Cover Circular coffee tables and a curved wall mimic the rounded exterior of the Newton One tower and impart a softer, more organic sensibility to the airy living area
Circular coffee tables and a curved wall mimic the rounded exterior of the Newton One tower and impart a softer, more organic sensibility to the airy living area
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Soft illumination is a key character on this Newton One apartment’s minimalist stage, tying materials and colours together in a timeless ensemble
“I believe that light is the most important part of architecture. Without light, there is no space,” declared prominent Japanese architect Tadao Ando once. Amid the bustling surrounds of Newton Road in central Singapore stands a five-bedroom apartment that personifies this mantra, with its thoughtful use of illumination playing a decorative and practical role in defining what is an eminently atmospheric and liveable abode.
Located in the Newton One condominium development, the 2,411 sq ft home’s occupants comprise a couple and their two young sons, their pet dog, and two helpers. They approached Parenthesis Studio to undertake a full overhaul of their abode, with a view to creating an elegant, inviting haven for their multigenerational family.
“The makeover had to balance the owners’ idea of the home as a safe haven in which to rest and entertain, with the realities of raising their two young children there,” says Koh Xin Fang, senior interior designer at Parenthesis Studio, who led the project alongside design director Sujono Lim.
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Above The living space features plenty of storage options, beautifully incorporated into the overall design
The living space features plenty of storage options, beautifully incorporated into the overall design
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Inside Information
Koh reveals that much deliberation went into determining the selection of materials so the Newton One apartment could keep up with the demands of its occupants’ lifestyle. The owners themselves proposed some ideas about the home’s colour scheme, also expressing a preference for a contemporary yet classic look, and that the interior should incorporate curves to mirror the ovoid facade of the building itself.
Layered lighting in the form of general and ambient illumination imbues the entire apartment with a sense of intimacy, averts harsh shadows, and enables greater flexibility of use. Ambient lighting such as LED strips under the shelving and cabinetry takes on a decorative role, in addition to practicality. “It also helps to define and accentuate the architectural lines, to diffuse and create an even, warm glow that softens potential rigidity,” explains Koh.
Muted hues such as soft taupe and beige tones are also utilised in tandem with the textural elements to communicate an organic quality and add a sense of structure to the Newton One apartment. “The contrast does not have to be dramatic, it just has to be deliberate,” adds the designer. “It’s all about restraint.”
Above The dining area encapsulates the overarching design identity of the home with its elegant scheme and gentle illumination
The dining area encapsulates the overarching design identity of the home with its elegant scheme and gentle illumination
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The Newton One apartment’s private lift lobby establishes a sense of arrival; this cosy space features a Marset Roc decorative wall light that sets an inviting, calming air with its diffused illumination. Stepping inside, one encounters the breezy living room with its tone-on-tone furnishings, bathed in the abundance of natural light that streams in through the full-height glazing.
A roomy Jasper sofa from King Living is matched with the layered Amerigo coffee tables from Cattelan Italia, which lend a sense of dynamism to the space. Wallpaper from Omexco in the Ode pattern channels the look of sea mist, hovering above the waters on the horizon.
Above A plush Leon recliner armchair from King Living anchors this quiet corner of the master suite
Above The Newton One apartment’s kitchen glows invitingly in the evening
A plush Leon recliner armchair from King Living anchors this quiet corner of the master suite
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Elliptical Model 2065 pendant lamps from Astep cast a gentle glow over the Newton One apartment’s welcoming dining area, which features an extendable Icaro dining table from Calligaris that forms the nexus of many memorable mealtimes with friends and family. In the nearby dry kitchen, which balances practicality with comfort, an Aperture alabaster wall sconce catches the eye with its exquisite translucent stone shade and modern form.
The open-plan living and dining areas, and the dry kitchen, are aligned centrally and connected seamlessly, enhancing movement and interaction while inviting natural light and cross-ventilation to flow through.
Above A plush Leon recliner armchair from King Living anchors this quiet corner of the master suite
A plush Leon recliner armchair from King Living anchors this quiet corner of the master suite
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Curtain Call
The Newton One apartment’s private zones are stylish sanctuaries tailored to contentment and well-being. A new powder room was created as part of the renovation; this calming space features individual fixtures and finishes that stand on their own, yet work together for a harmonious overall aesthetic. Of particular note are the triangular Rombini wall tiles from Mutina, which sport a three-dimensional form that creates a visually arresting interplay of light and shadow on their surfaces.
Above The Newton One apartment’s master bedroom is an at-home oasis replete with tonal beiges and light browns that create a restful air
The Newton One apartment’s master bedroom is an at-home oasis replete with tonal beiges and light browns that create a restful air
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The sleeping quarters comprise the master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, a junior master bedroom for the visiting grandparents or guests, a bedroom each for the two sons, and one for the helpers.
Incorporating a sleek walk-in wardrobe, the master bedroom is a cocooning retreat that affords its occupants full privacy. A well-composed area featuring a sculptural dresser leads to the ensuite bathroom, while a cosy corner at one end is perfect for curling up in with a good book.
Above The master bedroom features a curving, cocooning wall that evokes a restful sleeping area
The master bedroom features a curving, cocooning wall that evokes a restful sleeping area
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The bespoke curved headboard and functional bedside tables are augmented with this room’s tone-on-tone material palette and textures, which add subtle layers and depth to create an inviting atmosphere. Fuse II reading lights from Astro lend a subtle industrial bent with their spherical forms. In the children’s rooms, the Doggy Gravity Sky wallpaper from Coordonné lends a whimsical touch.
Above This sculptural vanity table and seat jazz up the wife’s daily personal grooming routine
This sculptural vanity table and seat jazz up the wife’s daily personal grooming routine
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The renovation took a little over seven months to come to fruition, with Koh reflecting on the results with a sense of deep fulfilment, especially as the owners voiced their appreciation for the design firm’s attention to detail, technical capabilities and collaborative approach. “Every individual part was well executed and came together to produce a seemingly effortless end product,” says Koh.
Above An organic-shaped mirror softens the Newton One apartment’s rectilinear bathroom
Above Tone-on-tone marble surfaces with graphic veining create a simple yet sumptuous bathroom
An organic-shaped mirror softens the Newton One apartment’s rectilinear bathroom
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Credits
Photography: Daniel Koh
