Houzz Tour: Ultra-Luxe Condo Tops International Property Awards
From reconfiguring the layout to selecting the bedlinen, every customised detail was designed for indulgence
Chiquit Brammall
6 February 2019
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
When a home is designed as a space that rewards you, it’s easy to see how it can win accolades from others. This condo unit’s owner wanted her home to be “a luxurious indulgence for one” that she can enjoy and feel pampered in. She left it entirely in the capable hands of interior designer Nikki Hunt and her team at Design Intervention to flesh out this brief, and the result was not only rewarding for her but for the designers as well.
House At A Glance
Who Lives Here: A lady in her fifties
Location: Orchard area
Type of Property: A three-bedroom condominium unit
Size: Approx. 2,000 square feet (186 square metres)
Who Lives Here: A lady in her fifties
Location: Orchard area
Type of Property: A three-bedroom condominium unit
Size: Approx. 2,000 square feet (186 square metres)
The owner wanted her home to be a luxurious retreat to enjoy mostly on her own. Hunt says: “She wanted something soothing and feminine – a real retreat from the frenetic world outside.”
To create that luxurious retreat ambience, Hunt conceptualised an ethereal space that pays homage to the owner’s Chinese heritage. Starting from the lift lobby (left), one steps into a place surrounded by images of clouds reminiscent of guohua (Chinese brush) paintings, and shimmering things.
“As the first impression of the apartment, we wanted her to emerge from the lift as if she was walking into a heavenly space,” Hunt says. “We picked a Phillip Jeffries wallcovering with a celestial feel and played with lighting effects, backlighting the Murano glass console so that it fills the space with a gentle glow that is so welcoming.”
To create that luxurious retreat ambience, Hunt conceptualised an ethereal space that pays homage to the owner’s Chinese heritage. Starting from the lift lobby (left), one steps into a place surrounded by images of clouds reminiscent of guohua (Chinese brush) paintings, and shimmering things.
“As the first impression of the apartment, we wanted her to emerge from the lift as if she was walking into a heavenly space,” Hunt says. “We picked a Phillip Jeffries wallcovering with a celestial feel and played with lighting effects, backlighting the Murano glass console so that it fills the space with a gentle glow that is so welcoming.”
From the private lift lobby, the apartment opens to an open-plan kitchen, dining, living and work area. Lined by the balcony on one side, the skyline enhances the celestial ambience. Soft gold details on the furniture, lighting and wall panels infuse a warm glow and that touch of luxury. As the space is intended for the enjoyment of one, the seating provided is for variety rather than to accommodate a number of guests.
There is a sense of opulence – from the gold-and-crystal cascading chandelier in one corner of the living area to the mother-of-pearl shell mosaic panels on the walls – but Hunt’s expert, restrained hand keeps it to a tasteful level.
“This was a total turn-key project in every sense of the word,” the designer says. “The client placed her complete trust in us and didn’t even visit the site during construction. She fully explained her brief and lifestyle, and then gave us the freedom to design. We chose everything for her, including the accessories, bedlinen even the coat hangers. That is why there is a completely cohesive look to this home. Everything flows seamlessly and this contributes to the sense of serenity.”
“This was a total turn-key project in every sense of the word,” the designer says. “The client placed her complete trust in us and didn’t even visit the site during construction. She fully explained her brief and lifestyle, and then gave us the freedom to design. We chose everything for her, including the accessories, bedlinen even the coat hangers. That is why there is a completely cohesive look to this home. Everything flows seamlessly and this contributes to the sense of serenity.”
It’s in the tiny powder room that things get a little over-the-top. The designers opted to give this space a sensual look, using Christian Lacroix wallcovering depicting lush foliage concealing a cityscape. This is paired with a cut-crystal basin and a ceiling-mounted tap. The unexpected riot of colour in this little room is intended to reflect the owner’s multifaceted personality, Hunt says.
Beside the powder room is the kitchen and dining area. Having removed the maid’s room (which the owner does not require), the kitchen was extended into a deeper nook, giving the owner more worktop space. The worktop was then extended into a dining table facing the living area (the owner wanted the kitchen to be completely integrated into the living room), making it one large cohesive space with the same sense of glamour and attention to detail.
While the owner cooks, she doesn’t intend to entertain so there was no need for a larger dining space.
While the owner cooks, she doesn’t intend to entertain so there was no need for a larger dining space.
The kitchen won World’s Best Designed Kitchen at the recent International Property Awards, the mark of excellence for residential and commercial property professionals.
Reconfiguring the apartment’s layout allowed Hunt to create a master suite where the bedroom, bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and gym don’t have doors that separate them from each other. Instead, floor runners connect them while openings flanked by lighting in gold-leafed niches mirror each other.
The plum blossom motif plays throughout the home, from the bespoke door design at the lift lobby to the wallcoverings and frosted windows of the bedroom and bathroom. The soft gold detailing is balanced with oyster pink and grey elements, and given an extra glow by strategically designed lighting.
The plum blossom motif plays throughout the home, from the bespoke door design at the lift lobby to the wallcoverings and frosted windows of the bedroom and bathroom. The soft gold detailing is balanced with oyster pink and grey elements, and given an extra glow by strategically designed lighting.
The bathroom was created out of a junior suite with its own bathroom. Dedicating that footprint to the bathing zone allowed it the space for a bathtub, shower and sauna room. The natural wicker Punkah fan adds a nostalgic, colonial touch to this curve-enhanced space. Bespoke die-cut frosted stickers in the plum blossom motif give the bathroom privacy, whilst still allowing sunlight in.
The bathroom won World’s Best Designed Bathroom also at the International Property Awards. Stuart Shield, president of the International Property Awards, says: “The judging panel assessed many areas of this project including brief, concept and chosen design. They were most impressed with the overall design and the quality of finish which elevated the project above its competitors.”
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow the owner to enjoy the Singapore skyline from her personal, private gym on this 30th-floor unit. Metal birds soar from the bottom of the wall to the ceiling, ‘flying’ towards the cove lighting where vertical meets horizontal, and leading into a horizontal shower within the gym. The horizontal shower was attached to the gym to soothe the owner’s muscles after a good workout.
Other than the World’s Best Kitchen and Bathroom design accolades, this home was also recognised for Best Lighting in Singapore. “We are particularly proud of the innovative lighting effects that we used to create the sense of romance that the client wanted,” Hunt says.
Other than the World’s Best Kitchen and Bathroom design accolades, this home was also recognised for Best Lighting in Singapore. “We are particularly proud of the innovative lighting effects that we used to create the sense of romance that the client wanted,” Hunt says.
See more of this project
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
Elegant and sophisticated