Cover Cube Associate Design refurbished this Keppel Bay apartment and made it easy to maintain while preserving its seafront appeal
Cube Associate Design refurbished this Keppel Bay apartment and made it easy to maintain while preserving its seafront appeal
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Elegance, practicality and panoramas meet in this sublime Reflections at Keppel Bay abode by Cube Associate Design, crafted to ensure comfort in its owners’ golden years
When refurbishing a home located in a picturesque seafront setting, framing the enviable views with a complementary design scheme is a given. Such was the case with this apartment, perched on the 28th floor of Reflections at Keppel Bay; the owners wanted a functional, easy-to-maintain home that also preserves and highlights the sweeping vistas.
Its occupants, a couple in their mid-50s, appointed Cube Associate Design to conceptualise a stylish, liveable abode suited to their future retirement. The husband is a pilot with an eye for design, while the wife works from home. Sarah Tham, design director of Cube Associate Design, led her team in giving the unit a thoughtful layout, plenty of storage space, and finishes suited to comfort, elegance and long-term practicality.
“The clients were moving from a three-storey landed home into this apartment, so it was important to design a space that is both easy to maintain and efficient in storage,” reveals Tham, adding that the open plan also had to preserve the unobstructed views, which was a “non-negotiable request”. “Another challenge was that the owners were repeat clients from 15 years ago, so I knew I couldn’t disappoint them,” she smiles.
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Vantage Point
Above A solid wall was replaced by a glass partition to extend the views indoors
A solid wall was replaced by a glass partition to extend the views indoors
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A simple layout tweak worked wonders in playing up the apartment’s biggest asset: to maintain the unspoilt views of the ocean, the dining area and dry kitchen were intentionally positioned away from the windows. In addition, a solid wall of one of the bedrooms was replaced by a glass partition, extending the panoramas deeper into the home and creating a greater sense of openness. This partition can be closed off with blinds for privacy if needed.
Oriented towards the horizon to make it the focal point of daily life, the spacious living area is illuminated by soft lighting that enhances its delectable creamy tones, boosted by a sprinkling of chocolatey highlights in the form of dark wood fittings and accents. This colour palette is also recreated throughout the rest of the apartment, including its private zones, to delightful effect. It is a look that is soothing yet reinvigorating all at once.
The living area’s neutral scheme and soft furnishings complement the sweeping sea views and the ever-changing outdoor scenery. A large sofa creates a comfortable spot from which to watch television or simply chat and catch up on the day’s events. An abundance of built-in storage and cabinets ensures a streamlined look and keeps the home free of unsightly clutter, ensuring practicality without compromising aesthetics.
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Practical Magic
Above A sinuous lighting fixture softens the hard angles of the dining area and dry kitchen
A sinuous lighting fixture softens the hard angles of the dining area and dry kitchen
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Functionality melds with simplicity in the streamlined dry kitchen, which is designed to be a practical zone that does not overpower the open layout of the common areas. Sleek cabinetry with hidden compartments keeps essentials tucked away neatly, while a seamless connection with the wet kitchen enhances movement and efficiency, a boon especially when dinner guests come calling.
The dry kitchen’s warm wood tones, unique application of green stonework and subtle textures tie in with the general look of the home, maintaining visual harmony throughout the apartment. The wet kitchen incorporates a plethora of light-hued cabinetry for the storage of cooking paraphernalia, while timber worktops and accents of invigorating red give this zone a visual lift.
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Personal Affairs
Above A scattering of accent pieces and soft furnishings in bright tones brings a tempered dose of liveliness to this restful bedroom with a view
A scattering of accent pieces and soft furnishings in bright tones brings a tempered dose of liveliness to this restful bedroom with a view
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“The master suite is a private retreat in which design and lifestyle merge beautifully,” shares Tham. Its light oatmeal and toffee shades balance each other and create a sophisticated look that lends welcome depth and warmth, with the large bed and soft furnishings adding texture and comfort.
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Above A well-appointed bedroom suite with a corner study and bathroom with a freestanding tub
A well-appointed bedroom suite with a corner study and bathroom with a freestanding tub
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The solid bathroom wall was replaced with glass sliding doors, opening up the bedroom to light and visually extending its dimensions. A sculptural freestanding bathtub takes pride of place in the bathroom, framed by an impressive book-matched marble feature wall that looks almost good enough to eat, with dusky veining creating delicious swirls throughout its creamy base.
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Above The asymmetrical mirror channels the ovoid form of the sink below
Above Book-matched marble slabs bring a dramatic yet tranquil air to the bathroom
The asymmetrical mirror channels the ovoid form of the sink below
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The walk-in wardrobe is connected to the vanity area, while the shower and WC are enclosed separately for functionality and privacy. “This zoning allows the suite to function effortlessly as both a retreat and a highly practical everyday space,” explains Tham.
Above Mellow backlighting subtly calls attention to the homeowner’s beloved keepsakes, displayed on this commodious shelving unit in the master suite
Mellow backlighting subtly calls attention to the homeowner’s beloved keepsakes, displayed on this commodious shelving unit in the master suite
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A swivel desk was positioned by the window for the wife’s work-from-home needs, offering both an inspiring view and ample natural illumination. A full-length display wall houses the couple’s treasured travel collections, turning keepsakes into a gallery of memories and personalising the space.
The result of the three-month undertaking is an elegant, cosy abode in which every detail—from the layout to the fixtures as well as the colour scheme—feels meaningful and personal to the house-proud owners.
Cube Associate Design
Above Sarah Tham, design director of Cube Associate Design
Sarah Tham, design director of Cube Associate Design
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Founded in 1998, the homegrown studio is helmed by design director Sarah Tham. Blending style with practical solutions, it offers architectural and interior design services ranging from planning and conceptualisation to project management. The team prides itself on client satisfaction and accountability across various projects, including hotels, apartments and landed homes.
201 Henderson Road, #09-10 Apex @ Henderson, Tel: 6538 8918, cubeassociatedesign.com
Credits
Images: Cube Associate Design
