Cover KNQ Associates opted to bookmatch the large-format floor tiles to create a seamless look in the freehold condo’s living room
KNQ Associates opted to bookmatch the large-format floor tiles to create a seamless look in the freehold condo’s living room
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KNQ Associates fashions a soulful sanctuary in a freehold condominium that proudly showcases the owner’s vibrant collection of Asian art and antiques
Starting from the ground up may be considered the ideal situation for many homeowners. But there is beauty to be found in every space, and many design opportunities that can help turn a time-worn interior into a fresh and inspiring abode. This is a belief KNQ Associates has advocated since its establishment 20 years ago.
Led by Kusnin Tan and Stanley Tham, the KNQ Associates founders reveal that “home rejuvenation” is one of the key services offered by their Singapore-based interior design firm. “Our studio’s concept of home rejuvenation is a design service whereby we assist our clients to revamp their homes and make the best of the existing furniture and possessions in their existing residences,” explains Tan.
“This project serves as a fine example of how we can possibly create an entirely new look with these principles in mind.”
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Above Matching cowhide patterns on the armchair and rug enliven this corner of the living area
Matching cowhide patterns on the armchair and rug enliven this corner of the living area
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The four-bedroom apartment is situated in a freehold condominium that was first constructed during the ’70s, and has a sizeable footprint spanning over 3,000 sq ft. The owner’s large and colourful collection of art, antiques and furnishings was to be the focus of the interior concept.
Given the generous floor plan, the designers had plenty of room to work with; the challenge was to curate and display the many furnishings and artworks tastefully throughout the abode without cluttering the interior.
“The space planning and design was also to be kept simple and tasteful to achieve this,” shares Tan, the creative lead on the project. “The homeowner did not want the spaces to be overly contemporary, complicated or fussy, built up around the house to detract from her beloved collection.”
Above A spacious island and sleek bar stools create a cosy breakfast nook
A spacious island and sleek bar stools create a cosy breakfast nook
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Given its decades-long history, the well-loved apartment featured structural elements that were to be strengthened, and the layout was also to be reconfigured and improved upon to conceal the structural beams. The client also asked for ample storage, and to brighten the space while improving the spatial flow of an apartment with split-level floors and a complex ceiling structure.
Various methods of plaster box-ups and false-ceiling elements help to hide the less appealing elements of the original ceiling design. Lighting was also among the key considerations: aside from the functional illumination installed in the general areas, soft recessed lighting was also incorporated into the curved and rounded ceiling features, supported by spot-lighting elements that draw attention to specific artworks.
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Above Another corner of the dining room that showcases the owner's antiques collection
Another corner of the dining room that showcases the owner's antiques collection
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To set the perfect canvas for the artistic elements in the home, the team selected a light scheme, grounded by large-format floor tiles from Italy that feature a pattern inspired by white marble. These tiles have been bookmatched to run in a continuous pattern from the open-plan foyer to the living and dining areas, creating a sleek look.
“We took great effort when it came to the joints, cuts and trimmings around the corners of the home. For example, we made sure that even the veins of the floor tiles match the sintered-stone front fascia of the dry kitchen counter, such that it presents a continuous and integrated result,” adds Tan.
Above An ornamental folding screen serves as an elegant backdrop for a bust while a Turkish rug brightens the media room
An ornamental folding screen serves as an elegant backdrop for a bust while a Turkish rug brightens the media room
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The design firm used some of the unique features of the apartment to its advantage, creating intriguing ways to display and highlight the homeowner’s assortment of paintings and objets d’art.
Take, for instance, the split-level living room, where the steps are lined with metallic trimming. This leads the eye upwards towards the entryway, where there is a decorative folding screen as well as a vase that features elegant Chinese calligraphy.
The unusual split-level design also creates alcoves and nooks to showcase sculptures and other cherished collectables and house plants. The corridors also double as art galleries, showcasing works from a similar style or series to complement the interior scheme.
For example, the hallway that leads to the master bedroom features a set of monochromatic prints that present a soothing sight, illuminated by lights incorporated into the minimalist cove ceiling.
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Above Cove lighting adds visual softness and curved elements to this corridor
Above Marble-pattern tiles lend a subtle visual interest in this powder room
Cove lighting adds visual softness and curved elements to this corridor
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Looking back on the project, Tan cites the smooth communication with the owner as a high point. “The owner is a jovial person to be around, and she trusted us whenever we had to deal with site constraints,” he says. “She also worked with us to choose various detailing and finishes together.”
Taking a total of six months to complete the design and renovation of this abode, the completed interior is one that conveys the owner’s passion for art and antiques beautifully while creating a soothing sanctuary she is now proud to call home.
KNQ Associates
Above KNQ Associates director Kusnin Tan
Above KNQ Associates director Stanley Tham
KNQ Associates director Kusnin Tan
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Helmed by Stanley Tham and Kusnin Tan, KNQ Associates was founded in 2004 with the goal of “fostering a closer relationship between people and interior spaces”. The six-person team at the atelier is known for an admirable portfolio of work that brings together bespoke details with functionality and a harmonious aesthetic.
Tan, the lead designer on this featured project, has over 20 years of experience in interior design and has also been a guest speaker at design symposiums at James Cook University. He has also mentored postgraduate architecture students at his alma mater, UNSW Sydney University, in Australia.
KNQ Associates
Address: 81 Ubi Avenue 4 #10-03 UB. One, Tel: 6222 0966
knqassociates.com
Credits
Images: Courtesy of KNQ Associates
