ping

shope c i a l
p
s

Shopowner
with style

Rima Srivastava,
who lives with her
husband, young
son and a pet dog

Her shop

Shiva Designs

Where home is

A two-storey
house in the Bukit
Timah area

Size

4,500sqf (built in)

text Mavis Ang
photography Tan wei te
art direction Kristy Quah

colour
central

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Rima Srivastava and her husband took a long time searching

for the right house. When she first saw their current two-storey
home from the outside, her first thoughts were: Oh gosh,
really? It had been left vacant for some time, and looked
dreary. But things took a swift turn when she stepped foot
in it. There isnt a dark corner within, and it has some lovely
vintage details, says Rima, who fell in love with the space.
The expat couple decided to rent the space from its
owners, and gave them their word that they would respect the
homes existing features. Built in the 1960s, the five-bedroom
home still has its original retro door and window grilles,
decorative floor tiles, mosaics and vintage pendant lights all
of which Rima was adamant on keeping. I already loved its
entire feel, so I thought I would just modernise it with some
cosmetic changes, she says.
The first move was to throw on a fresh coat of white
paint. That was the undisputed choice of colour for the walls,
as Rima wanted to fill the space with the items she imports
for her retail business Shiva Designs and the majority of
them are bursting with colour. She mainly retails her curated
selection of handcrafted homeware, apparel and jewellery
through shivadesignsbespoke.com, but she also welcomes
customers to her home, where she has a showroom on the
second floor. In a home setting, they can see what they can
do with the products. Well also chat over coffee, and many
customers become friends, says the affable entrepreneur,
who also designs her own line of homeware.

Shiva Designs, Rimas

online retail store, gets
an entire bedroom solely
devoted to a showcase
of its items. opposite Rima
at the stairwell, which
remains well-lit thanks to
its perforated wall.

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A rainbow of colourful accessories

come to the rescue of this dated
rental property, the abode of a
home-based online retailer.

With the idea of housing the business in

her home, Rima created vignettes around the
space, combining items from her store and
furniture from her former accommodation. When
visitors enter the property, they are first treated
to a collection of playful porcelain wall art by
Australian artist Jai Vasicek at the front porch.
But Rimas eclectic taste is best characterised
by the living area, which has an unexpected
yet refreshing medley of antiques, Mid-Century
Modern furniture, Asian-inspired art and neontinted contemporary accessories.
Having moved from a small condominium
unit, Rima is continually inspired by her sprawling
new home, and sees a lot of potential in it. Now
that I have so much wall space, Im thinking of
bringing in more art, she says with a twinkle in
her eye. The double-height stairwell is currently
dominated by two abstract pieces by Singaporebased Australian artist Melanie McCollin-Walker,
and accompanied by a typographic map of
London by Punyo Sakharet.
Living in a property steeped with historical
elements has encouraged her to seek out and
represent local artists who articulate Singapores
culture in their works. Blessed with an expansive
porch that faces a lovely lush garden, Rima plans
to host more events with other entrepreneurs.
Its such a great space. Were surrounded by
greenery, and its just so peaceful out here, she
says with pride.

Rimas charming style is

reflected in this set-up
featuring a Tibetan chest,
an antique stool and an art
piece by Melanie McCollinWalker. below The in-house
showroom features Bonnie
& Neil table runners and
porcelain tableware by
Samantha Robinson.

above Retro, classical

My house is a reflection of my store. Artists and designers like Bonnie

& Neil, Zaishu and Jai Vasicek, who create beautiful furnishings and
homeware, help me enhance my home and inspire me.

and contemporary styles

are matched well here.
far left Cheerful art by
Christy Wellington, aptly
paired with bold textiles
and cushions from
Bonnie & Neil. left The
house is peppered with
invigorating accessories.

Rimas Shopping Sources

Originals I love its antique Indian furniture pieces.
They go beautifully with my retro Modern aesthetic.
Lorgans Retro furniture with beautiful craftsmanship.

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Hermon & Hermon We bought some beautiful furniture

and lamps from this store in Melbourne.

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Just Anthony We have some wonderful Chinese antiques

from this treasure trove. I find that its pieces blend very well
with the modern feel of my house.