I’ve been following the account Haus by G for a while. There’s a beautiful calmness watching the way this homeowner moves furniture around, sets up a corner vignette and is continually turning his apartment into a reflection of his own personality and style. As the perfect candidate for a Habitus Design Hunter, I sent him some questions…
And if you love mid-century design and quirky homes – definitely give Haus by G a follow!
Tell us about yourself, your background and what led you to where you are now
My name is Georgene, and I work in the construction industry. Since I was young, I’ve been intrigued by home designs and the importance of tailoring a home to each individual’s style. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore numerous beautiful homes, both locally and abroad, and this exposure has fuelled my passion for mid-century furniture and architecture. There’s something about classic furniture that captures my attention every time, and I’m also in love with an eclectic style where I can experiment with pops of colours and mix and match different finishes in my home.
Moreover, I have no formal education in design; it’s simply a hobby that gained momentum when my family and I decided to embark on a renovation project with our home. This project allowed me to delve deeper into design and develop my personal style, combining my love for classic furniture and my fascination with eclectic design.
My style isn’t very common here in Singapore, and no one from my family is design-trained. That’s why I started the whole social media journey around my home design. It began as a curious and passionate project to see how many people out there share a similar design taste and to connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate this distinctive interior styles.
Tell us about your home – when did you move in?
I have been residing in this home for approximately 10 years now. Until recently, at the beginning of this year, my family and I decided to undertake a partial major renovation project. Interestingly, what you see here is actually a bedroom that we transformed into a loft. By utilising the attic space above and extending the room, we were able to create a more spacious area, almost like a mini home. I feel incredibly blessed to finally have the opportunity to furnish the space with each piece thoughtfully planned out beforehand. My approach to space design is ever-changing, and that’s what makes home interiors so enjoyable. I always love exploring and experimenting with different spaces, and the anticipation of coming back to my home holds immense importance for me.
How would you describe your interior style?
Describing my home style is one of the toughest questions I encounter. I find myself drawn to a blend of mid-century modern aesthetics with a touch of eclecticism, incorporating elements of post-modernism and maximalism. Mixing different colours and finishes can be a challenge, but when done thoughtfully, it creates an amazing look. I have a diverse taste in various objects and furniture from different centuries, and blending them together is something I strive to achieve skilfully.
In addition to this, I love to incorporate dedicated corners of my hobbies, such as home gardening and coffee, into my space. So, honestly, the themes in my home can vary depending on where you look. I adore the idea of it, even though it’s not the most conventional approach. Ultimately, it should reflect the homeowner, and that’s what matters most to me.
Can you share some stories about the furniture and homeware pieces you have in your home – where did you source them, were some hard to find?
What I love about timeless furniture is the inherent value it holds and the unique stories behind each piece. The majority of my furniture is thrifted from a local mobile app called Carousell. I prefer this approach over purchasing furniture at retail stores, as it can become quite costly. I hold a strong belief in the integrity of post-war designer furniture and how beautifully they age over time.
One of the most challenging pieces of furniture for me to source was the LC1 chair by Cassina. It had been on my Wishlist for a long time, and I was finally able to find it through a recommendation from a friend who connected me with a local seller in Berlin. Dealing with international shipping and delivery costs to Singapore was always a concern, but luckily, we managed to make it work at a reasonable price. Acquiring that chair brought me immense satisfaction, as it had been a sought-after piece for quite some time.
How does design play a role in your life?
Design holds tremendous significance for me. Its impact goes beyond aesthetics, playing a huge role in shaping our lifestyles and evoking emotions. I firmly believe in investing in items of great value and aligning them with our passions, not only with furniture but also with basic needs such as hobbies and passions, all of which link to design. This is why design is so unique to each of us. The essence of design permeates our daily lives, enriching our experiences in profound and meaningful ways.
.
“The essence of design permeates our daily lives, enriching our experiences in profound and meaningful ways.”
.
What does home mean to you?
Home to me is a safe space. It provides security, comfort, and the freedom to be vulnerable. It is a place I genuinely look forward to every single day, and my wish is for everyone else to experience the same sense of warmth and belonging in their own homes.
I also work a lot from home, so I strive to create an environment that is not only inviting and comforting but also productive, almost like a studio space. It’s where I can bring my creative ideas to life, and I hope that my home inspires that same sense of productivity for others.
How does your home reflect your passions, interests and creativity?
My home is a reflection of my interests and passions. Being a plant collector myself, one of my big dreams is to have an indoor tree overlooking a cosy seating area, creating a peaceful vibe. Coming home to a space filled with plants brings me a profound sense of fulfilment that few things can replicate.
Also, if you look around, you’ll notice that I have incorporated lots of chrome accents throughout my space. Chrome is a striking finish that, when matched together well, adds a beautiful touch to the overall design. This is one of the ways I showcase my creativity through incorporating different styles into my space.
What’s your favourite room/object/thing in your house?
This got to be my cherished ‘Eames corner.’ It’s my go-to spot to unwind, brainstorm, and just let my mind relax. The moment I sink into my Eames lounge chair, a sense of calmness washes over me, especially with the soft glow of Louis Poulsen lamps illuminating the space. This quiet corner offers a breathtaking view of the tree outside and the floor-to-ceiling windows that cast a beautiful light over the entire room. I feel incredibly blessed every time I find myself sitting there, enjoying the peaceful ambience it brings to my home.
What is currently on your wishlist?
I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect couch, and Yoko Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in black leather has truly caught my eye. Although I already have a Togo chair, there’s something about the Yoko chair that fascinates me. I admire its laid-back and low seating design, and I’m confident it will complement my space beautifully. The search continues, and I can’t wait to find the ideal addition to my home!
Favourite chair/light design, and why?
Besides my Eames lounge chair, another big favourite of mine is my collection of Akari lamps by Isamu Noguchi. There’s just something about these washi paper lamps that I really love. The soft, diffused light they give off, especially at night – it hits different and sets a chill vibe. I’m a huge fan of lamps, and low key, I think I might be addicted to collecting them (you can probably tell). Akari lamps are simply so elegant and unique, and having the opportunity to own them is a blessing.
