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Houzz Tour: This Semi-D from the 50s Makes a Comeback
All this quaint living space needed was some love and a few key updates
The shrinking footprint of homes of today can never quite measure up to dwellings of the past. Take this semi-detached house built in the fifties, for example, whose most striking features are its architecture and old-school details. While it would have been nice to preserve everything as it is, the homeowners felt that some modern comforts and certain alterations were necessary to make it liveable for this era.
The interior design team from Fide Living worked hand-in-hand with the architect to marry the existing colonial-style details with contemporary touches. Every piece of furniture or new design detail was carefully considered for the home so as to not upset the old-meets-new equilibrium.
The interior design team from Fide Living worked hand-in-hand with the architect to marry the existing colonial-style details with contemporary touches. Every piece of furniture or new design detail was carefully considered for the home so as to not upset the old-meets-new equilibrium.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple
Location: 4-bedroom semi-detached home in the East
Size: 371 square metres (4,000 square feet)
General manager Alvin Ng and his design team from Fide Living have effortlessly revived the house’s cosy and eclectic charm in this large scale renovation. Ng says: “The homeowners were happy with how well the home has aged in the last 60 years and wanted to retain the warm nostalgia of the past.”
Maintaining its colonial style was therefore imperative and the designers kept its existing mosaic tile flooring and vintage window grilles. Most of the building structure was also conserved; save for alterations and extensions in the bathrooms and backyard.
Who lives here: A couple
Location: 4-bedroom semi-detached home in the East
Size: 371 square metres (4,000 square feet)
General manager Alvin Ng and his design team from Fide Living have effortlessly revived the house’s cosy and eclectic charm in this large scale renovation. Ng says: “The homeowners were happy with how well the home has aged in the last 60 years and wanted to retain the warm nostalgia of the past.”
Maintaining its colonial style was therefore imperative and the designers kept its existing mosaic tile flooring and vintage window grilles. Most of the building structure was also conserved; save for alterations and extensions in the bathrooms and backyard.
Hallmarks of the fifties are evident in the main hall with the vintage window grilles and staircase railings. These were given a new coat of white paint. The ventilation or breeze blocks are a new introduction and came from a supplier in Malaysia.
The cosy living area, which is across the hall, features a good mix of vintage and contemporary details. The old-school mosaic tile flooring is original and is a fitting backdrop for the mishmash decorating style combining modern and vintage style.
A skylight, water feature and vertical garden separate this area form the kitchen in the back.
A skylight, water feature and vertical garden separate this area form the kitchen in the back.
The open-concept kitchen departs from the vintage look completely and is the most contemporary-looking area. Glossy laminate, handle-less cabinetry and a neat bank of built-in appliances are a cook’s dream come true. Enhancing the efficiency of this busy space is the expansive island.
Bi-fold doors prevent heavy cooking smells from wafting into the living room and main hall. They also blur the connection between the dining area and the backyard, and let in the glorious view of the lush greenery without visual disruption.
The most extensive overhaul happened in the backyard which has been extended. A spiral metal staircase was also added. Ng reveals more: “As the couple love greenery more than anything else, landscaping was very important. We added trees and lots of tropical plants and to top it off, a beautiful patio with wood decking.”
The strategic application of louvred windows and bi-fold glass doors on the upper floor improves the flow of light and air into the bedrooms.
All of the bathrooms were gutted and remodelled. The refreshed spaces now share a similar monochromatic colour palette and the same tiles. The only distinctive difference is the mirrors, which come in different shapes and dimensions.
The classic black-and-white colour combo evoke a timeless allure, which is sure to serve the homeowners well for a long time to come.
Overlooking the bedroom and balcony is this chill-out room with eclectic mismatched seats. To quote a cliche, there is no place like home, and there is definitely no place like this characterful contemporary colonial-style home.
TELL US
What feature did you like best in this home? Share in the Comments below.
TELL US
What feature did you like best in this home? Share in the Comments below.
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