Comments
Houzz Tour: A Cool and Cosy Update For A Hamptons-Inspired Home
Fresh colours and pared down architectural detailing give a nod to the Hamptons style
Verlaine Marquez
9 December 2017
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five years, and now a full-time freelance writer for various online and print publications for the past decade and counting. Part-time crafter, wannabe gardener, and breast cancer thriver.
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five... More
“This landed home was built in the early 1990s and had minimal renovations done by the previous owners,” says designer Arjan Nijen Twilhaar of Aiden T. The new owners discovered Twilhaar through Houzz and liked his projects so much, they commissioned him to update the home.
“They initially leaned towards a contemporary resort look, but I felt that the architectural fabric of the house did not suit that theme,” he says. Before deciding on a style, Twilhaar decided to present two mood boards. “One showed the contemporary resort design, in which I suggested changing all the windows to suit the design. As an alternative, I proposed a Hamptons beach vibe, where we could retain the windows and work with the architectural detail instead of working around it.” The owners were convinced to go for the latter.
“They initially leaned towards a contemporary resort look, but I felt that the architectural fabric of the house did not suit that theme,” he says. Before deciding on a style, Twilhaar decided to present two mood boards. “One showed the contemporary resort design, in which I suggested changing all the windows to suit the design. As an alternative, I proposed a Hamptons beach vibe, where we could retain the windows and work with the architectural detail instead of working around it.” The owners were convinced to go for the latter.
Photos by Gavin Lim of Lumina Photography Studio
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of six with two helpers
Location: Braddell Road
Size: Approx. 3,600 square feet (334 square metres)
Project duration: 6 months
“The Hamptons beach vibe came together because of the grid patterned windows in a white frame. Previously, the home was decorated in a more dim and opulent way. I wanted to sweep away the old design and colours and inject a fresh colour palette, while adding to the architectural details. Since this is a home for a large family, I wanted to keep it casual and laid-back, but still have a touch of formality,” he explains.
By retaining the windows and the original marble flooring (as per the owners’ request), the design for the main living space focused on heightening the ceilings and adding more architectural details.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of six with two helpers
Location: Braddell Road
Size: Approx. 3,600 square feet (334 square metres)
Project duration: 6 months
“The Hamptons beach vibe came together because of the grid patterned windows in a white frame. Previously, the home was decorated in a more dim and opulent way. I wanted to sweep away the old design and colours and inject a fresh colour palette, while adding to the architectural details. Since this is a home for a large family, I wanted to keep it casual and laid-back, but still have a touch of formality,” he explains.
By retaining the windows and the original marble flooring (as per the owners’ request), the design for the main living space focused on heightening the ceilings and adding more architectural details.
There were also some feng shui requirements that the designer had to work with. “The owners opened up the ceiling to let the old chi out and the new chi in and that was an interesting operation. We had to add a bit more scope of work to the roof and ceilings for this,” Twilhaar says.
The overall flow of the spaces was also improved. Twilhaar created a formal reception area just off the main entrance. The pairing of the velvet tufted sofa and wing chairs speaks of both classic and modern style, but ultimately the setting is chic and inviting. The fairly minimalist space dotted with cool colours and statement pieces sets the tone for the Hamptons style.
The overall flow of the spaces was also improved. Twilhaar created a formal reception area just off the main entrance. The pairing of the velvet tufted sofa and wing chairs speaks of both classic and modern style, but ultimately the setting is chic and inviting. The fairly minimalist space dotted with cool colours and statement pieces sets the tone for the Hamptons style.
The TV area is a few steps up from the reception area and is anchored by a custom built-in display cabinet that houses the TV.
“I had to convince the owner to purchase an Ikea sofa for this space. She had her mind set on another piece, but the size did not really work well and the cost was triple. I felt the one from Ikea was a more economical choice, as it will go through a lot of wear and tear. The covers are removable and the cushions can be replaced if they lose their density,” Twilhaar says.
This paved the way for the designer to bring in imported ombre dyed curtains. “I had set my eyes on these curtains for the living spaces,” he shares. Two rugs were also placed side by side to create the oversized look, while throw cushions in different patterns play up the neutral sofa.
“I had to convince the owner to purchase an Ikea sofa for this space. She had her mind set on another piece, but the size did not really work well and the cost was triple. I felt the one from Ikea was a more economical choice, as it will go through a lot of wear and tear. The covers are removable and the cushions can be replaced if they lose their density,” Twilhaar says.
This paved the way for the designer to bring in imported ombre dyed curtains. “I had set my eyes on these curtains for the living spaces,” he shares. Two rugs were also placed side by side to create the oversized look, while throw cushions in different patterns play up the neutral sofa.
As in the reception area, heirloom ceramic pieces were incorporated into the display, to showcase the owners’ Peranakan background.
Another feng shui requirement was to have a large artwork in the dining area. “It was suggested to have a large painting of water to face the front door, so the owners commissioned the artwork specifically for that wall,” says Twilhaar. The painting was done by acclaimed Australian artist Melanie McCollin-Walker.
The designer also opted for a box beam ceiling to add drama to the space. A series of heirloom plates was also hung vertically on one wall, to draw the eye up.
The designer also opted for a box beam ceiling to add drama to the space. A series of heirloom plates was also hung vertically on one wall, to draw the eye up.
New wood-look tiles create a more fluid transition from the living spaces to the well-equipped dry kitchen. Natural light spills into the space from the windows and French-style door to the wet kitchen. With such an airy ambiance in place, Twilhaar created a casual dining nook with a marble-top table and modern stools.
Twilhaar’s signature Shaker style cabinet doors, made in full laminate without visible joint lines, are a nod to the classic Hamptons style. Marble-patterned subway tiles on the backsplash bring a modern aesthetic and complement the cabinetry’s light taupe colour.
Peranakan-inspired mosaic tiles and marine blue borders on the white wood-grained cabinetry create a visual treat in the wet kitchen.
“We annexed the study room into a larger play room,” says Twilhaar. A rainbow striped rug and bright coloured knobs perk up the room.
With growing kids in the household, he advised the owners to keep the room neutral. “A punch of colour can come from a carpet or artwork, but it does not have to dictate the space. By making the room easy to adapt to changing styles and likes, it makes a much better investment in the long run,” says Twilhaar.
With growing kids in the household, he advised the owners to keep the room neutral. “A punch of colour can come from a carpet or artwork, but it does not have to dictate the space. By making the room easy to adapt to changing styles and likes, it makes a much better investment in the long run,” says Twilhaar.
The private spaces are located in the second floor. In the master suite, the designer’s first order of business was to reposition the bedroom entrance by redirecting the entry into the walk-in wardrobe. “This allowed me to create a proper wall to place the custom headboard and create more balance in the room,” he says.
He also opted to keep the original parquet flooring, which was sanded down and stained darker.
He also opted to keep the original parquet flooring, which was sanded down and stained darker.
The addition of a cosy lounge chair allows the owners to unwind with a good book and a cup of coffee. The overall mood in the room is quiet elegance.
Going for a tone-on-tone scheme lends an air of formality to the master bathroom. Large-format marble-patterned wall tiles and granite floor tiles clad the surfaces. The custom vanity and framed mirror also complement the palette.
Across the master suite are the girls’ and boys’ rooms. Family portraits add a personal touch to the hallway leading to the bedrooms.
The girls’ bedroom is dressed in whites, pinks and corals for feminine charm. A custom ladder leads to the newly created loft. “While changing the ceilings in the kids’ bedrooms, we discovered a large space above the ceiling. We decided to convert the space into a play loft,” shares Twilhaar.
Related Stories
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Silk Road-Inspired Design for an Inter-Terrace Home
Cross-border inspiration from the past brings together the homeowners' Thai, Indian and Singaporean heritage
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
Perth Houzz Tour: Singapore Firm Brings Mid-Century House to Life
Perth homeowners commissioned Design Intervention to design the interiors of their dream house
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Old Meets New in a Restored Pre-War Shophouse
Traditions are revived, even as innovations are introduced, in the restoration-and-renovation of this conservation home
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Form Follows Site in a Hilly, Multi-Generational Home
Aamer Architects walks us through this sculptural house designed for three generations, and to follow its hilly location
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: House #1 is a Study of Light and Shadow
This home establishes an architectural link with its neighbours while keeping the interior spaces bright and clean-lined
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Architectural Lines and Patterns Dress up This Family Home
The 5-bedroom inter-terrace is a neat and elegant residence for three generations
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Terrace Adds Fresh, Modern Character to Neighbourhood
The contemporary, climate-sensitive rebuild was done as the owners required more space
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Touches of Walnut Add Warmth to This Family Terrace
Clever space-planning gave this split-level terrace house more room for family, relaxation, and entertaining
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Global Flair in a Conservation Shophouse
A well-travelled expat settles in Singapore, hoping to showcase his growing art collection in his new home
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Developed Semi-D Gets Luxury Resort Interior Styling
Well-lit and effortlessly decorated spaces for family bonding were key for the four generations who live here
Full Story