Dream Houzz: Editor Chiquit Torrente Designs Her Fantasy Home
Continuing our ongoing series, Houzz editor Chiquit Torrente shares the Houzz photos that make up her dream home
The Look
The Singapore shophouse has an eclectic mix of European and Asian features, and I’d like to keep to that eclectic feel, with a base of mostly white walls (and mouldings) and hardwood floors.
Restoring a Conservation Shophouse
The Living Room
I love pattern, so one wall with an ostentatious tropical wallpaper in the living area would be a great ‘welcome’ greeting to friends visiting my house. White Risom chairs introduce that mid-century Danish-American aesthetic in a subtle way. And indoor plants add so much life to a space (also there’s a fireplace, I know. That’s always a good spot to put the entertainment centre in)!
The Singapore shophouse has an eclectic mix of European and Asian features, and I’d like to keep to that eclectic feel, with a base of mostly white walls (and mouldings) and hardwood floors.
Restoring a Conservation Shophouse
The Living Room
I love pattern, so one wall with an ostentatious tropical wallpaper in the living area would be a great ‘welcome’ greeting to friends visiting my house. White Risom chairs introduce that mid-century Danish-American aesthetic in a subtle way. And indoor plants add so much life to a space (also there’s a fireplace, I know. That’s always a good spot to put the entertainment centre in)!
The Kitchen
Another pattern must-have for me is Cole & Son’s Woods wallpaper, which is perfectly used in this white-and-wood kitchen. I’m pretending that skylight is a shophouse airwell.
I want a solid surface worktop for pizza and croissant-making, and a kitchen island with an eat-in feature so that family or friends can hang out with me while I cook or bake.
Another pattern must-have for me is Cole & Son’s Woods wallpaper, which is perfectly used in this white-and-wood kitchen. I’m pretending that skylight is a shophouse airwell.
I want a solid surface worktop for pizza and croissant-making, and a kitchen island with an eat-in feature so that family or friends can hang out with me while I cook or bake.
The Dining Room
I need this Oh Joy! wallpaper (above) in my life. Also in the above image, the geometric brass pendant is divine. But in terms of furniture, I’d go with a quirky pairing of a dining table with wood-turned legs with modern chairs such as the Eames side shell chairs (left).
Mix and Match: 10 Dining Table and Chair Combinations
I need this Oh Joy! wallpaper (above) in my life. Also in the above image, the geometric brass pendant is divine. But in terms of furniture, I’d go with a quirky pairing of a dining table with wood-turned legs with modern chairs such as the Eames side shell chairs (left).
Mix and Match: 10 Dining Table and Chair Combinations
I really like this luxurious but contemporary colour palette and finish for a dining space too.
And we need a bar cart. Of course.
The Home Office
I want a sunny space that will double as a reading corner and breakfast nook, where we can work together if we’re both working from home. Shelves that go from floor-to-ceiling for books and travel mementos also required.
I want a sunny space that will double as a reading corner and breakfast nook, where we can work together if we’re both working from home. Shelves that go from floor-to-ceiling for books and travel mementos also required.
And an armchair (for reading breaks) with these cushions by Jonathan Adler for a laugh.
The Bedroom
That. View.
And yes, I know – I can’t get a seaside shophouse anywhere in Singapore.
That. View.
And yes, I know – I can’t get a seaside shophouse anywhere in Singapore.
Two of my favourite styles combined: Art Deco and Chinoiserie, both applied with a light hand (let’s forget the urn in the corner though).
I want the rooms in my dream house to be an escape from the fast-paced urban life in Singapore, so they’ll be reminiscent of some of my favourite destinations.
I want the rooms in my dream house to be an escape from the fast-paced urban life in Singapore, so they’ll be reminiscent of some of my favourite destinations.
The Bathroom
A bathtub with a green view (both inward- and outward-looking) makes soaking away the stresses of the day even more relaxing.
Not pictured – I want a spacious shower and a Toto smart toilet that self-cleans, plus his-and-her washbasins.
A bathtub with a green view (both inward- and outward-looking) makes soaking away the stresses of the day even more relaxing.
Not pictured – I want a spacious shower and a Toto smart toilet that self-cleans, plus his-and-her washbasins.
The Guest Bedroom
Isn’t this hanging bed concept such fun? This bedroom reminds me of Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay, Philippines, where I share fond memories with some of my best friends. I want to recreate that ambience in a room where I can host them as overnight guests.
Isn’t this hanging bed concept such fun? This bedroom reminds me of Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay, Philippines, where I share fond memories with some of my best friends. I want to recreate that ambience in a room where I can host them as overnight guests.
The Pilates Studio
So I don’t have to go through Orchard Road traffic to do my favourite workout!
TELL US
What does your fantasy house look like? Share a link to your dream house ideabook in the Comments below.
MORE
How to Create and Use Ideabooks
So I don’t have to go through Orchard Road traffic to do my favourite workout!
TELL US
What does your fantasy house look like? Share a link to your dream house ideabook in the Comments below.
MORE
How to Create and Use Ideabooks
All limitations (budget and freehold issues) aside, I would love to live in a heritage shophouse.
I’ve had the opportunity to see inside a lot of Singapore homes throughout my past life as a home interiors magazine writer, and a shophouse renovated by Aamer Architects in the Joo Chiat area still stands out in my memory. It had all the modern conveniences (mod-con) but at the same time celebrated its architectural heritage. It also played up the traditional airwell by creating a semi-outdoor bathroom in the master bedroom on the top floor.