The grand opening of ABCD's flagship space at Katong featured a unique cross-disciplinary fine arts exhibition
Cover The grand opening of ABCD's flagship space at Katong featured a unique cross-disciplinary fine arts exhibition
The grand opening of ABCD's flagship space at Katong featured a unique cross-disciplinary fine arts exhibition

A Blue Cube Design (ABCD) unveiled its flagship space in Katong by merging interior design with fine arts in a one-day collaboration on November 16

The relationship between good interior design and art is intrinsic, so much so that most people don't give it a second thought. But the designers at A Blue Cube Design (ABCD) aren't most people. That’s why, to celebrate the grand opening of the studio's flagship space in Katong, they decided to hold a one-day cross-disciplinary art exhibition featuring Taiwanese artists and local talents from Dr Lowly, IsArt Gallery, Prestige Gallery and Linda Gallery.

Held on November 16, the grand opening of the four-storey ABCD flagship space at 184 East Coast Road merged the beauty of interior design with fine arts through a curated art exhibition, accompanied by exclusive interior design showcases for homeowners, art enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. To ABCD, their mission was to “weave together the worlds of art and interior design—a gentle reminder that interior spaces are, in themselves, living canvases". The studio adds, "As designers who shape the environments people inhabit, we believe our responsibility extends beyond aesthetics to sustainability, culture, and humanity.”

Serendipitous spark

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Tung Ching Yew, Adrian Heng, Eric Ong, Averse Yau, Swan, Carol, Carlos Sim
Above Tung Ching Yew, Adrian Heng, Eric Ong, Averse Yau, Swan, Carol, Carlos Sim
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ABCD founder Averse Yau giving a speech after the ribbon-cutting ceremony
Above ABCD founder Averse Yau giving a speech after the ribbon-cutting ceremony
Tung Ching Yew, Adrian Heng, Eric Ong, Averse Yau, Swan, Carol, Carlos Sim
ABCD founder Averse Yau giving a speech after the ribbon-cutting ceremony

The collaboration came about organically, sparked by Dr Lowly—also known as Low Lee Yong. Dr Lowly of Rekindle Art is a former medical doctor turned health tech entrepreneur who founded MHC Asia Group, now known as HMI Managed Care, a network of over 2,000 clinics across Asia. After retiring in 2021, he became a self-taught artist and has since exhibited his works in prestigious private jet airport lounges across China.

Read more: Home tour: West Vancouver renovation transforms 1970s house into a stunning art gallery

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Prestige Gallery's Rebirth from the Cocoon - 04, Seed by artist Chen Chunmu
Above Prestige Gallery's Rebirth from the Cocoon - 04, Seed by artist Chen Chunmu
Prestige Gallery's Rebirth from the Cocoon - 04, Seed by artist Chen Chunmu

The spark grew when the ABCD team visited Taiwan on a company incentive trip. There, they found themselves “discussing how Singapore’s interior landscape is evolving—how homeowners are beginning to embrace art not just as décor, but as an integral part of their living environment. In that moment, the idea of an exhibition surfaced naturally, almost intuitively.”

Weaving art with intention and interior design

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Works by Dr Lowly and IsArt Gallery were exhibited at ABCD’s flagship space
Above Works by Dr Lowly and IsArt Gallery were exhibited at ABCD’s flagship space
Works by Dr Lowly and IsArt Gallery were exhibited at ABCD’s flagship space

The heart of this event was to weave together the worlds of art and interior design, gently reminding us that interior spaces can serve as living canvases. In celebrating the opening, ABCD wanted every gesture to carry intention. Instead of discarding off-cut marble from their projects, the team transformed these remnants and gave it new life as beautiful table lamps.

Read more: Home tour: an art collector’s refined duplex in Dubai where art and design converge through feng shui

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Guests indulged in the beautifully curated food presentation set on ABCD's natural granite island on level one of the studio
Above Guests indulged in the beautifully curated food presentation set on ABCD's natural granite island on level one of the studio
Guests indulged in the beautifully curated food presentation set on ABCD's natural granite island on level one of the studio

The flowers from the event were not left to wilt either; they were thoughtfully repurposed into handcrafted gifts for the elderly—a small act of kindness returned to the community.

Through these moments, ABCD wanted to express a deeper message: that design is not only about creating spaces, but also about honouring resources, uplifting people, and infusing meaning into every detail.

A living, breathing design atelier

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The founders of ABCD, joined by members of Society of Interior Design Singapore, Singapore Furniture Industries Council, Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers and Malaysian Interior Industry Partners Association
Above The founders of ABCD, joined by members of Society of Interior Design Singapore, Singapore Furniture Industries Council, Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers and Malaysian Interior Industry Partners Association
The founders of ABCD, joined by members of Society of Interior Design Singapore, Singapore Furniture Industries Council, Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers and Malaysian Interior Industry Partners Association

ABCD was founded in 2020 by interior designer Averse Yau, alongside a team of equally seasoned and passionate professionals each bringing over a decade of expertise in crafting dream homes. The studio's quirky name, A Blue Cube Design, was inspired by the founders’ desire for a simple yet memorable name starting with the letter “A” to symbolise excellence.

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The first level of ABCD's studio is a showroom where diverse materials come together in a quiet harmony
Above The first level of ABCD's studio is a showroom where diverse materials come together in a quiet harmony
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The second level of ABCD's studio, dubbed the “Designers’ Hotdesk”, is an ever-evolving space that transitions seamlessly into a gallery-like area
Above The second level of ABCD's studio, dubbed the “Designers’ Hotdesk”, is an ever-evolving space that transitions seamlessly into a gallery-like area
The first level of ABCD's studio is a showroom where diverse materials come together in a quiet harmony
The second level of ABCD's studio, dubbed the “Designers’ Hotdesk”, is an ever-evolving space that transitions seamlessly into a gallery-like area

“It has long been our dream to establish a showroom in Katong—a neighbourhood where history, culture, and creativity meet effortlessly. Once home to grand villas and distinguished families, Katong carries with it a rich Peranakan spirit: vivid colours, intricate motifs, and a harmonious blend of traditions that have shaped its unmistakable architectural character,” the team notes.

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Guests at ABCD's flagship space exploring the cross-disciplinary art gallery
Above Guests at ABCD's flagship space exploring the cross-disciplinary art gallery
Guests at ABCD's flagship space exploring the cross-disciplinary art gallery

“ABCD has always chosen a different path from typical design firms, embracing authenticity, artistry, and a deep sense of place. Katong mirrors that philosophy beautifully. Its heritage, diversity, and creative energy resonate perfectly with our direction, our identity, and the community we hope to connect with.”

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IsArt Gallery's Monica and Kate by Alea Pinar Du Pre
Above IsArt Gallery's Monica and Kate by Alea Pinar Du Pre
IsArt Gallery's Monica and Kate by Alea Pinar Du Pre

To ABCD, this new studio space is not just a workplace, but a creative home where ideas unfold. It is also a space where clients can become part of the design story. “Ultimately, our vision is to craft a living, breathing design atelier. Here, homeowners can wander, touch, discover, and truly experience materials and mechanisms in an intimate, tactile way,” the team adds. 

Looking forward

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ABCD is currently exploring the idea of hosting something once every quarter, with each edition featuring a fresh concept
Above ABCD is currently exploring the idea of hosting something once every quarter, with each edition featuring a fresh concept
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Brochures detailing the art featured at the opening of ABCD's flagship space
Above Brochures detailing the art featured at the opening of ABCD's flagship space
ABCD is currently exploring the idea of hosting something once every quarter, with each edition featuring a fresh concept
Brochures detailing the art featured at the opening of ABCD's flagship space

Thanks to the positive response and support received, ABCD intends to continue showcasing artists in their flagship space. “At this stage, we’re exploring the idea of hosting something once every quarter—each edition featuring a fresh concept, new ideas, or innovative collaborations that keep the experience inspiring and ever-evolving,” says the ABCD team.

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