Cover A peek into Authors Interior & Styling's revitalised Bartley studio space
A peek into Authors Interior & Styling's revitalised Bartley studio space
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After six years in their original space, the team at Authors Interior & Styling reimagined their Bartley studio as a living reflection of their creative ethos
After a number of years in their office, the team at Authors Interior & Styling felt the walls closing in, both literally and figuratively. “We felt we had outgrown the original studio, physically and creatively,” says co-founder Tayllen Phoo. “The revamp was about evolving and improving the experience for both our team and our clients.”
Their revitalised space, which spans 2,917 sq ft in a ground-level showroom and mezzanine office in Bartley, represents not just a spatial upgrade, but a creative renewal. “We knew exactly what we needed and how we wanted to evolve with it,” Phoo explains. “We wanted a space that feels calm and open, yet still provides privacy when needed, without using typical partitions or enclosed dividers.”
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A return to roots
Above These fluffy Kelopak pendant lamps by Ong Cen Kuang set a whimsical tone near the entrance
These fluffy Kelopak pendant lamps by Ong Cen Kuang set a whimsical tone near the entrance
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The design process was deliberate and introspective, beginning with a clear refusal to chase trends. “One of the main challenges was defining the style direction of our new studio during the early design phase,” Phoo recalls. “With so many trends out there, we didn’t want to fixate on a typical or overly themed concept. Instead, we wanted a space that authentically represents us—the users and the creative minds behind the brand.”
That search for authenticity led to what Phoo calls a period of “deep reflection”—reconnecting with their roots, core values and identity. The result? A calming, tactile environment that segues intuitively from one zone to another. “Our main focus was the serenity and flow of the space,” she says. “We paid close attention to how each zone interacts, ensuring that every corner serves its purpose without feeling cluttered or disjointed.”
Home turf, reborn
Above The Zen-influenced meeting room is a beautiful showcase for earthy shades, natural materials and clean lines
The Zen-influenced meeting room is a beautiful showcase for earthy shades, natural materials and clean lines
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The 26-week renovation, completed in January 2025, culminated in June with the final touches of art and styling. Every decision—every grain, texture and light source—was chosen with intent. One of the revamp’s most defining materials is a historic oak veneer by Leeuwenburgh, painstakingly sourced over two months and shipped in specially from the Netherlands.
“It was love at first sight,” Phoo enthuses. “We chose to wait another two months just so we wouldn’t have to compromise on this defining element.”
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Above A look at the firm’s new corporate premises, which incorporate a ground-floor showroom and mezzanine office that highlight a diligently curated mix of textures and tones
A look at the firm’s new corporate premises, which incorporate a ground-floor showroom and mezzanine office that highlight a diligently curated mix of textures and tones
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The lighting, too, was carefully orchestrated to create rhythm and mood. Smart spotlights and tonal ceiling lights mingle with custom pieces from Ong Cen Kuang’s Kelopak series—cloud-like lamps that hover playfully over meeting tables. “They add a playful accent while serving as key features in the showroom,” Phoo explains.
The studio’s material palette celebrates contrasts: natural oak and lime plaster against stainless steel and antique-stained mirrors. A suspended “Cloud Forest” installation near the entrance sets a tranquil, organic tone, while a Zen-inspired meeting room anchors the space with lime plaster walls, cracked marble flooring and exposed birch plywood furniture.
“We focused on layering materials to create a harmonious, organic atmosphere, something you can feel both visually and emotionally,” Phoo explains.
A design philosophy writ large
Above The office space is a sleek, functional zone underpinned by a calming neutral palette and soothing soft illumination for less stressful workdays
The office space is a sleek, functional zone underpinned by a calming neutral palette and soothing soft illumination for less stressful workdays
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Beyond its aesthetics, the reinvigorated studio functions as a living manifesto for the firm’s philosophy: authentic, people-centric design that evolves with its users. “The space had to speak for us, to reflect how we work and how we live with design,” Phoo says. “Being in full control of the design, concept and materials made this one of the most fulfilling experiences—a joyful, hands-on design journey.”
Above This cosy corner is the perfect spot in which to sit, take a breath, and
get recharged
This cosy corner is the perfect spot in which to sit, take a breath, and get recharged
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That joy is palpable. Every custom detail, down to the bare birch finishes and exposed plywood bullnose profiles, tells a story of designers deeply in love with their craft. As Phoo puts it: “Our vision, ‘In love with design, design with love’, says it all. As designers, we genuinely enjoy the process, from a blank slate to seeing each detail come together step by step.”
Authors Interior & Styling
Above Tayllen Phoo and Elaine Khor of Authors Interior & Styling
Tayllen Phoo and Elaine Khor of Authors Interior & Styling
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Founded in 2017 by Tayllen Phoo and Elaine Khor, Authors Interior & Styling is a Singapore-based design studio with a team of 10 designers. Specialising in residential and home studio projects, the firm believes that “good designs speak”—crafting spaces that are not only beautiful, but grow meaningfully with the people who live and work in them.
22 New Industrial Road, #01-07/08, Tel: 6844 9917, authorsinterior.co
Credits
Images: Authors Interior & Styling
