Cover Jewel-toned furnishings echo the vibrant hues of the artworks that grace this lofty living room by Summerhaus D’zign
Jewel-toned furnishings echo the vibrant hues of the artworks that grace this lofty living room by Summerhaus D’zign
1 / 1
Tatler+
Summerhaus D’zign managing partner Larry Lim reminisces about the firm’s early beginnings and how it has grown from strength to strength in the 12 years since its founding
Having the freedom of time and space to do as you wish—that is the essence of what luxury means to Larry Lim, co-founder of Summerhaus D’zign. In fact, it was this very idea that inspired the former banker to launch the boutique firm with his interior designer wife, Jess Koh.
“We looked at it from the perspective that we’d have the flexibility of time for our children and being there for them [by running our own firm],” recalls Lim. “Jess had already been in the industry for a decade, and seeing the number of hours she put into her work, I convinced her to start her own studio as something she could do to satisfy her passion for design and her ‘workaholic’ nature.”
Don’t miss: Home tour: A designer couple’s Los Angeles home with Japanese design accents
Above Summerhaus D’zign co-founder Jess Koh
Above Summerhaus D’zign co-founder Larry Lim
Summerhaus D’zign co-founder Jess Koh
1 / 2
Since its inception in 2012, Summerhaus D’zign has specialised in designing private residences, and has successfully transformed the interiors of dozens of stunning abodes across the city-state; these span everything from stylish pieds-à-terre in condominium developments to spacious duplex apartments and houses. Here, Lim looks back at how their studio came to be while offering insights into the firm’s creative philosophy and design process.
Just over a decade ago, the husband-and-wife duo were experiencing a transitional period: the couple had recently welcomed their second child, and Lim was working on his graduate programme while thinking about the next course of action for their growing family. To be able to spend more time with their children and flexibility with their schedules seemed to be the dream scenario.
Above A spacious island with bar stools carves out a social nook in the kitchen
A spacious island with bar stools carves out a social nook in the kitchen
1 / 1
Back then, Lim also noticed a gap in the market when it came to luxury homes. The creative entrepreneur felt that the services offered could be more personalised for the middle segment of the market—homeowners who might be renovating their first luxury residence, or clients looking for firms that would provide personalised services while creating unique, accessible and timeless designs to match each brief.
The couple took a chance and have not looked back since, relishing every moment of their shared professional journey thus far. When working on family abodes, the designers also draw on their own personal experiences as parents and consider how a home might be better designed to help create a nurturing environment for the children in the house.
Above Metal-trimmed custom cabinetry and joinery keep this dining area neat and luxurious
Above A sumptuous boutique-style dressing room
Metal-trimmed custom cabinetry and joinery keep this dining area neat and luxurious
1 / 2
This is also why Summerhaus D’zign prides itself on valuing the functional elements of interior design, while still creating an aesthetically appealing abode for each client. This focus on practicality is evident in the streamlined designs of many of the spaces the studio has crafted, ensuring that each home is a beautiful backdrop to which life happens, and a sanctuary that represents its occupants’ personalities and lifestyle.
“A lot of our designs focus on decluttering; you will see sleek elements and open spaces wherever possible,” says Lim. “To us, a successful design not only fulfils the aesthetic requirements but also serves the purpose for the users’ lifestyle and habits. This points back to our belief that what we do must be more than fit for daily use, it must also be functional and practical for the users.”
Read more: 8 sleek and chic boutiques at The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur
Above Jewel-toned furnishings echo the vibrant hues of the artworks that grace this lofty living room
Jewel-toned furnishings echo the vibrant hues of the artworks that grace this lofty living room
1 / 1
The husband-and-wife founders believe in the importance of teamwork and collaborate closely with seven colleagues to realise beautiful interiors for their clients. “As a design studio, clients do not engage us as individuals, they engage the entire team as we work on projects together,” explains Lim. “We also see the design process as a two-way channel. The design is always a team effort between us and the homeowners, with constant communication and improvements to reach a unique look for each client.”
The design process begins as a “conversation”, says Lim, so that the firm can best ascertain the homeowners’ needs and preferences. At this stage, the firm will discuss the overall interior style desired, and analyse the specific shades, shapes and textures that the client may lean towards.
For example, the designers could explain the different effects that various surfaces can create, such as the thickness of the grain on timber flooring, and whether to pick polished or matte finishes for the metal trimmings or natural stone tiles selected. This is paired with practical advice on designing functional storage solutions, and the materials best suited to each area of the home.
Above A rich mix of velvet, marble, dark wood and matte-finished metalwork contributes to the handsome look of this home
Above This entertainment den’s lighting elements showcase the family’s favourite collectibles and prized bottles
A rich mix of velvet, marble, dark wood and matte-finished metalwork contributes to the handsome look of this home
1 / 2
Once the general direction is set, the team presents initial 3D renders of the design proposal, working closely with the clients to make any changes needed to the scheme. “With a first draft, we use it as a base for trial-and-error, mixing and matching different materials, shapes, forms, decorations and so on. From here on, it’s about fine-tuning to adjust the little details and ultimately reaching what our client desires,” Lim says.
He particularly enjoys this experimental phase of the creative process. Leading by example, the design director motivates his team to try pairing surprising material and colour combinations as they refine the renovation concept.
Lim cites how the team adapts the interior scheme to match the clients’ preferred hues, discussing the best look achievable for the home with the owners along the way. For instance, if a light colour palette is selected, it will feature a completely different mood compared to the formerly dark-toned interior, and vice versa.
Above Backlit details bring a hint of elegance to this bar area
Backlit details bring a hint of elegance to this bar area
1 / 1
“We try to anticipate what clients would select, and also give them a few options to choose from,” explains Lim. “I’m always challenging the team to better our designs by analysing the longevity of the interior spaces, and by trying different material combinations or adjusting the intricate details [of our projects].”
The team also keeps abreast of the popular designs and elements that the local and international markets are leaning towards, while staying mindful of whether these can be thoughtfully adapted for their clients’ abodes. Lim adds: “It is important to be in touch with what the market is doing and designing, after which we experiment on how to better [these existing designs].”
In case you missed it: 8 Scandinavian design trends for a home update
Above The owner’s art collection enlivens this home’s off-white scheme
The owner’s art collection enlivens this home’s off-white scheme
1 / 1
Summerhaus D’zign
In recent years, Summerhaus D’zign has steadily garnered various accolades for its beautiful work. These include the Best Luxury Concept (Readers’ Choice) accolade at the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2021, along with a series of wins in the Asia Pacific categories of the International Property Awards in 2022 and 2023.
Lim considers the firm’s signature style to be one that is “sleek, understated and modern”, even if its award-winning projects may seem quite visually apart at a quick glance.
“If we examine each project carefully, we will notice that they all carry the same design principles we abide by: sleek, understated, carrying hints of luxury, having subtle detailing, and most importantly, being customised to the individual’s taste and preferences,” he elaborates.
These same values continue to inspire the firm’s creative philosophy. “We believe in creating functional homes for families to live in; bespoke abodes in which families can create lasting memories and experiences together.”
Summerhaus D’zign
120 Lower Delta Road #15-16 Cendex Centre, Tel: 6352 9118
summerhaus.com.sg
Credits
Images: Courtesy of Summerhaus D’zign
