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Houzz Tour: A Marriage of Styles in This Family's Clementi Condo
Visual and spatial harmony is achieved in this condo apartment – perhaps also proving that third time's a charm
Having worked on their previous two homes, Alvin Ling of The Scientist and his clients pretty much skipped the getting-to-know-each-other stage. “They decided to engage us again because we understand their needs and wants, [because of] our workmanship, but mostly because of our familiarity after working with them twice,” says Ling.
The husband and the wife, however, like very different things – Victorian and mid-century modern, respectively. So they went through many rounds of discussion with Ling on how to go about designing their new abode. They finally decided that “there isn’t [going to be] a single particular style, but a mixture of different styles and cultures.” The result is a home that marries the homeowners’ differing tastes and echoes their boldness to try out new ideas.
The husband and the wife, however, like very different things – Victorian and mid-century modern, respectively. So they went through many rounds of discussion with Ling on how to go about designing their new abode. They finally decided that “there isn’t [going to be] a single particular style, but a mixture of different styles and cultures.” The result is a home that marries the homeowners’ differing tastes and echoes their boldness to try out new ideas.
The living room exemplifies the “fusion of styles” concept. Ling curated differently-styled furniture pieces that work together for a cosy lounging space perfect for small or big gatherings.
Enhancing the chill-out vibe are the owners’ plants brought over from their previous house. These found a new home in the balcony. The area is awash in ample daylight, making it the ideal spot for thriving plants. The enclosed balcony also becomes an extended entertaining area, especially for enjoying piano sessions.
Couch: Lorgan’s
Enhancing the chill-out vibe are the owners’ plants brought over from their previous house. These found a new home in the balcony. The area is awash in ample daylight, making it the ideal spot for thriving plants. The enclosed balcony also becomes an extended entertaining area, especially for enjoying piano sessions.
Couch: Lorgan’s
Openness and functionality are emphasised in the entire area. Walls were knocked down to make way for more space. Although the communal areas enjoy a free-flowing layout, Ling ensured that each corner has its own story to tell.
Right behind the living area is the study area, where a long wooden desk is situated against the wall. White wicker baskets make for a tidy storage solution. More musical instruments also find their spot in this room.
Right behind the living area is the study area, where a long wooden desk is situated against the wall. White wicker baskets make for a tidy storage solution. More musical instruments also find their spot in this room.
While most people would rather stow away shoes in an enclosed cabinet (especially if situated in a communal area), the owner and the designer opted to purchase this large furniture piece to openly display the family’s footwear collection.
Occupying another corner is a sitting area, which is surrounded by a photo gallery. The tufted dark olive green leather armchair is the owners’ favourite piece because of its distressed look. Equally rustic is the small turquoise cabinet placed beside the chair.
Side cabinet: Taylor B.
Side cabinet: Taylor B.
Further into the communal space is the kitchen. All-white cabinetry lends the space a streamlined yet timeless look. A console table in dark bluish-grey is a practical addition, providing extra prep area, or tabletop for laying out a hearty spread when they have guests over.
Art tiles from Hafary break up the monotony of the cement screed flooring. This decorative path also serves as a visual cue leading to the private areas.
Ling chose an assortment of tile patterns for the common bath. The geometric pattern on the flooring, the long light blue subway tiles on one wall, and the marble-like homogenous tiles on the rest of the walls may initially seem to be an odd combination, but the interesting contrast certainly adds a retro charm to this bathroom.
The master bedroom is more subdued in terms of colour scheme. Whites, greys and a touch of turquoise are used to maintain a restful ambience.
The use of white furnishings – on the artwork frames, the bedside lamps, and vanity table – is a clear effort to make this bedroom a soothing place of rest. In a way, it also veers away from the more colourful and busy mix of styles in the entertaining spaces.
Moroccan-inspired tiles add visual interest to the master bathroom. Despite being devoid of bold colours, the patchwork-like pattern still makes the flooring pop.
The art tiles continue all the way to the shower area.
It takes a lot of creative intuition and skill to achieve an eclectic style that looks great and cohesive at the same time. With the combined efforts of the designer and the owners, this home exudes a unique personality, and an aesthetic that is both stylish and functional.
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What do you find most striking about this home? Tell us in the Comments below.
It takes a lot of creative intuition and skill to achieve an eclectic style that looks great and cohesive at the same time. With the combined efforts of the designer and the owners, this home exudes a unique personality, and an aesthetic that is both stylish and functional.
TELL US
What do you find most striking about this home? Tell us in the Comments below.
Who lives here: Richard Ong, Hazel Poh, and their two kids
Location: Clementi
Size: 174 square meters (1,873 square feet)
Project duration: 2.5 months
This apartment is the second unit purchased by the family in Bukit View Condo. Their first home, in the same condominium, was dressed up in English Victorian and contemporary style, and was eventually sold off after a year. Their second home was a Scandinavian-themed loft unit, which they found to be too small for their two growing boys. “After shifting to a few places, this is the combination of some of the things both my wife and I like,” says Ong, the owner. “[It’s a] mixture of Victorian, retro, cafe style, with a hint of antique Chinese. So this is possibly the ‘crash’ look; as long as it is what we like, it is there.”
From the main entrance, the dining area is the first area to be seen. Mismatched chairs and pendant lamps in different colours make it a welcoming space for eating and conversing.