Feature writing for Home & Decor magazine
Media description
Home & Decor magazine is Singapore’s most established decor magazine. The title’s print and online editions have a total of 60,000 readers, and its website and social media channels have a monthly audience base of 326,000.
As a features writer with the magazine, I was in charge of:
Designer profiles
Design trend reports
Decor news (shops, homes, and inspiration)
Website and social media content calendar
Advertisers relationship management
While cutting my teeth as a young writer, I’ve learnt:
How to make small talk that puts strangers at ease. It involves establishing a common ground, having a genuine interest in others, and asking sincere questions.
How to collaborate with editors, designers, photographers, and business developers. It involves working towards a common goal, empathising with each person’s agenda, and frequent lunches to maintain a good relationship.
How to get a good scoop. It involves arriving before the event or interview starts to observe the environment, and hanging around after to catch up with key personnel.
The stories below provide a snapshot of the types of design-related content I wrote during my time with Home & Decor magazine.
Designer profile
Profiles are some of my favourite stories to write as I enjoy interviewing inspiring personalities.
I interviewed British industrial designer Tom Dixon on how his punk roots influence his aesthetics.
“I think products shouldn’t be too decorative. The decoration has to come from the structure or the material, rather than be another layer.”
Design trend report
I covered local and international design events such as trade fairs, exhibitions, and talks.
Milan Design Week 2015 coverage, with a focus on trends spotted at the Salone del Mobile furniture fair.
Decor news and inspiration
It was our job to be out and about in Singapore, seeking out new shops, visiting newly-renovated homes, and discovering any design-related inspirations.
New shop feature
Besides covering what items the shop has to offer, I would get to know the people behind it in order to give readers a better sense of the shop or label’s design inspiration.
I also had the privilege of visiting gorgeous homes of all shapes and sizes. Whether was a home designed by esteemed interior designers, constructed by famed architects, or styled by the homeowners themselves, my job was to ensure that each home story provided both inspiring and practical renovation tips for readers.
As home decor inspiration can come in various forms, I often cover art exhibitions and events that can help our readers find their creative spark.