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Houzz Tour: Colour and Memories Bring Personality to this Condo
A vibrant melange of artwork, patterned tiles, and belongings makes this home special for a well-travelled family
Verlaine Marquez
1 June 2018
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
Having rented an apartment in the same condo, the owners have formed an attachment to the estate. This prompted them to purchase this resale apartment, instead of shopping elsewhere for a newer development. “They like it there for the convenience, space and familiarity,” says designer Alvin Ling of The Scientist.
Homeowners and the designer carefully thought through together everything from the layout to the detailing. “It is a mixture of modern contemporary with a hint of cultural elements. The clients have a lot of pieces bought around the world, so the home represents where they live now and where they have been to,” Ling says.
Homeowners and the designer carefully thought through together everything from the layout to the detailing. “It is a mixture of modern contemporary with a hint of cultural elements. The clients have a lot of pieces bought around the world, so the home represents where they live now and where they have been to,” Ling says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple in their 40s, a young daughter, and a helper
Location: Grange Road
Size: 166 square metres (1,789 square feet)
Project duration: 2 months
Who lives here: A couple in their 40s, a young daughter, and a helper
Location: Grange Road
Size: 166 square metres (1,789 square feet)
Project duration: 2 months
The black door, dark blue walls, and patterned tiles lend a dramatic statement to the foyer.
Opening up the spaces was a priority, so majority of the layout was rejigged to create a more seamless flow, particularly between the entertaining areas.
“The extensive use of patterned tiles was an idea that we discussed and explored together,” says Ling. The tiles effectively demarcate the different areas, such as the kitchen from the living-dining area, which has the original marble flooring.
Helping achieve this space transition is the black peninsula counter, punctuated by rose gold laminate trimmings. It also adds more usable surface for prepping and entertaining.
Helping achieve this space transition is the black peninsula counter, punctuated by rose gold laminate trimmings. It also adds more usable surface for prepping and entertaining.
As with anyone with belongings from a previous home, storage is a main concern. Hence, the designer ensured they have plenty of built-in cabinets for their belongings.
The dining set were among items brought over from the old home. “They hold sentimental value,” Ling explains.
The dining set were among items brought over from the old home. “They hold sentimental value,” Ling explains.
All paintings and decorative pieces were also carefully selected, as reminders of the places the owners have lived in before returning to Singapore. “Some are from Hong Kong and Australia, while other travel souvenirs were bought from Indonesia,” says Ling.
To prevent the bold blue living room wall from being too heavy-looking, the designer built a white, inverted L-shaped shelving system and combined it with wood-grained laminate as backing for the TV and media peripherals.
“The artwork behind the sofa is a specially commissioned piece to illustrate the places they have lived in,” says Ling.
The master suite is the first bedroom along the hall and the only room with a balcony.
The midnight blue accent wall gives the room added depth and makes the paintings of the blue and white china stand out. A Missoni stool enlivens the dressing table.
The midnight blue accent wall gives the room added depth and makes the paintings of the blue and white china stand out. A Missoni stool enlivens the dressing table.
In keeping with the clean-lined design approach, the wardrobes are built with recessed handles.
The designer didn’t shy away from bringing an eclectic style to the master bathroom. Although different tiles are used, restricting the colour palette to the same tones helped inject an elegant and cohesive look to the compact space.
Next to the master suite is the study/entertainment room. This man cave was a request from the husband.
“He wanted a lot of storage space, which we built around the TV. The two odd-shaped laminate pieces around the TV can be opened and reveal more shelving,” Ling says.
“He wanted a lot of storage space, which we built around the TV. The two odd-shaped laminate pieces around the TV can be opened and reveal more shelving,” Ling says.
The daughter’s room is a princess’ dream come true. The castle loft bed holds a ‘fort’ below where she can play and daydream.
At the other end of the hall is the guest room, which has a lilac-coloured wall serving as backdrop to the dramatic painting.
The common bathroom shares the same modern eclectic sensibility as the other bathroom, but is much bolder. Again, the key to the look is keeping the colours coordinated.
TELL US
What is your favourite feature in this home? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
What is your favourite feature in this home? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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