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Houzz Tour: This Spacious Bachelor's Pad Pulls a Double Act
Communal and private spaces are well-defined through two distinct design styles
For the bachelor owner of this two-storey penthouse, a clear distinction between the functions of the spaces on each storey was a must. He is a busy professional who often has social gatherings at home, yet also yearns for a calming respite at the end of every long work day. “The brief was special in that in came in two parts. The owner wanted the first level to be a modern space that can accommodate parties as well as meetings with business associates, while the second level was to be kept as private quarters, with as little distractions as possible,” says designer Vera Tan of Metamorphic. The renovation was carried out over two phases, focusing on one level at a time, to establish the preferred look and feel for each, while ensuring that the styles were in harmony.
To the left of the living area is the kitchen-cum-bar. Clearly the highlight of this space is the glowing honey onyx bar counter, which adds an extra level of refinement to the entertaining space when illuminated. Matching backlit alcoves on the kitchen wall serve as the display area for the owner’s whiskey collection.
To complement the eye-catching bar counter, the designer chose laminates with pronounced woodgrain for the cabinetry. The glass and metal cabinet above the counter, meanwhile, provides more display and storage area without overwhelming the space visually.
The quotation art which holds special meaning to the owner serves as the perfect accent for this space. “He keeps it as a reminder of how it’s important to always be passionate about what you do regardless of the short-term hardships,” shares Tan.
The quotation art which holds special meaning to the owner serves as the perfect accent for this space. “He keeps it as a reminder of how it’s important to always be passionate about what you do regardless of the short-term hardships,” shares Tan.
The marble flooring, as well as the spiral staircase, are existing features that they retained. “This level is [also] fitted with home automation devices which allow the owner to remotely control the air conditioning and lighting,” says Tan.
Sofa: Natuzzi; tiles and stones: Surface Projects; home automation system: Smart Home
Sofa: Natuzzi; tiles and stones: Surface Projects; home automation system: Smart Home
Crossing over to the private spaces in the first level, one of the rooms was turned into a library upon the request of the owner. Full-length cabinets were also built to display and store his collection of electronics, sports memorabilia, and books. “He has a collection of high-end Nokia phones from the 1990s and a signed Mayweather boxing glove that he won at a charity auction,” shares Tan.
The owner’s sanctuary is located on the upper level, hence the choice of a minimalist Scandinavian style in greys and wood tones. The entire area was transformed into a master suite with an en suite bath, and its own kitchenette and living area. A sliding wood panel doubles as a door for the sleeping area, as well as an enclosure for recessed cabinets and shelves.
The existing bathroom was converted into a walk-through space with open vanity and separate toilet and shower rooms. “The owner requested for a waterfall tap at the vanity,” says Tan. The designer used a marble vessel sink to punctuate the dark tiled area.
Tap: Carlo Frattini
Tap: Carlo Frattini
Adding texture in the compact shower area is a wall decked in tiles laid in a herringbone pattern.
The flooring was replaced with woodgrain tiles for easy maintenance. The tiles in the kitchenette were laid diagonally to create a visual demarcation from the second-level living area.
The kitchenette proves that big things come is small packages, as it carves out space under the counter for not only a small fridge, but a washing machine as well.
“The owner is fascinated by the calmness of Japanese tea rooms, so the living area was decorated to provide such an oasis,” says Tan. A black-and-white patterned rug creates textural interest in the otherwise neutral-hued space.
Coffee table: JotterGoods; seating: Muji
Coffee table: JotterGoods; seating: Muji
Spectacular views of the city await in the balcony, which can be accessed from either the bedroom or the living area. Its generous footprint allows plenty of space for chilling out alone, parties, or for a spot of exercise. A long strip of artificial turf harmonises with the green views, making this the perfect hangout spot.
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What did you find most striking about this home? Share in the Comments below.
Who lives here: Banker in his late 30s
Location: Paterson Road
Size: 196 square metres (2,110 square feet)
Project duration: 1 year (divided into 2 phases)
A modern Asian theme was chosen for the first level. “It was important that the space reflects sophistication and warmth. Clean lines keep the design elegant, and provide the backdrop for the beautiful stones to stand out,” says Tan. The bookmatched Italian blue Gioia marble on the TV wall sets the tone for modern luxe ambiance in the living room.
Camouflaged within the black laminate cabinetry is a door that separates the entertaining spaces from the bedrooms. “The hidden door was actually his idea, because he wanted to separate the public and private domains in a non-abrupt manner,” says Tan.