Condo / Apartments
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Peranakan Patterns Add Old-School Charm to This Condo
A monochromatic palette ensures that the traditional design inspiration is sleek and contemporary
Having lived in their two-bedroom condo for the last 10 years, the owners decided to renovate to maximise storage space and be more functional, according to their lifestyle needs.
“An overhaul can be more beneficial than buying a new flat. At the same time, the owners did not want to lose the fantastic location and view,” says designer Kuay Mei Yee.
The owners wanted to do away with one of the bedrooms to enjoy a more luxurious master bedroom suite; they also eschewed the traditional living-dining area set-up in order to have his-and-her study tables.
In place of the living-dining area, Kuay designed a flexible work-and-chill space for the owners. In the middle of this space is a lounge area, with the TV hung low on the wall to cater to the beanbag-level of seating that the owners prefer. A woven rug demarcates a division between the two study tables.
Haiku ceiling fan: Big Ass Fans Singapore; Lighting: Sol Luminaire
The owners wanted to do away with one of the bedrooms to enjoy a more luxurious master bedroom suite; they also eschewed the traditional living-dining area set-up in order to have his-and-her study tables.
In place of the living-dining area, Kuay designed a flexible work-and-chill space for the owners. In the middle of this space is a lounge area, with the TV hung low on the wall to cater to the beanbag-level of seating that the owners prefer. A woven rug demarcates a division between the two study tables.
Haiku ceiling fan: Big Ass Fans Singapore; Lighting: Sol Luminaire
Introducing the design theme of ‘modern nostalgia’ is the use of Peranakan-inspired patterns on the grillwork, tiles and laminates throughout the apartment. Kuay used a careful balance of the monochromatic palette with wood finishes to keep the look contemporary despite its traditional influences.
“The owners wanted to add a divider at the entrance to create some privacy,” says Kuay. “We incorporated the eye-catching grilled panel into the full height divider in order to make it unique and airy. The divider features a work desk for one of the spouses because both of them prefer to have separate study tables while working at home.”
The 3-metre-long study table by the window was designed with a pull-out drawer to fit in a printer, and hidden cable management. “Both of the study tables are customised to fit into their individual requirements,” adds Kuay.
“The owners wanted to add a divider at the entrance to create some privacy,” says Kuay. “We incorporated the eye-catching grilled panel into the full height divider in order to make it unique and airy. The divider features a work desk for one of the spouses because both of them prefer to have separate study tables while working at home.”
The 3-metre-long study table by the window was designed with a pull-out drawer to fit in a printer, and hidden cable management. “Both of the study tables are customised to fit into their individual requirements,” adds Kuay.
A black-framed sliding glass door separates the kitchen, especially during cooking time so that grease, smoke and food aromas can be contained. For dining, the owners were happy with a standing bar in the kitchen.
Cement screed floor tiles are paired with grey Peranakan tiles to create a vintage look. The tile pattern, which was echoed by the grillwork at the entrance, is repeated on the grillwork hanging above the dining bar.
Tiles: Hafary
Cement screed floor tiles are paired with grey Peranakan tiles to create a vintage look. The tile pattern, which was echoed by the grillwork at the entrance, is repeated on the grillwork hanging above the dining bar.
Tiles: Hafary
The same black-framed glass panels are repeated to separate the master bedroom from the study lounge, giving the apartment a bright, airy feel.
Note the laminate on the side of the study table echoes the Peranakan pattern of the floor tiles in the kitchen.
Laminates: Keminates and Lamitak; Flooring: Power Dekor
Note the laminate on the side of the study table echoes the Peranakan pattern of the floor tiles in the kitchen.
Laminates: Keminates and Lamitak; Flooring: Power Dekor
The Peranakan-inspired grillwork is carried into the master bedroom. The bespoke bedside lamps echo the pattern, too, using the same laminate as the study table.
The customised headboard doubles as divider between the sleep space and the walk-in wardrobe and dressing table.
A hanging rod installed by the windowsill is a thoughtful, practical touch for the walk-in wardrobe.
Patterned tiles on the backsplash of the master bathroom’s vanity round out the Peranakan-inspired theme running throughout the apartment.
Tiles: Hafary
See more of this project
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join in the conversation.
Tiles: Hafary
See more of this project
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join in the conversation.
Who Lives Here: A mid-aged couple
Location: Tanjong Rhu
Type of Property: 2-bedroom condo
Size: 900 square feet
Project duration: 8 weeks
Designer: Kuay Mei Yee of DISTINCTidENTITY Pte Ltd