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Houzz Tour: This Condo's Revamp is a Meeting of Styles and Needs
Contemporary and eclectic elements make this 30-year-old flat bright and breezy
Having lived in this condo development before, the clients were familiar with the spaciousness that older apartments are known for. They were actively looking around in the same development for a bigger unit and a better view when they came across this 30-year-old apartment with both sea and city views.
However, the layout was awkward and impeded their lifestyle, according to designers Victor Ting and John Au of The Carpenter’s Workshop. “The couple shuttle between their homes in New Zealand and Singapore, but love to entertain at home,” the designers say. The design team had to create clear-cut zones for not just entertaining but also a dedicated home office as the husband works from home while in Singapore.
However, the layout was awkward and impeded their lifestyle, according to designers Victor Ting and John Au of The Carpenter’s Workshop. “The couple shuttle between their homes in New Zealand and Singapore, but love to entertain at home,” the designers say. The design team had to create clear-cut zones for not just entertaining but also a dedicated home office as the husband works from home while in Singapore.
Pivoting doors on both sides of the columns replaced the old sliding doors, helping create a seamless flow between the living spaces and the balcony.
The designers chose not to build a lot of built-in cabinetry to allow the apartment to be a canvas for the owners. Even the TV was not mounted but set on a mid-century modern-inspired console.
The designers chose not to build a lot of built-in cabinetry to allow the apartment to be a canvas for the owners. Even the TV was not mounted but set on a mid-century modern-inspired console.
Enhancing the laid-back atmosphere in the open living-dining space is an eclectic mix of furniture against a neutral palette. Seat and table heights are low, adding to the casual, no-fuss ambience. The wood-toned dining area, meanwhile, adds warmth to the Volakas marble flooring.
“The original kitchen was tucked into a odd-shaped area, which was not conducive for cooking and entertaining,” the designers say. In response to the owners’ request to have a spacious kitchen where they can cook and host their guests comfortably, the designers decided to move the kitchen to the space where the living area used to be.
The well-equipped one-wall kitchen, coupled with an island, affords the owners a more efficient workflow, allowing them to mingle with guests as they cook. The flow between the open kitchen and breezy balcony is also in style with the couple’s entertaining habits.
The well-equipped one-wall kitchen, coupled with an island, affords the owners a more efficient workflow, allowing them to mingle with guests as they cook. The flow between the open kitchen and breezy balcony is also in style with the couple’s entertaining habits.
Decorative wall lamps light up the passageway to the private spaces. Fronting these feature lights is the entertainment-cum-guest room. A wall in this room was removed and replaced with metal-framed glass sliding doors to increase the sense of space.
The hall also leads to the common bathroom on the right, and the study at the end of the hall.
The hall also leads to the common bathroom on the right, and the study at the end of the hall.
“The entertainment room was customised for the husband who is into music and likes listening to records,” the designers say. The space is minimally furnished with a low couch and mood lights, which encourages comfortable lounging.
The original master bathroom was enlarged, and its entrance was re-orientated to be accessible from the outside to turn it into the new common bathroom. A spa-like ambience is apparent in this space.
The study which is the husband’s turf, is the only room in the house that has coloured walls. “The furniture in the study is predominantly wood and dark-toned, so the bluish grey colour provides a contrast,” the designers say.
Although the room can be closed off from the outside and from the adjacent master bedroom, the study is designed to be part of the spacious master suite.
Although the room can be closed off from the outside and from the adjacent master bedroom, the study is designed to be part of the spacious master suite.
Two bedrooms were merged to create a spacious and airy master bedroom. Solid oak flooring warms up the pristine white decor. The overall look is contemporary; the mood restful.
The designers also utilised an empty corner of the room for a dressing/lounging area, complete with open shelving designed for outerwear, bags, a standing mirror, and an oversized ottoman. A chest of drawers that resembles vintage luggage serves as a focal point in the area.
Earth-toned homogenous tiles in the spacious master bathroom take on a modern flair with contemporary fittings.
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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 – he is a New Zealander, while she is a Singaporean
Location: Bayshore Road
Size: 2,330 square feet (216 square metres)
Project duration: 4 months
The first thing that greets you as you enter are a pair of columns in the middle of the space. This creates a narrow passage that aligns with the main door and opens up to the balcony.
The designers decided to frame this passageway with a pair of ethnic Chinese doors. “We removed the surface finish of the columns and left them in their raw state. This turned the constraint of two awkward columns into an interesting juxtaposition with the antique doors,” the designers say.