To create a contemporary, luxurious abode, he offers some quick hints any homeowner can implement. For one, bold artworks can instantly transform a space, but be mindful of your selections. “An art collection can make or break an interior, so choose your art thoughtfully and ensure it all compliments one another,” Barratt says. “Also, don’t over-clutter your furniture—give each piece its own room to breathe and be admired,” he says. “Lastly, keep your larger pieces timeless, subtle and neutral; use accessories to inject colour and visual interest into the space, these can then be swapped out when you want a freshening-up.”

The furniture offerings from Italian brand Lema appeal to Barratt’s sensibilities for their good looks and functionality. Founded in 1970, the family business prides itself on its “Made in Italy” tag, utilising a potent mix of tradition and innovation to produce furniture that proclaims quality and personalisation as key attributes.

See also: 10 Singapore design firms to know for your next home renovation

“Lema is a brand I’ve admired for a while; its quality, functionality and elegance were made known to me when I lived in London in the early 2000s,” says Barratt. He adds that he loves the Italian manufacturer’s sleek and elegant yet functional designs, which are fashioned to “exist completely on their own, or to beautifully co-exist in one space”.  Here, he details his top picks from Lema’s stylish and timeless line-up of furniture.

Designed by Chiara Andreatti, the Bulè table was crafted to feature a mix of Eastern and Western influences in a nod to the brand’s growing global identity. It features a practical lazy Susan as an accessory that can be positioned on top so diners can share dishes easily, table top options in reconstructed marble or heat-treated oak, and a central structural base in reconstructed marble or bronze. “I chose this table because of the base, which is simple in form yet beautiful,” says Barratt. “It’s a statement piece that would elevate any space.”

Available at W. Atelier

The Maddix lounge chair is positioned by Lema as a “dance duet” in wood and leather, merging two classic natural materials in a harmonious, expressive arrangement that distinguishes this contemporary seat. A light wooden frame supports a plush backrest clad in animal hide, while soft cushions with different densities for the backrest and seat ensure comfort. Its proportions make it ideal for use in the living room as well as the bedroom.

“This lounge chair is a design classic, offering strong, clean lines and complete flexibility in its use,” says Barratt, adding that his firm proposed using the Maddix chair in one of its designs for a five-bedroom landed property in Singapore. “We love its ability to seamlessly merge with other pieces, yet still stand out as its own timeless and elegant chair.”

Available at W. Atelier

Suitable for use as either an armchair or dining chair, the industrial-inspired Ombra bears Italian designer Piero Lissoni’s signature discreet, linear style. Its sleek, solid metal structure supports a rigid propylene seat and backrest that can also be upholstered in leather, with ultra-thin padding assuring comfort. Merging good looks with value for money, the Ombra may look simple but boasts style cachet in spades. “I love this chair because it has a light footprint and clean lines, and is understated yet timeless,” says Barratt.

Available at W. Atelier

Supremely elegant in its simplicity, the Uma bench is a versatile seat that would look right at home in a foyer, living room or bedroom. Its bronze-painted metal structure supports a double-cushioned padded seat in leather or eco-leather, while a heat-treated oak tray with millerighe inserts on which small objects can be placed is incorporated into the frame. Barratt proclaims that the Uma bench is one of his favourite Lema pieces because of its “minimalistic masculinity”. “I love the sleek cushions and clean frame; it is effortlessly sophisticated,” he adds.

Available at W. Atelier

The Lema Maddox bedframe was conceptualised by Dainelli Studio, which drew inspiration from the sails and wooden parts of Italian inventor Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous 1488 design for a flying machine. The Maddox combines a headboard sewn in light structural leather with a frame made with heat-treated, oak-dyed ash wood, with double frontal cushions clad in leather or fabric; its sharp lines put a modern spin on the classic materials used. Says Barratt: “This bedframe is a very flexible, universal piece. I like the lighter lines, which could help to balance it against a more masculine scheme.”

Available at W. Atelier

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