A custom divider evoking an abacus separates the sleeping and TV areas of the master suite
Cover The Sentosa Cove penthouse is features a custom divider evoking an abacus separates the sleeping and TV areas of the master suite
A custom divider evoking an abacus separates the sleeping and TV areas of the master suite

Designworx Interior Consultant goes above and beyond to craft a personalised modern-luxury scheme for a couple’s duplex penthouse at The Residences at W in Sentosa Cove

Homeowners often imagine their ideal abode as a unique blend of size, location and style; it is a vision that guides their design journey. The couple who own this home had fallen in love with the interiors of the award-winning boutique development MeyerHouse, designed by American studio Yabu Pushelberg. So, when they found their perfect fit in a duplex penthouse at The Residences at W in Sentosa Cove, the next step was finding the right designer to realise their dream interiors.

The couple contacted Designworx Interior Consultant after reading an article on the award-winning design studio’s work in Tatler Homes Singapore. “They shared that one of the things they loved about MeyerHouse was its abacus screens. It was serendipitous when we learnt that Eastern Furnishing was the contractor for the show suite,” says design director Terri Tan. Having collaborated on a previous penthouse project at Nassim Mansion, Designworx once again worked with the contractor on this home.

Read more: Home tour: A bespoke duplex in Sentosa Cove’s exclusive Seascape condominium

Tatler Asia
A travertine feature wall and gold- accented furnishings bring a luxurious touch to the living room
Above A travertine feature wall and gold- accented furnishings bring a luxurious touch to the living room
A travertine feature wall and gold- accented furnishings bring a luxurious touch to the living room
Tatler Asia
A view of the bustling Sentosa Cove waterfront from the apartment
Above A view of the bustling Sentosa Cove waterfront from the apartment
Tatler Asia
The balcony is adorned with plants and a statue of Ganesha
Above The balcony is adorned with plants and a statue of Ganesha
A view of the bustling Sentosa Cove waterfront from the apartment
The balcony is adorned with plants and a statue of Ganesha

The design team sought to personalise the 13-year-old Sentosa Cove property for a family of four and their helper. Tan aimed to create a modern, luxurious space tailored to the family’s needs. “The client, Arjany Njoman, was very involved in the process. Before we even started on the conceptual proposal, she did her own ‘homework’ and shared mood images she liked for various spaces,” Tan says. While MeyerHouse served as a springboard, the vision for this home took its own shape.

The client’s affinity for dark colours, gold, dramatic lighting and green accents—as well as her preference for symmetry—shaped the overall look and feel of the project. “More homeowners are now drawn to dark and dramatic interiors because they create a sense of intimacy, cosiness and even mystery. However, it’s crucial to bring the right balance so that the home doesn’t feel too enclosed or gloomy. Pairing dark colours with gold, for example, imbues spaces with gravitas and glamour,” says Tan.

Tatler Asia
The living room’s medley of patterns and textures complements the dark-finish staircase
Above The living room’s medley of patterns and textures complements the dark-finish staircase
Tatler Asia
Asian elements such as a bonsai plant and ceramic stool create a poetic vignette in the entrance area
Above Asian elements such as a bonsai plant and ceramic stool create a poetic vignette in the entrance area
The living room’s medley of patterns and textures complements the dark-finish staircase
Asian elements such as a bonsai plant and ceramic stool create a poetic vignette in the entrance area
Tatler Asia
A green glossy tile backsplash, deep green marble island and dark cabinetry create an opulent yet cosy kitchen
Above A green glossy tile backsplash, deep green marble island and dark cabinetry create an opulent yet cosy kitchen
Tatler Asia
A Viabizzuno Da Ma suspension light by David Chipperfield and Mario Nani takes pride of place in the dining room
Above A Viabizzuno Da Ma suspension light by David Chipperfield and Mario Nani takes pride of place in the dining room
A green glossy tile backsplash, deep green marble island and dark cabinetry create an opulent yet cosy kitchen
A Viabizzuno Da Ma suspension light by David Chipperfield and Mario Nani takes pride of place in the dining room

Spacious balconies bordering the living area and bedrooms provide ample natural light. A bay window along the corridor—leading to the son’s bedroom and Njoman’s workspace— ensures it is sufficiently lit during the day. Tan designed removable shelves for the bay window, on which the family display their collection of bonsai plants.

A pair of Harrison mirrors by Kelly Hoppen on the opposite wall reflects more light into the space. As with any dark interior, the magic also lies in the lighting. The team planned a comprehensive lighting strategy that provides sufficient illumination while maintaining a warm and cosy ambience.

Tatler Asia
Subtly lit textured surfaces elevate this corner
Above Subtly lit textured surfaces elevate this corner
Tatler Asia
The master bathroom features a double vanity and a black-and-white material palette
Above The master bathroom features a double vanity and a black-and-white material palette
Subtly lit textured surfaces elevate this corner
The master bathroom features a double vanity and a black-and-white material palette

One of the designers’ key tasks was to incorporate the couple’s existing furniture, including a sofa set and Caracole dining chairs, into the new design. Blending the old and new elements was less about assembling a puzzle and more about ensuring a synergy.

A significant part of this was replacing the marble flooring in the living, dining and corridor areas with oak timber. The light, earthy colours of the feature wall and furnishings contrast softly with the dark flooring and woodgrain laminates. The lines of the existing furniture also align well with the new design features.

Tatler Asia
Shades of green and warm-toned metal finishes make for a striking powder room
Above Shades of green and warm-toned metal finishes make for a striking powder room
Tatler Asia
Bookmatched Titanium Black granite slabs lend a sumptuous graphic touch to the master bathroom
Above Bookmatched Titanium Black granite slabs lend a sumptuous graphic touch to the master bathroom
Shades of green and warm-toned metal finishes make for a striking powder room
Bookmatched Titanium Black granite slabs lend a sumptuous graphic touch to the master bathroom

In the Sentosa Cove penthouse’s dining area, the dining chairs complement a new Eforma table, topped with a Viabizzuno chandelier—a standout feature that brings verve to the space. “The client fell in love with the chandelier early on. The price was very premium, and we tried to dissuade her. We’re glad we failed because the end result was worth it,” recalls Tan.

Gold and warm metal accents highlight various zones—from the chandelier to the dining chairs and kitchen faucet. This love of warm metals extends to the powder room and bathrooms. “The client shared that everyone who visited her home was floored when they saw the powder room,” says Tan. The space exudes art deco elegance, enhanced by a Gessi mixer, copper washbasin and a ceiling feature in warm metal paired with green wall tiles.

In the daughter’s bedroom, a woodgrain wall and curtains soften the space. Most of the daughter’s bathroom was retained, apart from a new vanity, sanitary fittings, and pendant lights from Lodes.

Tatler Asia
Inky wood finishes set a hushed, restful tone in the master bedroom
Above Inky wood finishes set a hushed, restful tone in the master bedroom
Tatler Asia
In the daughter’s bedroom, a woodgrain wall and curtains soften the space
Above In the daughter’s bedroom, a woodgrain wall and curtains soften the space
Inky wood finishes set a hushed, restful tone in the master bedroom
In the daughter’s bedroom, a woodgrain wall and curtains soften the space
Tatler Asia
Gold and warm metal accents highlight various zones
Above Gold and warm metal accents highlight various zones
Gold and warm metal accents highlight various zones

The dramatic staircase, illuminated by strip lighting, leads up to the master suite—a luxurious and functional zone comprising a bedroom, lounge, pantry, walk-in wardrobe and spacious bathroom.

The bed now stands in what was formerly the family area, with the television also thoughtfully sited in the lounge to keep the sound and blue light from disrupting the occupants’ slumber.

In the master bathroom, bookmatched Titanium Black granite slabs provide a stunning backdrop for the bathtub. Outside on the terrace, a curvaceous Laguno sofa from Eichholtz complements a garden that was designed by Soilboy.

Tatler Asia
A significant part of this was replacing the marble flooring in the living, dining and corridor areas with oak timber
Above A significant part of this was replacing the marble flooring in the living, dining and corridor areas with oak timber
Tatler Asia
One of the designers’ key tasks was to incorporate the couple’s existing furniture into the new design
Above One of the designers’ key tasks was to incorporate the couple’s existing furniture into the new design
A significant part of this was replacing the marble flooring in the living, dining and corridor areas with oak timber
One of the designers’ key tasks was to incorporate the couple’s existing furniture into the new design
Tatler Asia
The outdoor terrace features a garden by Soilboy, its sinuous lines perfectly paired with the Eichholtz Laguno sofa and coffee table from Prelude Living
Above The outdoor terrace features a garden by Soilboy, its sinuous lines perfectly paired with the Eichholtz Laguno sofa and coffee table from Prelude Living
The outdoor terrace features a garden by Soilboy, its sinuous lines perfectly paired with the Eichholtz Laguno sofa and coffee table from Prelude Living

“We have designed several penthouses, and the views from this one are unparalleled,” Tan notes. With the reconfigured upper floor, the couple now have a private luxurious sanctuary all to themselves. The balcony of the master suite frames sea and city views for quiet moments together. An outdoor gym connected to the master bedroom adds an extra layer of comfort and convenience.

“In integrating the homeowner’s desire for a Yabu Pushelberg-inspired interior with her own preferences, this home is an expression of how dark finishes can serve as a grounding backdrop for bold design choices,” Tan says. “The result is a textured, luxurious space that offers warmth and comfort for family living,” she concludes.

Tatler Asia
The view of the bustling Sentosa Cove waterfront from the penthouse
Above The view of the bustling Sentosa Cove waterfront from the penthouse
The view of the bustling Sentosa Cove waterfront from the penthouse

Credits

Images: MarcusL Photography

Topics