How Living DNA grounds modern interiors with quiet luxury

Quiet Anchors

To Tom Seah, director of business development at 932 Design Group, a rug is never just a finishing touch—it’s often the silent anchor of a space. “Rugs affect the senses, not just visually but also by touch,” he shares. “They add warmth and they shape the experience of a space, down to the acoustic properties.”

In his practice, Seah begins with mood and experience. Whether the intention is to create a serene refuge or a layered, engaging social space, the selection of colour, pile and pattern is led by the emotional tone he wants to establish. “We gravitate toward natural fibres for their tactile quality, but we also love the sustainability of recycled PET,” he notes, having found Living DNA’s range of rugs especially suitable for the firm’s interior projects.

It was the physical showroom experience that sealed the connection with the brand. “Being able to see and feel the quality firsthand, and having the team understand our design vision, made the difference,” he explains.

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His favourite rugs from the brand tell a story of refinement through restraint: the Ridge Beige Rug through its sculptural calm and sustainable ethos, the Kensington Abstract Rug through its evocation of quiet luxury, and the customisable Flux N°1 Bordered Rug through its soft depth and movement. “I’ve also been eyeing the Jazz Abstract Rug with its bold geometric patterns, ideal for adding dramatic flair,” he muses.

Projects by 932 Design Group, such as a home in Balmoral Tower and an apartment on Dunearn Road, incorporated these curated rugs with a keen eye. At Balmoral Tower, a Living DNA rug helped ground the home’s serene architectural palette. In the Dunearn Road home, it created textural warmth without disrupting the space’s minimalism. “The versatility of Living DNA’s range made it easy to find pieces that felt tailor-made for each setting,” Seah asserts.

Intention and texture

When Molina Hun of Sujonohun and Koh Xin Fang of Parenthesis approach a space, rugs are rarely an afterthought. “They’re grounding elements—they tie the space together,” the designers say. The duo take a holistic view, assessing a rug’s colour, texture and pattern alongside the function of the room and its desired mood. Whether it’s ensuring cohesion, adjusting acoustics or delineating spatial zones, rugs become key instruments in shaping flow and feeling.

Natural fibres such as wool and silk are their go-to materials, appreciated for their durability, sustainability and tactile richness. Their introduction to Living DNA came through online exploration. “What drew us in was their contemporary approach and the way they honour traditional techniques,” the designers tell us. The alignment between their design ethos and the brand’s craft-first approach made the partnership a natural fit. “The rugs consistently elevate interiors, visually and experientially.”

In a recent project at Meyer Mansion, a Living DNA rug was selected to add softness and sophistication. As for future projects, the duo’s wishlist includes the Alchemy Cloud Cream Rug, appreciated for its nuanced texture and neutral elegance, and the Cascade Gradient Rug, a handcrafted piece that stands to perfectly complement contemporary spaces.

Throughout every interior, the team treat rugs as narrative elements. In some rooms, a rug becomes the protagonist; in others, it plays a supporting role—subtle  but essential.

As the duo share: “We select each rug based on its ability to complement the design narrative and enhance the lived experience of the space.”

Craft in context

To Sherry Goh, interior designer at Woods Bagot, the presence or absence of a rug can alter the entire perception of a space. According to the designer: “If a space feels visually flat or uninspiring, a rug is often what’s missing.” Her process involves rendering the space in 3D to visualise both the practical and emotional effects of adding a rug—whether as a soft, grounding layer or a bold, sculptural statement.

Function matters as much as form. “We typically opt for custom-made pieces, designed to suit the specific requirements of each space,” says Goh. “Whether the home includes pets and children, or is often used for entertaining, that affects the material and design choices.” The connection to Living DNA was serendipitous—first through social media, then a visit to its gallery. “I was warmly welcomed by the team, who took the time to introduce me to their collection and share more about their craft, and that experience left a lasting impression,” she recalls. That conversation laid the groundwork for future collaborations.

Their first joint project is a conserved black-and-white bungalow at 9 Goodwood Hill, which features five custom rugs tailored to its historical yet modernised setting. “The outdoor area near the pool needed softness and waterproof resilience, so the Kyoto Weave Rug, made from recycled PET yarn, was ideal,” Goh says. “I was particularly pleased that we were able to use this rug here, having first seen a sample in their gallery.” Other areas were fitted with Living DNA rugs as well. “The front porch required durability and weather resistance, the grand staircase called for acoustic dampening via a specially installed custom rug, and the second-floor entertainment room received a large, plush rug to complement the timber flooring,” she elaborates.

One piece that lingers in Goh’s mind is the Flux Sapphire Rug. “It’s a striking, sculptural piece that could serve as the focal point of a space, and I would love to incorporate it into a future project,” she enthuses.

Visit Living DNA’s showroom at 16 Keong Saik Road and their website here.

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