Cover The condominium apartment's spacious and scenic living space is a gestalt of individual zones characterised by a diverse array of colourful furniture
The condominium apartment's spacious and scenic living space is a gestalt of individual zones characterised by a diverse array of colourful furniture
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Brainchild of New York-based designer Mark Curley, this Singapore condominium apartment is a colourful potpourri of vivid hues, patterns and stories
Many abodes in Singapore may sport a minimalist palette, but this vibrant apartment in the Sculptura Ardmore condominium, realised by New York-based interior designer Mark Curley, isn’t one of them. The owners are a husband-and-wife pair from France and Honduras, respectively. Having lived in Singapore since the ’90s, they now split their time between this home and their other residences in Miami, New York and Saint-Tropez.
They loved how Curley had designed their Miami apartment—exploding with colour and pattern, but simultaneously harmonious and cosy—and wanted a similar feel for their Singapore dwelling. The designer and owners enjoy a close relationship; working on the couple’s colourful Miami home in 2015 enabled Curley to start his own company, Lafayette MC. “Hence, they are very special to me. They have become very good friends,” he says.
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Above Blue dividers break up the uniformity of these wooden display shelves in this sitting area
Blue dividers break up the uniformity of these wooden display shelves in this sitting area
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“We have the same taste,” says the wife, of her husband. “And we also share the same taste as Mark—he knows everything we love and respond to. We love colour! It’s important for us to live in full, vibrant colour,” she declares.
The couple themselves have a keen eye for detail and craft, having travelled the globe often throughout the years. The husband, in fact, has a genuine familial link to world-famous creative luminaries, with architect Jean Prouvé as his grand-uncle and famous French artist Victor Prouvé as his great-grandfather.
As such, they appreciate Curley’s unique sense of taste. Their favourite designers and brands include Parisian creative Hervé van der Straeten, Bangkok-based Alexander Lamont, New York-based artisanal lighting designer Lindsey Adelman, and Saint-Louis Crystal from Paris.
Above A sculptural green sofa sets the tone for the playful design language of the living room
Above Blue, teal and orange tones coalesce to form a cheery sitting area
A sculptural green sofa sets the tone for the playful design language of the living room
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The apartment unit itself, developed by SC Global and designed by Carlos Zapata Studio, features a distinctive semi-circular plan. “We were drawn to the layout, the huge living room with views and much light, the high ceilings, and the two terraces. The bedrooms are private and down a curved hallway, which we love; the plan is so dynamic,” describes the husband.
Curley retained the original lacquered millwork, fine wood-veneer panels and closets in most of the spaces, layering over them with a sophisticated blend of colour and pattern.
The living room’s design enhances the experience of both private family moments and larger hosting and entertaining pursuits, which the couple do plenty of. “Mark created four areas in the living room that work for daily life, but really wow when entertaining. There are two separate seating areas, defined by a pair of Minotti sofas and a green sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Holly Hunt in a Pierre Frey fabric,” says the wife.
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Above Blue dividers break up the uniformity of these wooden display shelves in this sitting area
Blue dividers break up the uniformity of these wooden display shelves in this sitting area
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A colourful custom wool rug made in India defines the floor. “I drew and coloured the design, making numerous sketch studies of flowers,” reveals Curley. At the perimeter, a pair of columns clad in colourful Bisazza mosaic tiles helps “reduce their volume within the space”. Every surface in the room is a feature, even the ceiling. Curley relocated the air-conditioning ducts for a higher ceiling, and created an organic curved cove detail with floral motifs.
“I drew the shape freehand on the floor, and the contractor, Taishin Builders, had it laser projected upwards to trace the shape. The cove edge was prefabricated in Malaysia and installed in sections. The leaves are made of wood, [which was primed with] gesso and then painted,” says Curley, describing the laborious process. The pattern complements the brushed brass-and-white Lindsey Adelman glass chandelier above the dining table from Los Angeles furniture brand Jean de Merry.
Above Delightful biophilic details like fish-shaped cabinet handles and a branch table lamp bring nature inside the home
Above A Japanese floral motif is paired with blue mosaic tiles in this corner
Delightful biophilic details like fish-shaped cabinet handles and a branch table lamp bring nature inside the home
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Facing this intricate set-up is a large and colourful dry kitchen counter, which guests often gravitate towards to chat with the host. “It was originally all black. But as we wanted the room to be bright and feel light, I added a layer of light-coloured marble on top, and a custom hand-painted, malachite-patterned panel with gold-and-silver-leaf fish made by artisans at Fornasetti in Milan. The fabrication alone took a year,” Curley comments.
Another custom piece by Curley is a blue-lacquered bar with ball-shaped feet, crafted by his furniture makers in Brooklyn, New York. “Made with American walnut and hand-applied lacquer. The handles are vintage 1950s Mexican by Los Castillo,” he explains.
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Above The school of swimming fish depicted on the carpet adds a sense of movement to this compact hallway
Above A pair of antique paintings is juxtaposed dramatically against a monochromatic, tropical-themed wallpaper
The school of swimming fish depicted on the carpet adds a sense of movement to this compact hallway
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Classic meets modern in this timber-toned corner
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While it is a transitional zone, the hallway is equally experiential. It features a curved rug with swimming fish from The Rug Company, silver-leaf ceilings, a Hubert Le Gall mirror from Paris, and an antique Chinese chair. Another functional space beautified by Curley is the master bathroom. He removed the glass enclosure around the toilet to make space for a rose-motif Bisazza mosaic-walled vanity area, which is flanked by Saint-Louis Crystal orbs for a touch of glamour.
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This bedroom’s matching wallcovering, cushion and curtain impart a tropical touch
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While the designer lent his magic to the setting, it is the owners’ collection of objects, mementoes and artworks that makes this house a home. The most dramatic of these is the Roe Ethridge photograph, Butterfly, 2018, in the living room, placed on a large mirrored wall as “I wanted it to float, and have the outside sky and planting reflected in the mirror,” explains Curley.
A bold botanical print on the headboard and soft furnishings brings dynamism to this bedroom
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Credits
Photography: MarcusL Photography
