A bespoke chandelier plated in gold from Marq HQO is the statement piece of the living room, with full-height mirrored wall panels serving as its elegant backdrop
Cover A bespoke chandelier plated in gold from Marq HQO is the statement piece of the living room, with full-height mirrored wall panels serving as its elegant backdrop

This house is a stunning showcase of luxury and glamour, from the interior design right down to its spectacular selection of lighting fixtures and furnishings

Brenda Ang, principal architect of Lab Architects, believes that a home must be holistically designed to reflect its owner’s passions and personality. This also extends to the choice and placement of the artworks, lighting fixtures, and furniture. In particular, pieces that are crafted by hand present a sense of authenticity that cannot be easily substituted.

“The pandemic has no doubt redefined our meaning of home, making people more aware of investing time [to craft] their personal spaces. Notably, there is an increased trend in the ‘maximalist’ style, but in a tasteful manner,” says Ang. This Singapore home’s interior design clearly embodies this trend. “It leans towards a modern yet ultra-luxurious ambience referencing high fashion and art,” she adds.

The client wanted to transform the property into an inviting abode where three generations could form bonds, without sacrificing either style or comfort. “The clients were ready to invest in their ‘dream home,’ and to have spaces in which everyone could gather and also private areas each family member could retreat to,” says the architect.

Read more: Kourtney Kardashian’s sanctuary in Southern California

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 2 The exquisite detailing on the ceilings and feature walls contributes to the home’s modern art deco design
Photo 2 of 2 The gold trim of the Minotti coffee table echoes the sheen of the display shelves in the living room

Working closely with Ang, luxury furniture retailer Marq HQO was instrumental in shaping the overall vision of the design of this 20,000 sq ft property. The firm’s job scope includes furniture selection, custom-builds, project management and the creation of customised kitchens and wardrobes.

The first gathering space is the impressive living area. A dramatic bespoke chandelier by Marq HQO catches the light streaming in through the full-height windows and accentuates the lofty space. “The double-volume space commands a sense of formality. A sofa and armchairs from Bentley Home anchor the space and provide a luxurious touch. Full-height mirrored walls enhance the spatial volume, amplifying the sense of space and grandeur,” says Ang.

Wall trimmings, earthy tones matched with gilded accents and leather armchairs complete the luxurious appeal of this area, which is flanked by the formal dining space and the informal living room. Marble was used for the flooring and walls to unify the different zones.

“Gold-coloured metal trimmings create defined lines on the ceilings, referencing the Art Deco era,” Ang points out. They also introduce a sense of order.

See also: A creative gentleman’s apartment, designed with Art Deco touches

Tatler Asia
A top-down view of the formal living room, which features Chorley sofas and Sherwood armchairs from Bentley Home, a Minotti Benson coffee table and a bench from Giorgio Collection
Above A top-down view of the formal living room, which features Chorley sofas and Sherwood armchairs from Bentley Home, a Minotti Benson coffee table and a bench from Giorgio Collection
Tatler Asia
The custom chandeliers draw attention to the height and sculptural form of the spiral staircase
Above The custom chandeliers draw attention to the height and sculptural form of the spiral staircase

Near the centre of the home, a sculptural elliptical staircase sweeps upwards in a show of spatial theatrics. “Accentuating a feeling of grandeur, it is an element of surprise as one approaches the living room. The elliptical shape helps to build a sense of momentum as [one traverses up and down],” Ang explains.

The elongated shape also makes it more comfortable to navigate, compared to a conventional circular spiral staircase. The marble flooring continues up the staircase treads for spatial continuity, while gold-coloured balustrades echo the gilt accents in the other parts of the home. Curved glass panels beneath the handrails allow the organic shape of the staircase to be fully appreciated.

Suspended over the central void is another custom chandelier by Marq HQO. “The lighting concept was curated to enhance and synchronise the spaces, to have them exude a sense of elegance, charm and luxury, with different moods for the different spaces,” says Ang. The lighting elements are equipped with eco-friendly dimmable mechanisms to adapt to different patterns of usage and times of the day.

Another eye-catching lighting piece, the Peacock pendant from Villari, adorns the ceiling of the master bedroom. “The owners had visited Salone del Mobile, the furniture fair in Milan; the delicate details of the Peacock lamp captured their attention. It is a work of functional art and a superb sculptural accent,” says Ang.

Don’t miss: A stunning Bel Air property inspired by old Hollywood

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 6 The informal living area was furnished by Marq HQO with a Charisma sofa and swivel armchair from Giorgio Collection
Photo 2 of 6 Extending up to the ceiling, the blue upholstered headboard makes a statement in the master bedroom
Photo 3 of 6 The husband’s study features the Minotti West sofa and Giorgetti Kendama lamps
Photo 4 of 6 The use of marble adds visual interest to the wardrobe, which features a handsome mix of matte and glossy finishes
Photo 5 of 6 The Versace Home Pop Medusa chair is an instant conversation starter in this abode’s basement-level entertainment room
Photo 6 of 6 The made-in-Italy Reflex wall lamps stand in contrast to the other angular forms in this beautiful powder room

Also in the master bedroom is a custom cobalt bedhead that extends up to the ceiling for a cocooning effect. The use of glass and dark wood in the walk-in wardrobe adds sophistication and provides an ideal backdrop for the custom chandelier. In the study, a geometrically shaped sofa is the highlight. “This is where the client can be found from the late evening to the early morning; it is his personal hideaway,” shares Ang.

In contrast to the subdued bedroom designs, the entertainment den in the basement celebrates colour and character. Beneath the custom chandelier, a Pop Medusa chair from Versace Home in neon yellow is one of the starring pieces. Surrounding the space is dark glossy timber panelling that mimics the ambience of a gentlemen’s club.

Details and textures abound throughout this house, where no surface has been left untouched. “Luxury is about satisfying the unapologetic lifestyle desires of the client, but to achieve true luxury, you need to have a perfect balance of [good design], materials and details, all while meeting the practical requirements of the user,” says Ang.

The designer also has to be a good listener to draw out what a client truly wants and needs. “The journey and process of designing a home need to be an enjoyable experience in order to make a project successful, and this can only be possible when we integrate our creativity with our clients’ desires.”

NOW READ

5 home makeover tips for the Year of the Dragon

Home tour: How an abandoned Bali house was transformed into a private paradise

Home tour: A coastal home in New Zealand overlooking the Te Arai dunescape

Credits

Photography  

Marq HQO

Topics