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Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: This Starter Home Gets The Right Mix of Cosy and Glam
Luxurious finishes and bold colours translate into a contemporary and chic first home
It all started with an image that the owners liked from a cover of Elle Décor magazine (US edition), and a velvet fabric sample that they selected from the fabric library of boutique interior design firm E & A Interiors. These two set the tone and became the starting point of this three-bedroom condo’s revamp.
“They both liked a neutral palette but with pops of colour, and luxurious elements in different textures and finishes. They wanted a home that was comfortable and contemporary with touches of glamour, but without being over the top or flashy,” says designer Chlöe Elkerton of boutique firm E & A Interiors. With the owners’ full trust, the design team set out to create a grown-up, elegant space while incorporating elements of playfulness that befit the owners’ status as a recently-married couple.
“They both liked a neutral palette but with pops of colour, and luxurious elements in different textures and finishes. They wanted a home that was comfortable and contemporary with touches of glamour, but without being over the top or flashy,” says designer Chlöe Elkerton of boutique firm E & A Interiors. With the owners’ full trust, the design team set out to create a grown-up, elegant space while incorporating elements of playfulness that befit the owners’ status as a recently-married couple.
From the main door, the apartment opens to the dining area. A cosy corner banquet seating becomes the perfect area to relax and dine with friends and family. The refined curves and muted colours spell elegant grown-up style, but the laid-back vibe is evident nonetheless. Sculptural leaf wall sconces add stylish flair to the walls.
“This is the most used area of the home and the owners’ favourite place to work, read, chat and eat,” Elkerton says.
Pendant lamp: Jonathan Adler; wall lights: Vaughan
“This is the most used area of the home and the owners’ favourite place to work, read, chat and eat,” Elkerton says.
Pendant lamp: Jonathan Adler; wall lights: Vaughan
To the right is the kitchen, which used to be enclosed. “We removed the wall to open up the space and created a breakfast bar area, which suits the owners who enjoy entertaining. Sliding pocket doors with a glass panelled design separate the wet kitchen and laundry area from the dry kitchen,” explains Elkerton. While the rest of the living hall has retained the existing marble flooring, the kitchen area is demarcated by new, textured grey floor tiles.
The new dry kitchen and breakfast area delivers a bold statement, with its two-toned grey-blue carpentry and oversized brass pendant lamps. The Arabescato marble installed on the backsplash and countertops is quite a stunner, too.
To round off the classic elegant style, the designers also custom-made Chippendale bar stools and used the cut silk velvet fabric that the owners fell in love with for the seat cushions.
Pendant lamps: Circa Lighting
To round off the classic elegant style, the designers also custom-made Chippendale bar stools and used the cut silk velvet fabric that the owners fell in love with for the seat cushions.
Pendant lamps: Circa Lighting
The team designed all the furniture in the house, and chose accent pieces that highlight the cosy glam look. “All furniture was custom-made using a combination of veneer, brass and spray-painted finishes. Upholstered items feature textured linens, velvets and silk embroidery,” says Elkerton.
Brass lamp: Vaughan; accessories: Asiatique Collections and AF Home
Brass lamp: Vaughan; accessories: Asiatique Collections and AF Home
Fabrics: Galbriath & Paul, Vaughan, Stark, Ian Mankin, Jim Thompson and George Spencer Designs, all from E & A Interiors
A purple tufted sofa is a clear standout in the living area. The same vibrant colour is seen in floral arrangements that dot the living hall.
The design team complemented the sofa with an eclectic mix of textures, patterns, and metallic accents like a framed length of wallpaper by GP&J Baker. The walls feature a travertine wall finish. “The clients didn’t have any artwork, so these are ways to add interest to the walls and warmth to the space,” Elkerton says.
Wallpaper: GP&J Baker from E & A Interiors
The design team complemented the sofa with an eclectic mix of textures, patterns, and metallic accents like a framed length of wallpaper by GP&J Baker. The walls feature a travertine wall finish. “The clients didn’t have any artwork, so these are ways to add interest to the walls and warmth to the space,” Elkerton says.
Wallpaper: GP&J Baker from E & A Interiors
The master bedroom epitomises modern elegance – velvet headboard surrounded by a luxe metallic wallpaper, silk curtains and bedspread. Custom bedside tables also incorporate a unique silk fabric for the drawer panels, while hanging crystal lamps add another layer of texture.
“The bedrooms had an old orangey teak flooring. We sanded it back and stained it to a dark walnut, which looked smart and contrasted well against the neutral palette,” adds Elkerton.
Wallpaper: GP&J Baker from E & A Interiors
“The bedrooms had an old orangey teak flooring. We sanded it back and stained it to a dark walnut, which looked smart and contrasted well against the neutral palette,” adds Elkerton.
Wallpaper: GP&J Baker from E & A Interiors
“The master bedroom had this awkward niche next to the wardrobes, so we customised a floating vanity wrapped in mirror with bevelled drawer fronts. The mirror reflects light around the space and adds glamour,” says Elkerton. As a nod to the owners’ playful side, the designer added a bespoke Mongolian fur stool for a fun twist.
Table lamp: Vaughan; drawer handles: Anthropologie
Table lamp: Vaughan; drawer handles: Anthropologie
The master bathroom proved to be the biggest challenge because of its detailed wall and floor finish, says the designer. “Cutting slabs of Carrara marble into strips and laying them in a herringbone design took time and patience. We had to check each and every piece for any colour defects,” she shares.
The meticulous work paid off, resulting in a sophisticated setting. The space gleams in white, with mirrored surfaces, crystal star wall lights, and unique arabesque drawer handles all helping to elevate the glamorous look.
The meticulous work paid off, resulting in a sophisticated setting. The space gleams in white, with mirrored surfaces, crystal star wall lights, and unique arabesque drawer handles all helping to elevate the glamorous look.
Functionality was also taken into consideration. Double sinks coupled with drawers and open shelves provide the couple plenty of room to move and loads of storage space.
A round lighted vanity mirror brings Hollywood glam to the common bathroom. Look closer for a clever design trick for elevating style in a compact, neutral-toned space – blue grout was used for the hexagon tiles. “It was tricky to get the right shade!” shares Elkerton.
TELL US
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TELL US
What did you find most striking in this home? Share in the Comments below.
Who lives here: Newlyweds
Location: Bukit Timah
Size: 1,800 square feet (167 square metres)
Project duration: 6 months