We showcased KARIN RYSGAARD’s home a couple of years ago, but since she’s in the interior design and home décor industry as one of the owners of Island Living, we knew she’d have made some changes! So we’re back again to visit her home in Kembangan.
Are we right? Have you made lots of changes since our last chat?
I should start by saying just how grateful I am to have been able to stay in my little house on the East Coast, which I love. The rental increases have affected so many people in the past couple of years, with some having to leave as pricing became out of reach. I considered a move, too, but anything within my price range required some serious renovations, and as I had already done that here, it didn’t seem to make sense to start over.
Luck was on my side. My relationship with my landlord is good so the renewal went quite smoothly. I did have to deal with a considerable rise in the rental, but as an empty nester now, and with my daughter Sophie firmly settled in Sydney, I decided to have a housemate. This may sound crazy to some of you, and I never thought I would be back in a house-share situation in my 50s, but it just seemed like a fun idea to try. And it’s worked out really well. There are so many single people here, some who are overpaying for tiny apartments where you couldn’t swing a cat. I thought, why not share what I have, have some help with the rent, and have some fun along the way!
Once this decision was made, I was ready to make some changes and threw myself into action. The first step was to remove the pool. It was great during COVID, but it just wasn’t getting used very often. So I created a decking area instead, adding an outdoor teak bar, and a range of new furniture, accessories and plants to create a fun and lush entertaining area.
The living and dining rooms have had a complete change in furniture, colour scheme and style. I’ve made these areas more minimal. The space feels much bigger, even with a dark midnight navy paint for the accent walls. These areas flow seamlessly out into the outdoor entertaining space, resulting in a much bigger open space.
I also must mention de-cluttering. I went to town on this, moving slowly through each room and cabinet, getting rid of so many things. Many Sundays I would have a table set up on the front pavement with a sign that said, “I’m free, please take me!” Mostly by lunchtime, everything was gone. It felt good that things that I no longer needed were going to someone who would enjoy them.
The kitchen is one of my favourite spaces in the house; I just love to cook and entertain. I gave it a mini makeover, adding new oversized black rattan lights, some simple white cabinets, and a fresh coat of paint. I kept my vintage-style stainless steel sink, sourced from a hawker centre as it was – I just didn’t have the heart to remove it. It’s amazing how, with just a small financial investment, and a little imagination, the kitchen now feels fresh and inviting again.
Next was the office/guest room. This was a real challenge, if I’m being honest. Marie Condo would have had a field day in there! I cleared everything out completely, added in a new bed and furniture from the shop, and chose sage green paint for the walls, and simple accessories. This now feels like an oasis where guests can relax. I still have a working space in there when I need it, but all the files are neatly stored behind a large rattan cabinet.
What have been your best furniture or home décor buys lately?
Having the products from Island Living available to me means I’m really spoilt. I think I’d have to say the large black dining table (with teak dining chairs) would be amongst my favourites. It gets used a lot when I entertain. It’s also fun to style up a black dining table, as anything you add really pops. I enjoy trying different combinations of ceramics and tableware.
The teak and travertine sideboard is another favourite. I love the combination of stone and timber, and it’s fab for storage. Just keep in mind not to clutter the surface of your consoles. Curate a well-thought-out collection of items to display so you can show off the natural beauty of the piece.
I also must mention the concrete furniture pieces that I have added out at the front, also from Island Living. These products are so good for this tropical climate and can withstand both direct sun and rain. Having outdoor furniture that looks stylish and is low maintenance is a must for me, especially with a group of friends when the wine is flowing.
What are some recent design trends you’ve noticed – or adopted! – recently?
#1 I think the “less is more” concept has really taken over. My suggestion is to consider buying less furniture, but buy larger pieces that give the illusion that the overall space is bigger. That way, each piece becomes its own focal point and gets the attention it deserves. Don’t then be tempted to fill in every nook and cranny; leave some open space to allow the pieces to breathe.
#2 Consumers are becoming more conscious in general. So, sustainably produced furniture and accessories made from recycled products, with a story, are making a strong impact.
#3 Black is back, in a big way! I have added black touches throughout each room here. Don’t be afraid to do the same. When it’s combined with natural timbers, neutral tones, textures and a pop of colour, you can really pull together a sophisticated look.
#4 I talk a lot about multipurpose furniture. Having pieces that you can move around from one room to another, chairs for instance, or small side tables are great for this. People often buy way more than they use. Having some chairs in a living space that can be popped out on a balcony when needed is a great tip.
#5 Investing in a couple of pieces of really good storage furniture that look great is a sound move for those struggling with storage issues, as I do in an older home with none. No one needs to know that you are storing your extra bed linens in the living room. Just ensure to buy cabinets with lovely closed solid doors.
What’s your favourite area in the house and why?
The covered space out the front after the changes is getting well used. Sitting out in the evenings is a lovely way for me to unwind outdoors after being inside all day.
Spending Sundays cooking in the kitchen with friends is often the highlight of my week. The kitchen is a really open space with a good-sized dining table and it overlooks the Kembangan community garden. So you do feel like you are connecting with nature while being creative.
You’ve been in Singapore a long time; what do you love about it?
I’m in my 20th year now, and I almost feel like I’ve grown up here. In many ways I have, arriving with a toddler at the time. So many things have changed, including the growth and development of Singapore in general, and people coming and going. Even though it can be sad when someone leaves, there are new people arriving all the time to meet. I do love this transient aspect of Singapore, I think it suits me. People arrive looking for an adventure and a new chapter, so it’s great to connect with them.
As a single mother who raised a daughter here while working full-time in my businesses, having the luxury of home help was a blessing, along with the safety for us both. I never had to worry about Sophie going out on her own. I feel this instilled a real sense of independence for her. The diversity of people and the cultural harmony are also thingswe may all take a little for granted.
And let’s not forget, it works! Things run like clockwork. Where else in the world could you be home in 20 minutes from an international airport?
What are you up to work-wise these days?
When Denise and I started Island Living five years ago, I was still doing quite a lot of private residential design work too. But as the business grew it became apparent that my time was better spent working mostly at Island Living. This has transitioned into me being there full-time now.
Learning to run an e-commerce business from scratch has had its challenges. As I don’t come from a tech background at all, this was quite overwhelming at first. I’m surprised at how much I have learned along the way though, and knowing that I have the backup of Denise and our great team allows us to continue to grow and keep learning.
Connecting with customers at Island Living and helping with their purchase decisions is very rewarding. It’s a great way to share my skills and knowledge and keep my hand in creatively. Running the photoshoots that we do roughly every six weeks is also something I enjoy.
Now I’m working towards doing more travel and sourcing for the business as we move into the next phase. Even though we’re an e-commerce business, our Island Living showroom is open for those who want to pop down, have a feel of the products on display and get some design inspiration.
Are there any trips on your bucket list?
I was lucky enough to go to the Maldives just before COVID – a return trip would be a dream for me. I was astounded that the water was actually turquoise, just like the images I’d seen online! Also, I had the chance to go to India last year for a sourcing trip for Island Living. I’d love to explore it a little more. Further afield, Marrakesh has also been on my list for a long time. The idea of long balmy desert-style evenings, floating around in a caftan, is right up my alley.
Karin’s Recommendations
Furniture Stores & Home Décor
Island Living | islandliving.sg
Originals | originals.com.sg
The Shade Society | theshadesociety.com
Maelstrom Ceramics | maelstrom-home.com
Restaurants
Estate (“for Sunday free-flow brunch”) hilton.com/en/hotels/sinorhi-hilton-singapore-orchard/dining/estate/
Kult Yard (“for tacos, beers and cocktails”) | IG: @kultyard
Ting Heng Seafood Restaurant (“for casual seafood”) fb.com/TingHengSeafood Restaurant
NOU Noodles and Cocktails | IG: @nou_sg
Big Wine Freaks | IG: @bigwinefreaks.sg
Markets & Produce
Khye Huat Vegetable Store | 55 Jalan Tua Kong (“A hidden gem on the East Coast – for the freshest herbs fruit and vegetables, go see Raymond and his team”)
Mr Wee The Chicken Man | WhatsApp 9139 2189 (“I’ve been using him for almost 20 years – really fresh poultry and free home delivery. Sometimes I just leave the cash on the bench, and he comes in and loads up the fridge if no one is home. What a service!)
This article on an owner of Island Living and her home in Kembangan first appeared in Expat Living October 2024 issue. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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