to it as burnout can lead to serious creative blocks! Whenever I am stuck in a design process, I’ll stop and try out something else before coming back to it again with a fresh mind.
