This beautifully designed interior features backlit shelves and textured rich marble surfaces
Cover This beautifully designed interior features backlit shelves and textured rich marble surfaces. Image: Antone by D

Interior designer Divya Anthony aims to create stunning spaces like no other with her new Singapore-based studio, Antone by D

Divya Anthony has no qualms about stepping out of her comfort zone. “I reached a peak in my career, which was gratifying and humbling,” she says of her occupation as an interior designer. “It’s in my nature to not get too comfortable or complacent, so I sought out a new milestone for myself, by founding Antone by D.” 

See also: 10 Beautiful Homes in Singapore with Stunning Interior Design

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Above Divya Anthony, founder of Antone by D. Image: Antone by D

The seasoned designer grew up helping her family run a home furnishings store in the nineties. After that, she designed hospitality projects and residential interiors for two decades while working for several firms, before deciding to branch out on her own last year. 

With her keen design acumen and expert eye for detail, Anthony leads Antone by D to create stunning abodes with a bespoke touch. Here, the designer shares more about her creative process, memorable projects, and future plans. 

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This beautifully designed interior features backlit shelves and textured rich marble surfaces
Above This beautifully designed interior features backlit shelves and textured rich marble surfaces. Image: Antone by D

How does your creative process begin?

Divya Anthony (DA) It starts with a relationship. I get to know my clients’ likes and dislikes, what inspires them, and what they want to achieve. Then I create and design spaces that bear the characteristics of the clients and are personal to them. I see myself as a tool in articulating what their aspirations are. 

British-American author Simon Sinek once said in an interview: “If you don’t understand people, you don’t understand business.” This quote still resonates for me and has since been my mantra.

See also: 11 Beautiful Coffee Table Books For Home Design Inspiration

I create and design spaces that bear the characteristics of the clients and are personal to them; I see myself as a tool in articulating what their aspirations are.

—Divya Anthony, founder of Antone by D

What are some of the projects you are currently working on?

DA One of these projects is a bungalow in District 11. We commissioned an artisanal studio in Japan, which crafts beautiful furniture made from an igneous rock called pyroxene basaltic andesite, which has an intricate handling process.

I am also working on a penthouse apartment in Orchard for a retired couple, whose son had purchased it for them as a gift. The son’s gesture was so heartwarming that I am excited to deliver the same warmth and satisfaction to them.

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An elegant apartment accentuated by layers of off-white furnishings and styling elements
Above An elegant apartment accentuated by layers of off-white furnishings and styling elements. Image: Antone by D

Tell us more about one of your most memorable projects.

DA If I had to pick one, it would have to be an 11,000sqft penthouse designed as a trophy home for the owners to host parties and entertain. You don’t get projects of this scale all the time. When you do, it is intense and exhilarating at the same time.

What are some of the challenges of working in the design industry today?

DA With what is happening around us in regards to the pandemic and climate change, it makes designers rethink how we craft spaces for human experiences and social interactions. Residential design will take on a new emphasis to be as flexible and adaptable as possible, as our homes now become the default workspace. We will need to think out of the box to carve out spaces that have multiple uses and functions while still retaining the aesthetic sanctuary of an abode.

With what is happening around us in regards to the pandemic and climate change, it makes designers rethink how we craft spaces for human experiences and social interactions.

—Divya Anthony, founder of Antone by D

What exciting plans can we expect from Antone by D in the future?

DA Lots actually! I am so excited to think about what this can grow into. I call the shots, and I pick my clients as much as they pick me. I want Antone by D to be a household brand name synonymous with luxury and refinement.


Antone by D | 9009 1435 | divya@antonebyd.com | Instagram: @antonebyd

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