You can’t fail to feel Grant Lim’s presence in a room full of people. His 6-ft height, fair complexion and boyishly handsome features inevitably draw eyes toward him. And striking up a conversation with him is easy. Grant is charming and warm.

This workaholic of pure Chinese lineage has established a business called Home Studio. Trying to finish a house, he needed materials that would best suit his taste, but found none.

Seeing a void on the market, he worked with the Italian trade council to source tiles, wallpapers and home fixtures. That became the foundation of Home Studio.

“I truly enjoy studying the constant evolution of consumer behavior. I delve into their minds. I gain satisfaction from providing my clients finishing touches which would make their home speak of their style,” he says.

Style influences

Grant’s style is influenced by his thrice-a-year travels to Europe. He tests their market acceptability on a handful of friends, who provide him valuable comments and insight.

“My friends are key in helping shape my style, be it in music, clothes or entertainment. They lead me to explore options and variations.”

It is perhaps this openness, combined with people skills, that has gained him clients. He puts unique touches to their homes, from plumbing fixtures to furniture, and even mattresses he guarantees will give sleeping a new definition.

“I’m definitely a workaholic,” he says. “I simply enjoy the adrenaline rush.”

To unwind, he works out and explores local destination spots. He also invites friends over for get-togethers and creates the right feel and mood.

Respectable dressing

Because his work entails meetings with clients, Grant believes in dressing respectably.

“On workdays, I wear long-sleeve shirts with simple details. I deal with clients with very discriminating tastes, thus, I make sure I represent myself well. How I dress speaks of my taste and is always the first step in making a good impression. I wear solids, never patterns. They exude an air of simplicity and structure that allow multiple pieces in a wardrobe to coordinate flawlessly. Prints are trendy, whereas solids stand the test of time.

“The fabric must be of high quality. I stick to neutrals: black, white, beige, khaki, navy and gray. Even the most casual outfit is dressy, given the right color, fabric and accessories.”

His style of classic simplicity is accented by two items—his watch and shades.

“I fancy watches. It is the only piece of accessory that speaks of the taste of the individual. Shades make the man.”