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Houzz Tour: Light and Shadow Lead the Mood in This Home
This couple's streamlined, pared-down lifestyle is matched by contrasting spaces set to exacting standards
Architect William Ng of Studio Wills + Architects describes the owners of this walk-up apartment as the epitome of simple living. “At any one time, the wife’s clothes will not exceed the capacity of a 1.2-metre-wide wardrobe – they’re that simple. They asked for pared-down aesthetics; a ‘quiet’ interior where they can slow down at the end of a hectic day or week,” he says.
In order to create this calming haven, Ng and designer Wu Shan Yat drew on the contrasting concept of light-vs-dark, framing interior views through the visual effects of light and shadow.
In order to create this calming haven, Ng and designer Wu Shan Yat drew on the contrasting concept of light-vs-dark, framing interior views through the visual effects of light and shadow.
From the cool darkness of the foyer one steps into the bright, light-filled living room that looks out to a lush green view framed by a dark balcony.
Ng and Wu designed a built-in TV ledge, clad in travertine from Hafary, to run the length of the living room.
Tribeca sofa and Tridente coffee table by Poliform: Space Furniture; Custom armchairs: Pasardina
Ng and Wu designed a built-in TV ledge, clad in travertine from Hafary, to run the length of the living room.
Tribeca sofa and Tridente coffee table by Poliform: Space Furniture; Custom armchairs: Pasardina
The light-filled living room then transitions to a dim and intimate dining room (before entering the brighter kitchen and master bedroom).
“The result [of this movement of dark and light] is a constellation of contrasting spaces; compressive and expansive, dark and light, and a journey through them”, Ng says.
“The result [of this movement of dark and light] is a constellation of contrasting spaces; compressive and expansive, dark and light, and a journey through them”, Ng says.
Sandwiched by the brighter kitchen and living room, the dining room also features a pocket sliding door that allows the owners to close off the kitchen from this social space.
The kitchen is brightened up with taupe laminate-clad cabinets and white quartz countertop.
Laminate: Jennings; Quartz: K-Stone
Laminate: Jennings; Quartz: K-Stone
Simply furnished, the master bedroom is a fresh and cosy space in white and wood. The designers installed new flooring in the bedrooms using timber floor boards from Perswood.
All light fittings: Lightcraft
All light fittings: Lightcraft
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What did you find most striking about this home? Share in the Comments below.
What did you find most striking about this home? Share in the Comments below.
Who lives here: A couple in their late 30s
Location: Clementi
Size: 1,787 square feet (166 square metres)
Project duration: 8 months
Designers: William Ng and Wu Shan Yat of Studio Wills + Architects
Ng and Wu worked this play of light and dark by manipulating ceiling height and using contrasting colours in the built-in finishes. Ng says, “The first space upon entering the home is the foyer, which is a dark space – a gesture of leaving behind the ‘outside world’.” Sand-coloured tiles from Builders Shop are contrasted with dark wood-look laminate paneling from Lamitak.