This bedroom looks out to verdant views of the cityscape
Cover This bedroom looks out to verdant views of the cityscape

Singapore-based design firm Antone by D executes a striking interior with rich layers and bespoke touches for a penthouse near Orchard Road

With over two decades of design experience, interior designer Divya Anthony, who’s the founder of local studio Antone by D, crafts dream spaces that capture the essence of each homeowner’s needs and desires. Her recent project, a 5,800 sq ft penthouse in Singapore that serves as a retirement home for a couple, is a testament to the bona fide designer’s ingenuity and attention to detail—factors that have won her many clients through word-of-mouth.

“During our search for a retirement home, we viewed many properties and were particularly impressed with the design of some show units,” the homeowners explain. “It was through some inquiries that we came to know Antone by D was the firm behind the apartments that caught our attention.” 

Anthony adds with pride: “The clients were a referral from a previous project. The best form of advertisement is when it is endorsed by another success story!” 

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Divya Anthony, founder of Antone by D
Above Divya Anthony, founder of Antone by D

Perched on the highest level of a residential development, the five-bedroom penthouse offers a stunning scenic view of Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping belt. Large windows found in nearly every room within the apartment frames the picturesque panorama and offers a 360-degree view of the cityscape. “There was so much potential,” recalls Anthony. “It’s rare that you stumble across a space like this with open unblocked views of the city. The view took my breath away.”

Inspired by the view, the designer selected a material palette with understated hues and rich textures to sculpt the interiors. “Instinctively, I knew that anything that I wanted to introduce to the space should not compete with the view for attention,” explains Anthony. “The materials and apartment’s layout were all carefully introduced with the intention of complementing [the view].”

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The focal point in the living and dining area is the marble feature TV wall, which doubles as a glamorous storage unit
Above The focal point in the living and dining area is the marble feature TV wall, which doubles as a glamorous storage unit

The mixture of marble, wood and metal accents lend a sense of warmth to the entire apartment. Flourishes of glamour, from elegant patterns to plush fabrics like velvet, offer a luxurious atmosphere.  Each area is anchored by distinctive elements, and yet works together visually. 

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Exuding a moody ambience, the powder room is clad with luxurious touches
Above Exuding a moody ambience, the powder room is clad with luxurious touches

The open-plan living and dining room is a cosy space that combines restrained colours with clean lines. Towering cabinets flank the seating area, with shelves featuring objets d’art and other prized possessions.

Anthony ensured that the layout of the stylish space will help to foster conversation for the close-knit family. “They wanted a common space where they can all come together to entertain, bond and have family gatherings together,” she says.

Other bespoke touches found around the home were designed to reflect the sense of sophistication that the home embodies. The powder room, for example, is an ode to oriental design. The space features a hand-painted silk wallpaper with bamboo murals, paired with elaborate custom-designed mirrors and opulent accents. 

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A varied mix of textures and colour accents create a visually arresting space
Above A varied mix of textures and colour accents create a visually arresting space
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The spiral staircase is thoughtfully designed with touches of greenery
Above The spiral staircase is thoughtfully designed with touches of greenery

An elegant spiral staircase connects the living space to the outdoor pool area on the upper level. “The journey between the two levels had to be an unexpected experience,” Anthony explains.

Together with the contractor and an electrician, the design team cleverly engineered lights at the base of each step to offer a warm and cosy glow. “We found a way to provide electricity so that the edges of the staircase can light up, creating a dramatic ambience as one climb up the spiral staircase,” the designer enthuses. “The inspiration to dress the staircase into a tropical hanging garden came from the clients, and a huge Buddha statue, which we found a perfect spot for on the pool deck.”

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The beige tones and light wood in the bedroom create a calming mood
Above The beige tones and light wood in the bedroom create a calming mood

The master bedroom boasts a restful atmosphere. The designer crafted a contemporary aesthetic by marrying neutral tones with a tactile mix of materials. At the request of the homeowners, the three children’s bedrooms had to “reflect the aesthetics of each individual”. 

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Photo 1 of 2 The pink headboard adds a pop of colour and contributes to the lively look of the space
Photo 2 of 2 This bedroom looks out to verdant views of the cityscape

Anthony delivered, creating tailored spaces that each had its own personality. The daughter’s bedroom, for example, features a velvet pink headboard with glossy lacquered finishes and metallic details. Another bedroom sports mirrored panels that visually expands the sense of space.

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The rooftop pool area features a huge buddha statue on one end
Above The rooftop pool area features a huge buddha statue on one end

The result of the designer’s hard work and dedication is a modern sanctuary that exudes an effortlessly elegant ambience. “We were extremely pleased that she fully met our requirements and even surpassed our expectations in giving us our beautiful home,” share the owners. “If we were to single out a favourite room, it would be the main living room with the huge feature wall that’s made up of a commanding marble slab and the functional yet minimalistic storage cabinets. One cannot help but notice this unusual main feature once they step into our unit.”

For the designer, the project was a particularly memorable experience due to its significance. She gushes: “It was really heartwarming as the home was a gift to my client from their son, who is based overseas. They are a very tight-knit family with so many warm family values and traditions. I am very proud of the home, as each area is unique and very different from the next.”

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