Space Makers: How Sulini Tjoeng from Sketchwork Design & Style crafts detailed, personalised spaces

For example, if the owner is an art lover, a tech enthusiast, or someone who values sustainability, this could influence my design choices, and I may implement a dedicated art wall, a smart home setup, or eco-friendly materials. The owner’s cultural background might inform choices around furniture, colours, textures, and artwork. It’s important to consider how the design can reflect someone’s heritage and personal taste.

How do you go about tailoring your projects to your clients?
My team and I begin with an in-depth discussion to understand the client’s objectives, challenges, and vision. We ask questions that uncover not only their immediate needs but also their long-term goals.

I am a very detail-oriented designer. I will consider even the smallest details when tailoring my projects, such as customising lower seating for the elderly and carpentry with rounded corners for younger children.

We also like to offer multiple options whenever possible so the clients can choose based on their preferences, budget, and timeline.

You believe in “inventive and pragmatic design”. What does this mean to you?
Inventive and pragmatic design is a concept that blends creativity with practicality, ensuring that design solutions are both innovative and grounded in real-world functionality.

It’s important to me to be creative and craft something unique but I equally emphasise practicality and realism. It’s not just about being innovative for the sake of it; the design needs to be implementable and efficient in its context.

One of your proudest recent projects is a landed house in Bukit Timah. Can you tell us a bit more about it?
We developed a colourful and dynamic concept for the living area as the lady of the house loves colour, particularly red. These colours contrast with and highlight the existing darker-toned furniture and design elements, creating more visual interest.

The client wished to retain some of the existing antique furniture and elements with darker tones, which introduced the challenge of merging traditional, classic pieces with bold, modern colours. The existing wood flooring was maintained, grounding the space with its natural, warm tones while balancing out the more dynamic, colourful elements.

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We tailored the show kitchen to the client, who enjoys cooking and baking. The kitchen is not only a practical space for food preparation but also a place to unwind and enjoy meals with family, especially considering the husband’s long working hours. It’s designed to be organised and modern for efficient use. The client also desired a bright and cheerful wet kitchen, partly inspired by Baptiste Bohu, specifically using yellow tones to create an energetic and lively atmosphere.

The concept for the master bedroom centres around creating a harmonious, serene environment that combines elegance with tranquillity. Japanese-inspired wallpaper—Tabi Panel by London Art—is the key feature of the bedroom, while the master bathroom is characterised by large-format porcelain tiles and a custom basin cabinet hand-painted with Chinese-inspired elements.

The powder room is worth highlighting as well, split into two distinct rooms for the shower and toilet. The ceiling of the corridor in between was transformed with a sculptural curve, and the entire design integrates texture, lighting, and layout to craft an immersive and luxurious environment that feels both tranquil and inviting.

Can you tell us about a few other projects you’re proud of?
One is a luxury condominium apartment at Midtown Modern. We chose to highlight the natural veining and colour of the existing marble floors while complementing the natural warmth and sleek finish of the marble with stainless steel accents. Wood veneers along the cabinetry introduce a rich, organic texture to the space.

Stepping into the master bedroom, one is enveloped in soothing, light hues that expand the sense of space, and the eye is drawn to the refined, sophisticated detailing that characterises the joinery along the bedhead. Since the family often travels on long-haul flights, soft and dimmable ambient lighting was a crucial addition here to facilitate deep rest after long hours spent on the plane.

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Another project I’d like to highlight is a condo unit at Kovan Melody. Feng shui played a central role in this project; following a consultation, the homeowners opted to avoid grey and white hues, instead incorporating warm wooden finishes and natural materials. Since these clients value a bright home, we made sure to integrate plenty of natural light.

They enjoy spending a lot of time at home, so the layout encourages a sense of flow and connection between rooms. We also added an extensive surface area and low-maintenance materials while ensuring visual appeal in the kitchen as they have a love of cooking and baking.

What have been some of your greatest lessons and takeaways since founding your firm?
We’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients, each with their unique vision and story. We’ve learned that success lies in staying true to our purpose, maintaining a strong work ethic, and fostering meaningful relationships.

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