Home Tour: A Penthouse With An Asian Flair

This stylish abode celebrates its eastern inspiration and the owner's favourite travel destinations

Above The emerald armchair from Sancal and a playful mix of Hermès cushions add zesty accents to the living area

The homeowner’s brief to Terri Tan, design director of Designworx Interior Consultant, was simple—he wished for a contemporary interior, with decorative flourishes that hark to its Eastern influence. The space also had to have unique features that would remind the avid traveller of his favourite destinations in Japan and China.

“The penthouse was already impressive—it is rare to come across a spacious three- storey unit with double volume spaces in Singapore,” recalls Tan.

There was however, still room for improvement: “We felt the existing dark marble flooring at the living and dining areas did not do the interior justice, so we had it redone to up the oomph factor for the lower level.”

Above A view of the living area from the second floor of the penthouse

Inspired by the owner’s favourite Asian destinations, the living area at the lower level of the penthouse immediately creates an ambience of elegance through the hand- painted silkscreen and golden bonsai. The cranes, inspired by the red-crowned cranes in Japan, are an eloquent backdrop for the handcrafted sculpture.

Finding the right craftspeople to produce the custom-made screen and the golden bonsai proved to be the most challenging aspect of the project. In the end, the designer and her team found craftspeople for the silkscreen in Jiangsu; and artisans for the bonsai in Guangzhou, China.

“It was most gratifying when both items arrived on site,” she recalls.

Above he Melt pendant lights from Tom Dixon and the golden bonsai in the living and dining area make for a stylish East-meets- West contrast

At the adjacent dining area, a Japanese- inspired timber screen frames the double volume wall, its vertical lines contrasting with the gold and chrome globes of British designer Tom Dixon’s Melt pendants. The timber veneer was specially selected to complement the existing timber panels on the living wall.

The dining table, which seats 10, is custom designed, with a St Laurent marble top. The Madam Ibis pitchers from George Jensen on the dining table echoes the metallic accents on the silk screen.

Above A charming pair of rabbit sculptures add a whimsical touch to the outdoor terrace

The views around the penthouse unit are mostly unblocked so the designer and her team decided to create two sitting areas to take advantage of them.

In the balcony areas outside the living space, the family can lounge on the Ethimo Infinity sofa or have tea in the Marcel Wanders-designed Cyborg Club armchairs.
Fragrea ceilanica plants—popularly known as the perfume flower tree—were chosen for their white tubular flowers and aroma.

Above Abstract artworks found throughout the home are subtle references to the Eastern theme

The junior master bedroom on the lower level features a Ribbon bed from Italian furniture brand Molteni&C and Bolle Sola hanging lamps from Italian lighting company Gallotti & Radice. The timber frames around the bed echo the timber feature wall at the dining area, creating a cohesive design element across the penthouse.

Above The master bedroom of the penthouse

The master bedroom is a beautifully tactile space. The Angle bed by Italian furniture maker Flou and the Turkish gold and black silk rug take centrestage, with the soft textures of the bed and rug contrasting the sleek, hard lines of the Titano Emperado marble side tables from Natuzzi Italia.

Above The Chinese brush set in the study are subtle references to the Eastern theme

Situated beside the master bedroom, the adjoining study features elements of gold, and a cross-leg study table and round rug customised to fit the room.

Above The sleek kitchen area of this penthouse

The kitchen island features an extendable countertop that can be used as a dining spot for four.

Above The master bathroom integrates the walk-in wardrobe, thus serving as the dressing room and a serene sanctuary

The glamorous bathroom features a walk-in closet, a freestanding bathtub, a his- and-hers vanity counter and a mirrored wall that conceals a built-in TV.

Above A study that doubles as a guest bedroom

The study room, which continues the gold accents from the living room, has an additional bed for guests. Even though this room is the smallest, storage cabinets and display shelves are organised to maximise the space.

The project was a tremendous success, as Tan shares: “The homeowners can’t wait for their next vacation here—they’re even contemplating spending a longer time in Singapore to enjoy their new holiday home.”

This story was adapted from Singapore Tatler Homes June-July 2018

Topics

interior design singapore decor

Tatler Asia

Home Tour: A Penthouse With An Asian Flair