Adriano Tawin is a Singapore-based content creator, as well as the founder of a real estate media company and online home decor store. We sat down with him to learn about his journey from engineering to home decor influencer, the influence of his art collection on his personal growth, and what inspires his creative process.
Welcome to our Inner Worlds series, where we step into the personal realms of art lovers from all walks of life, exploring the profound ways in which art is integrated into their lives.
Delve into Adriano’s artistic universe, with a hand-picked selection of his favorite pieces on SINGULART:
Can you introduce yourself, your background, and what inspired you to enter the home decor industry and become an influencer?
I am a structural engineer by training and currently the co-founder of two ventures in Singapore: a real estate media company called Stacked and an online home decor store named Stacked Store. Growing up, my family moved frequently, which required me to find creative ways to make my furniture and decor pieces fit into different spaces. This experience sparked my enthusiasm for design and styling, and I developed an appreciation for shapes, textures, and forms. Now that I have my own home, I finally have a permanent space for all my beloved objects.
I started creating content as a natural extension of my work at Stacked. One day, I decided to document my lifestyle at home, and I’m grateful that it resonates with others. I’ve always been curious about the limits of capturing interior content using just my iPhone 12 Pro, and I’m thrilled that people enjoy my perspective.
How did the concept for Stacked come about, and what inspired your involvement in this venture?
Before Stacked, I worked as a project and design lead for real estate developers in New York and Singapore. After nearly five years in real estate, I wanted to stay in the field but shift towards content creation. When the opportunity at Stacked arose, I eagerly joined as a partner.
Stacked began as a real estate editorial and gradually built a solid following. We launched a YouTube channel around the onset of COVID-19, which proved advantageous as people stuck at home began reevaluating their spaces. Our channel became a source of design and decor inspiration, and we noticed a growing demand for curated home decor products in Singapore. This led us to launch Stacked Store, collaborating with a mix of local and global design brands.
Where do you draw your inspiration as a content creator?
I draw inspiration from various sources, including other creators on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as shows and movies on Netflix. Often, my inspiration comes from outside the home decor niche. For example, I once admired how a fashion stylist documented his daily vlogs on YouTube, from camera framing to music choices and color grading. I incorporated some of these elements into my Instagram reels.
I avoid trends and focus on consistently creating content that I feel is good and original. This approach helps with personal branding and has greater longevity.
How would you describe your personal style when it comes to interior design?
I’m half-Indonesian and half-Thai, born in Jakarta, and now a Singaporean. My mixed heritage greatly influences my approach to interior design. I use organic elements such as wood, rattan, leather, bamboo, and various fabrics for the main items in my home. These elements provide a consistent base, while prints, sculptures, and decorative pieces add depth and character.
What are the most rewarding aspects of sharing your passion with your audience?
The most rewarding aspect is when people reach out to tell me how my content evokes emotions and inspires them to rethink their spaces. I value saves and shares more than likes and comments because they indicate a deeper resonance with my content.
Do you have a personal art collection?
I have a small, curated art collection, consisting of custom-made pieces and works I’ve purchased directly from artists. One special piece is by Berlin-based artist Leiti, which we collaborated on together. Being involved in the creative process made it even more meaningful, and now it sits prominently on my art wall.
How has your relationship with art influenced your personal growth and life journey?
I spent a significant part of my early life in New York City, where I developed an appreciation for street art. When I moved back to Singapore, I brought with me a piece by New York-based artist Paul Richard, which sparked my art collection journey. Over time, my interest expanded to various art styles.
What are your hobbies? How do you spend your free time?
During weekdays, I typically work late at the Stacked studio. On weekends, I spend Saturdays capturing a week’s worth of content for @madspatial (my personal interior and lifestyle content account), and Sundays are reserved for family time. I enjoy street photography, so in my free time, I explore different areas of Singapore to capture intriguing scenes. I call this “stealing moments.”
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your career?
I aim to grow Stacked Store into an international brand and continue documenting homes in different regions to inspire a broader audience. Eventually, I would like to return to real estate development, but this time under the Stacked brand.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to elevate their living space and express their personal style?
Art is subjective, and there’s no right or wrong way to choose pieces for your home. I select artworks that resonate with me visually or represent a story or memory I cherish. This approach ensures that each piece holds special meaning and fits aesthetically in my space.
Delve into Adriano’s artistic universe, with a hand-picked selection of his favorite pieces on SINGULART:
