Cover Matthew Webster at home in his gourmet kitchen, outfitted with state-of-the-art V-Zug appliances
Matthew Webster at home in his gourmet kitchen, outfitted with state-of-the-art V-Zug appliances
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Tatler+
Step inside the couple's historic 97 year-old home, where modern comforts—such as state-of-the-art V-Zug appliances—meet nostalgic charm
As the sun filters through the intricate window grilles, casting a golden glow on the lovingly preserved original features, one can’t help but feel a sense of calm and timeless elegance in this 97 year-old terrace house.
The charming two-storey residence, tucked away in a tranquil, leafy neighbourhood, is the Webster family’s sanctuary. Since moving in last year, Matthew and his wife Rebecca Lim have breathed new life into the historic space, infusing it with a blend of modern comforts and nostalgic charm.
“We wanted to retain as much of the property’s original features as we could, while injecting some modernity,” shares Webster, speaking to Tatler Homes over coffee and pastries in his tastefully-appointed dining area. The couple certainly did that; their home not only respectfully preserves but also highlights much of its storied past. With the expertise of Edmund Ng Architects, many of the original elements were kept, from the scissors grille gates and main door that open into their living room, to the window panels and grilles with elaborate scrollwork patterns.
Above Step inside Matthew Webster and Rebecca Lim’s gourmet kitchen
The layout, while long and narrow, has been thoughtfully redesigned to maximise space and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Upon entering the Webster home, the eyes are immediately drawn to two things: the staircase with its original wooden bannisters, and the impressive nine-metre-tall glass doors that grace the back of the dining area. Both serve as a sleek, understated background for what Webster affirms is the heart of his home: the kitchen.
“To me, a dream kitchen is open, accessible, and welcoming,” he says. “My wife and I love entertaining so when friends and family visit, we love bringing them together when we cook so that everyone can play a part and share in the joy of preparing meals.”
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Above Webster's kitchen is the heart of home, and is a open, accessible, and welcoming space
Webster's kitchen is the heart of home, and is a open, accessible, and welcoming space
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To complement the minimalist design of the open-plan kitchen, state-of-the-art V-Zug appliances were chosen: the Jumbo refrigerator and Iglu freezer cleverly concealed behind a sleek, matte grey laminate, as well as the Induction Cooktop V4000 with an integrated range hood, CombiSteamer, and Combair in a black mirrored finish.
Says Webster: “V-Zug has brought simplicity, efficiency, and a touch of Swiss luxury to our everyday life.” He first became acquainted with the appliance brand nearly a decade ago through his parents, who outfitted their previous home with V-Zug appliances, and have continued to embrace the brand in their new residence. This familiarity with V-Zug’s intuitive design made it a natural choice for the Webster marital home. “The ease of use is one of the first things I really like about the brand. Other appliances usually require many steps to perform certain functions but not V-Zug; it just takes one to two steps to get things done.”
The seamless integration of V-Zug appliances not only enhances the kitchen’s functionality but also aligns perfectly with Webster’s and his wife’s vision: to create a welcoming space that encourages togetherness and collaboration. Most importantly, since welcoming their son eight months ago, the new parents have shifted their priorities towards preparing more healthy and hearty home-cooked meals.
The Jumbo refrigerator and Iglu freezer are cleverly concealed behind a sleek, matte grey laminate
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Webster counts the Induction Cooktop as the most hardworking appliance in their kitchen. “Our mornings are typically quite busy, so the Induction Cooktop makes it quick, easy and fuss-free to fry eggs,” he shares, “or prepare simple dishes like steak or stir-fries in the evening.”
As for the CombiSteamer V4000, it has also become a household favourite for its versatility. “This is brilliant for regenerating leftover food and preparing quick meals. The different functions means you can create something great really quickly and effortlessly,” Webster explains. To that point, he showcased the CombiSteamer’s capabilities by whipping up an impressive salmon roulade on camera—highlighting the appliance’s precise and efficient steam function which kept the salmon moist and flavourful. The ability to prepare restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort has certainly made the CombiSteamer an invaluable asset in their kitchen, allowing Webster to explore his culinary creativity while still managing the demands of family life.
The CombiSteamer V4000 has also become a household favourite
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The Combair V4000 60 oven also plays an important role in the couple’s culinary adventures. “It has been great to be able to rely on such an easy-to-use oven. It is the best tool for baking bread and making pizza.” This stalwart appliance allows Webster and wife to explore their love for baking and Italian cuisine, making family mealtime a more meaningful experience.
At the end of the day, a well-designed home is one that is specially crafted to the owner’s needs and lifestyle, allowing for seamless functionality and comfort in everyday living, while reflecting their personal style and values. And certainly, Webster’s kitchen and his home embody all of that. It is where heritage and modernity coalesce beautifully through every design element to create a sophisticated urban refuge for this growing family.
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Credits
Content Direction: Shairah Thoufeekh
Videography: Nicola Ng
Video Editor: Nicola Ng
Camera Crew: Joey Tay, Jufri Husne, Timothy Koh
Grooming: Angel Gwee
