Cover A view of the living room and balcony

A Chinese contemporary art enthusiast enlisted Architology Interiors to create a striking home for his exuberant collection of artworks

Many people buy art to complement the design of their home. But for Jeffrey Soh and Selina Chong, it was the other way around. The couple envisioned a stylish abode that would showcase their collection of Chinese contemporary art in the most impactful way possible. “We wanted our art to create a grand and spectacular impression the moment our guests step into our home,” says Soh, who has been collecting art and sculptures for about 15 years.

His favourite artists include Ren Zhe, Shen Jing Dong, Cai Zhi Song, Pan De Hai and the Luo Brothers. “I have always enjoyed decorating and wanted to spend time deciding on the placement of each piece to create a cohesive overall look,” he adds.

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The light-filled living room features the Fu Lu Shou painting by Shen Jing Dong, furnishings from Molteni&C and a striking Magma Gold granite feature wall behind the TV
Above The light-filled living room features the Fu Lu Shou painting by Shen Jing Dong, furnishings from Molteni&C and a striking Magma Gold granite feature wall behind the TV

To realise the contemporary yet cosy atmosphere the owners had envisioned for their 3,671sqft penthouse unit in Singapore, they engaged Bu Shukun, design director of Architology Interiors, after discovering the latter’s portfolio via a family friend. The couple, who have three young children, decided to divide their four-bedroom abode into two zones. 

“The main floor is the social zone, where they often host their extended family, friends and business associates. The upper floor was to be a master suite for the couple,” says Bu. The design team also had to ensure a balance between the couple’s opposing aesthetic preferences. “Jeffrey leans towards darker palettes, has a preference for rich materials and likes more dramatic designs,” says Bu. “Selina is the opposite; she likes a bright and airy interior with elegant plays of textures on a muted palette.”

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Stainless-steel sculptures by Ren Zhe stand before a dramatic corridor flanked by colourfully oversized artworks
Above Stainless-steel sculptures by Ren Zhe stand before a dramatic corridor flanked by colourfully oversized artworks

To showcase this striking duality, Bu first analysed the amount of daylight that would illuminate the main floor. He then reshuffled the original spaces to create two main zones—a living area and a dining space—to run parallel to each other, with the former clad in darker tones as it basks in natural sunlight from the balcony.

In the living room, a Ferreira de Sá rug, a custom-made marble coffee table and a pair of Turner sofas from Molteni&C provide a neutral backdrop for a painting of Chinese deities by Shen Jing Dong. 

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Tinted mirrors expand the sense of space in the dining room
Above Tinted mirrors expand the sense of space in the dining room
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A Pan De Hai painting adds vibrancy to the dining area, which is furnished with a Henge S-Penny dining table by Massimo Castagna
Above A Pan De Hai painting adds vibrancy to the dining area, which is furnished with a Henge S-Penny dining table by Massimo Castagna

For visual continuity, the coffee table in the living area is also made with Antolini Patagonia granite. Here, a Magma Gold granite feature wall is among its stunning highlights—the gold swirls also complement the 12 bronze animal statues of the Chinese zodiac that flank the wall. “These were intentionally chosen to further blur the lines between art and design in the apartment,” says Bu.

To achieve the desired effect of contrast and balance, Bu took pains to create 3D renders depicting various configurations to figure out the best ways to display the paintings and sculptures in the home, while choosing materials that would make the ideal background for the art. For example, Shen Jing Dong’s Salute sculptures, which represent discipline, respect and protection, stand guard on the balcony. “They greet visitors and also create a presence that links and extends the living space out onto the timber balcony using art,” says Bu.

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Colourful artworks add vibrance to the walls of this corridor
Above Colourful artworks add vibrance to the walls of this corridor, including works by Singapore-based artist Zhu Hong

The dining zone, which is located deeper inside the home, sports lighter hues. “The space incorporates a rich-toned living room with generous daylight, while the dining area has a pared-down white marble flooring with clean timber-clad walls. This contrast and balance was the key to meeting the opposing requirements,” says Bu. In the dining space, a Henge S-Penny dining table by Massimo Castagna features a hand-burnished steel base. Overlooking the dining table is an exuberant painting by Pan De Hai.

Special care was taken to choose the various stone and marble slabs used throughout the home. Key pieces were sourced from Hafary’s marble warehouse, along with natural stone tiles from Italian manufacturer Antolini, also distributed by Hafary. One standout is the kitchen island, which features Antolini Patagonia granite carved to resemble a rugged stone sculpture.

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A striking red painting from Pan De Hai’s Corn series catches the eye at the staircase
Above A striking red painting from Pan De Hai’s Corn series catches the eye at the staircase
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The brushstroke-like veins on this striking feature wall allude to the home’s artistic influences
Above The brushstroke-like veins on this striking feature wall allude to the home’s artistic influences

Soh worked closely with the designer on the placement of the artworks throughout the home, as he holds many of them close to his heart. “The owner selected most of the art based on his personal interests and taste. All the pieces are of very high quality and are infused with the symbolism of prosperity, beauty, joy and a rich, vibrant culture,” says Susanna Yang, owner of Yang Gallery, where Soh purchased most of his art collection from.

Even more fascinating artworks adorn the upper level. Right at the top of the staircase landing hangs a red painting from Pan De Hai’s renowned Corn Series. Two stainless-steel sculptures of warriors by Ren Zhe, which represent power, energy and loyalty, flank the walkway to the bedrooms. On these walls hang colourful artworks that Soh bought for his children. Each piece is meaningful to the family as it represents a child’s zodiac sign and symbolises their happiness and growth.

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The Roche Bobois Bubble sofa by Sacha Lakic is an unexpected touch in the master bedroom, which is decorated in a host of earthy hues
Above The Roche Bobois Bubble sofa by Sacha Lakic is an unexpected touch in the master bedroom, which is decorated in a host of earthy hues

With such a dramatic material palette and a wide range of bold, expressive art for the home, Bu says it did require a “leap of faith” from both parties to pull off the project with panache; the renovation took a year to complete, due to a four-month delay caused by the pandemic regulations. The results, the homeowners say, more than live up to their expectations. “It is perfect—exactly what we imagined it to be,” enthuses Soh.

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