Cover A view of the townhouse’s playroom, featuring bespoke paint splattered wallpaper, a slide and floor to ceiling storage
A view of the townhouse’s playroom, featuring bespoke paint splattered wallpaper, a slide and floor to ceiling storage
1 / 1
Elliot James Interiors breathed new life into a tired townhouse, crafting a refined yet practical home designed to grow with its family.
“True luxury is an intimate reflection of personal experience and individual values,” says Elliot Barratt, founder of Elliot James Interiors. “It’s about creating spaces that resonate with unique moments, cherished time with loved ones, and the artistry of exceptional craftsmanship.”
The firm’s design ethos translates into their residential project at Bishopsgate in Tanglin, a 6,300 sq ft townhouse set across 3 storeys. The homeowners had engaged the firm to transform it into a warm and cosy family home, with spaces that evolve with them.
Don’t miss: Home tour: A refurbished 1970s house in Katong unveils its inherent beauty and spacious interiors
Uplighters ensure the drama of the space carried through from day to night at the townhouse
1 / 2
Above Angular marble floor patterns reinforce the design language of the home
Above A free-standing olive tree introduces drama and height
Angular marble floor patterns reinforce the design language of the home
1 / 2
The entire townhouse—originally tired and dark with several underutilised spaces—was overhauled over the course of 9 months. Despite having an inverted design with the communal living areas at the top and the bedrooms below, the private spaces in the basement enjoy natural light and a soft breeze thanks to a reimagined, full-height courtyard.
Drawing on the stunning lines of the property, Barratt added ribbed wall pillars, a rectangular patio, and a free-standing olive tree to the courtyard, creating a striking entrance while reinforcing the design language and visual identity of the full turnkey project. Adjustments were made to prevent overlooking and retain privacy, such as the use of clever planting, window dressings and vertical metal slatted shutters.
Read more: Home tour: Old Chang Kee chairman’s gorgeous Singapore house immersed in nature
The living and dining spaces open out to verdant greenery outside
1 / 3
Above The townhouse’s dry kitchen is dressed in calming deep blue
Above The townhouse’s stylish wet kitchen
The townhouse’s dry kitchen is dressed in calming deep blue
1 / 2
Inside, strong lines continue to take centre stage. Angular marble floor patterns, vertical slatted pocket doors, and oversized iron shelving units are juxtaposed with curated soft furnishings and curved shapes—including a bespoke green suede sofa, an oval marble dining table from Baxter and a sculptural Giopato & Coombes chandelier hanging above it, circular bedside lamps by Lee Broom, round side tables, as well as a circular silk rug that add contrast and visual interest. A palette of deep blues and greys is softened by neutral shades of whites and creams, while earthy tones complement the ample greenery around the building.
Enhancing the warm and welcoming atmosphere is the living and dining space; the heart of the home. Featuring a smart reshuffling of the layout, the utility and yard area were located to the basement, and several small rooms combined to create a sociable open-plan area with a dry kitchen for intimate gatherings. A hidden wet kitchen for culinary explorations is accessible through concealed double doors. Here, the sleek integration of materiality and workmanship by Italian kitchen specialist Arclinea was the perfect choice.
In case you missed it: Home Tour: Inside a Bukit Timah landed home that blends precision with timeless elegance
The master suite is accessed through a creative studio
1 / 4
Above A view of the townhouse’s creative studio
Above A freestanding bath in the townhouse’s master suite bathroom
A view of the townhouse’s creative studio
1 / 2
Barratt and his team picked up on the preferences of the family, tailoring the abode to cater to their fluid lifestyles and varied passions. For example, a personal office space that allows the husband to work from home comfortably, and a dedicated crafting room—featuring a bespoke thread wall and plenty of storage space—for the wife’s creative projects. The crafting studio opens to the master suite, comprising a walk-in wardrobe and sleek ensuite with a freestanding bath.
Designed with adaptability in mind, the master suite seamlessly incorporates pocket doors that not only maximise the space, but also allow the homeowners to section off the suite as necessary. Outside, the firm designed an angular patio suspended over the existing plunge pool (the homeowners originally wanted it removed in order to allow for more terrace space), affording them the option to reopen and use it should they wish.
The playroom, a fun and inspiring space that would mature with the children
1 / 2
Above One of the children’s bedrooms with a turquoise colour palette
Above This children’s bedroom features a climbing wall
One of the children’s bedrooms with a turquoise colour palette
1 / 2
Elsewhere, rooms that reflect their sons’ individual passions—one with a climbing wall and the other with monkey bars—are each balanced with ample space for reading and learning, perfectly suiting their energetic and curious natures. There’s also a fun playroom located in the basement, complete with bespoke paint-splattered wallpaper and a slide with floor-to-ceiling storage—an engaging and dynamic space that can be converted into a study or gaming room as the boys grow and mature.
Above A secret elevated hideout in the townhouse’s playroom
A secret elevated hideout in the townhouse’s playroom
1 / 1
Looking back now, Barratt finds it incredibly rewarding to craft spaces that grow with the boys, ages 4 and 8, balancing whimsy with practicality. “Designing the children’s bedrooms and playroom was the most enjoyable part because it allowed for a level of creativity, playfulness, and imagination that you don’t always get with other spaces.”
The project takes into account feng shui considerations, which also required some creativity to adhere to. “[Feng shui] had a huge impact on the designs and angles in which we had to locate various items, as well as ensuring the path for the energy flows were kept clear,” Barratt recalls.
Truly embodying the essence of its inhabitants and tailored to evolve with changing tides, Tanglin Townhouse isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a space where the family of four can learn, imagine, and create lasting memories.
Above The townhouse’s playroom faces the courtyard
Above A cosy corner with a sculptural turquoise side table
The townhouse’s playroom faces the courtyard
1 / 2
Credits
Photography: Winston Chuang
