Houzz Tour: Opulent Apartment Inspired by Designer Gianni Versace
Unmistakable Versace lavishness and bold colour worked jointly with feng shui guidelines for a two-generation family
Niki Bruce
2 February 2018
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
With the current online interest regarding the shocking murder of iconic fashion designer Gianni Versace in 1997 portrayed in a new TV series, it seems appropriate that his genius continues to inspire interior designers the world over.
A young financial consultant living in Singapore with his parents was directed by his feng shui master to employ the opulent luxury of Versace’s classic motifs, finishes and colours.
Interior design firm Sugarbakers, under the creative direction of Andre Meeuwis, used Versace’s signature Greek fret or key design as the basis for their elegant design and centred the palette around black, gold and blue.
Meeuwis is particularly happy with the custom kitchen, which is unique because it’s more about decoration than utility. “People are thrown off by this space as it does not conform to how a kitchen usually looks,” says Jas Jhol of Sugarbakers.
The feng shui master’s detailed directions played a major role in the design as well. “The marble slabs (for the bathrooms and kitchen) had to be walked up to the penthouse as the client did not want to see any joints and the feng shui master instructed that the only joints were to be horizontal, explains Jhol.
A young financial consultant living in Singapore with his parents was directed by his feng shui master to employ the opulent luxury of Versace’s classic motifs, finishes and colours.
Interior design firm Sugarbakers, under the creative direction of Andre Meeuwis, used Versace’s signature Greek fret or key design as the basis for their elegant design and centred the palette around black, gold and blue.
Meeuwis is particularly happy with the custom kitchen, which is unique because it’s more about decoration than utility. “People are thrown off by this space as it does not conform to how a kitchen usually looks,” says Jas Jhol of Sugarbakers.
The feng shui master’s detailed directions played a major role in the design as well. “The marble slabs (for the bathrooms and kitchen) had to be walked up to the penthouse as the client did not want to see any joints and the feng shui master instructed that the only joints were to be horizontal, explains Jhol.
Houzz at a glance
Who lives here: Owner is a young single financial consultant, and his parents
Location: The Arte, Jalan Rajah Udang
Type of property: Penthouse apartment
Size: 2,800 square feet (260 square metres)
Project duration: 3 months
Designer in charge: Andre Meeuwis
The inspiration for the penthouse came directly from the colours and detailing Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace was renowned for. Versace was known for his use of a ‘key’ motif based on the Greek version. He used it on custom fabrics for his ready-to-wear line, and on homewares and interior design concepts. Versace is considered to be one of the founding fathers of modern fashion design and was key part of creating the 1980s look. He was murdered outside his Miami Beach mansion on 15 July, 1997, at the age of 50.
Who lives here: Owner is a young single financial consultant, and his parents
Location: The Arte, Jalan Rajah Udang
Type of property: Penthouse apartment
Size: 2,800 square feet (260 square metres)
Project duration: 3 months
Designer in charge: Andre Meeuwis
The inspiration for the penthouse came directly from the colours and detailing Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace was renowned for. Versace was known for his use of a ‘key’ motif based on the Greek version. He used it on custom fabrics for his ready-to-wear line, and on homewares and interior design concepts. Versace is considered to be one of the founding fathers of modern fashion design and was key part of creating the 1980s look. He was murdered outside his Miami Beach mansion on 15 July, 1997, at the age of 50.
The Versace influence starts before you even step into the penthouse, where the private lift lobby is gilded in a gold and black suede-textured wallpaper that was imported from South Africa.
In order to fulfil the required feng shui details, the main door to the penthouse had to be custom designed which caused a few bumps in the road for the Sugarbakers team. “The reconstruction and rerouting of electrical points plus the introduction of new security cameras with state of the art technology required a team effort to get right,” explains Jhol. “The main door delayed the project a little as the owner only informed us of the feng shui elements later into the project.”
Lighting: Artilux; Cabinetry and plumbing: ITSDB Singapore
In order to fulfil the required feng shui details, the main door to the penthouse had to be custom designed which caused a few bumps in the road for the Sugarbakers team. “The reconstruction and rerouting of electrical points plus the introduction of new security cameras with state of the art technology required a team effort to get right,” explains Jhol. “The main door delayed the project a little as the owner only informed us of the feng shui elements later into the project.”
Lighting: Artilux; Cabinetry and plumbing: ITSDB Singapore
Once you’re through the main door, white Carrara marble covers the floor, complemented by the mahogany-stained parquet flooring of the staircase. Wainscotting detail throughout the penthouse, added to the walls for a classic, timeless appearance, are painted in Cognac Brandy by Dulux.
The entrance also houses a Buddhist altar that was commissioned by the owner. The precise location and colours were dictated by feng shui to ensure maximum energy flow and prosperity for the owner and his parents.
“Although red was the predominant colour used on the altar, we were able to add black as an accent colour after speaking to the master to ensure the theme flows through the house,” says Jhol.
Blue velvet sofa and lamps: Finn Avenue
The entrance also houses a Buddhist altar that was commissioned by the owner. The precise location and colours were dictated by feng shui to ensure maximum energy flow and prosperity for the owner and his parents.
“Although red was the predominant colour used on the altar, we were able to add black as an accent colour after speaking to the master to ensure the theme flows through the house,” says Jhol.
Blue velvet sofa and lamps: Finn Avenue
The home theatre system sits on a striking onyx marble display unit in the living room. “The marble panels had to be carried up the stairs to the penthouse as they were too large to fit into the lift,” explains Jhol.
Featuring a motif of black and gold stripes that echoes Versace’s design principles, the audio visual console has state-of-the-art technology.
The ceilings are no less extravagant: the designer used multiple layers of gold-leaf laminate with a pearl-white border highlighted by a border of black.
Featuring a motif of black and gold stripes that echoes Versace’s design principles, the audio visual console has state-of-the-art technology.
The ceilings are no less extravagant: the designer used multiple layers of gold-leaf laminate with a pearl-white border highlighted by a border of black.
Another focal point this space is a bespoke velvet Rococo-style blue velvet sofa with gold studding. The blue is a contrast to the strong black and gold that surrounds it. Handprinted silk cushions in loud colours sit on the sofa. According to Meeuwis, this mix of colours is typical of Versace’s style. “Versace loved blue and red which accented his true love – black and gold,” he says.
Sugarbakers took advantage of the 6.5-metre double-height ceiling and created a gold Empire-style three-tiered chandelier with 24 pearl silk shades.
The room needed something else to make it feel more intimate, so striped silk curtains were installed. The curtains are so heavy that a motorised track is needed to move them.
The room needed something else to make it feel more intimate, so striped silk curtains were installed. The curtains are so heavy that a motorised track is needed to move them.
Feng shui stipulated the family had to have a round dining table so one was commissioned in the same onyx marble used for the entertainment centre. The black leather chairs are by Cassina.
The open ‘dry’ kitchen in this penthouse is unique as the client did not want a working kitchen intruding into the living area, but a space that was an elegant extension of the apartment’s theme. The kitchen is used for entertaining rather than food preparation. The existing walls were removed and this entertaining haven created.
Custom kitchen: Sugarbakers; kitchen laminates: Jennings and Admira
Custom kitchen: Sugarbakers; kitchen laminates: Jennings and Admira
The iconic Versace key motif is laser-cut metal trimmed with a black laminate and set against gold leaf laminate doors. Two ring handles placed dramatically give a decidedly ‘furniture’ look (like a large chest).
“We used gold mirrors as the backsplash and aligned this to the overhead cabinet doors which were also surfaced with gold mirrors,” says Meeuwis. “LED light was used to light the Gold Stargaze reconstituted granite countertop. The basin and tap are both black which make them ‘disappear’ into the countertop.”
Yet another striking highlight in the kitchen is the custom oval island that sits in front of a floor-to-ceiling framed mirror. The island is wrapped in black laminate with a chevron design. This same black laminate covers the walls in the space.
A central architectural feature is the staircase with parquet treads which were stained mahogany to complement the brass handrail. Gold raw silk wallpaper at the top of the stairs leads the way to the bedrooms.
One of the bedrooms was converted into a study and the same silk wallpaper and striped fabric from the dining room was used for continuity.
A floor-to-ceiling panel sites the kind-sized bed in the master bedroom.
The silk-covered panel is gently curved and is the backdrop for a faux crocodile leather headboard. The pieces are embellished with bronze studs. Beside the bed are two built-in bedside tables, also curved gently.
Full-height beveled-edge mirrors trimmed with gold with custom laser-cut fleur-di-lis door handles adorn the wardrobe doors that lead to the walk-in dressing room.
The ensuite bathroom is in plain sight, separated from the bedroom by only a wall. The blue and grey marble tiles outline the space to create visual separation, but ensure that the overall concept flows seamlessly from one area to another.
Faux blue and grey marble tiles and faux tortoiseshell Listello mosaic tiles: Hafary
Faux blue and grey marble tiles and faux tortoiseshell Listello mosaic tiles: Hafary
The double vanity area has a luxurious Listello mosaic tile inlay that was carefully chosen to mimic black tortoiseshell.
Continuing the theme, the same granite composite used in the kitchen is repeated here.
Continuing the theme, the same granite composite used in the kitchen is repeated here.
The client added a personal touch with his own Versace-brand bathroom accessories.
Another bedroom was reclaimed and converted into a walk-in dressing room, .
The client’s extensive collection of designer bags are displayed on gold metal and glass shelves while piano-gloss wood laminate trim the other cabinetry.
The glass-topped jewellery case features saddle-stitched details. Other customised storage features include tie racks and belt hangers, all done to the client’s specifications.
The client’s parents occupy the ground floor guest suite and the design was toned down to reflect the couple’s taste. However luxe detailing (like studding on the headboard and silver leaf on the bedside tables) remains a constant.
TELL US
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
TELL US
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Related Stories
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: This Penthouse Hints at Japanese Minimalist Aesthetics
Sliding panels address the privacy issues of the inhabitants without compromising on light, ventilation or the scenic view
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Singapore Colonial Meets Scandi Style in This Unit
The designers fulfilled the owners' brief for their double-storey apartment with flair
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Compact Home That Has More Than The Eye Can See
Home to a family of three, this condo was designed to accommodate seven when it needs to
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: This Condo's Colourful Geometry is Child-Friendly
This home is geared towards giving the homeowners' young daughter a cheerful and colourful environment
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Bespoke Furniture Optimises this 600 Sqft Condo
It's all about customisation to maximise the limited floor area of this apartment
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Curves Add Some Playfulness to a Monochromatic Condo
A black-and-white scheme sets the stage for this family-of-four's personal effects
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Compact Condo Looks More Spacious With its Muji Style
To optimise a limited floor area, the designer turned to the Japanese minimalist lifestyle brand for inspiration
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Sherbet-y Colours Pretty Up This Family Condo
Geometric blocks add a dynamic vibe to the soft and sweet colour scheme
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Black-and-White-Inspired Home is Fit for Entertaining
Their old black-and-white house ambience is replicated in this apartment so the owners can continue entertaining
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Music and Peranakan Influences Make This Condo Home
Personalised details turn this condo from standard to superb
Full Story
Well done SUGARBAKERS. Its so stylish yet homely at the same time.
This is what i call classy !