Home tour: A mindful and restorative Singapore apartment

Miaja Design Group invigorates a six-bedroom apartment with mindful moments and restorative spaces

Reimagining a six-bedroom residence at Tomlinson Heights as a timeless home with elevated touches and considerations for wellness and relaxation—this formed the basis of the design brief handed to Miaja Design Group by the homeowners. Having seen the firm’s portfolio, the clients were drawn to its design approach and the overall mood and feel of its residential projects, which was precisely what they wanted to express in their new home. The result is an elegant rendition of what ensues when purpose meets aesthetics: a sophisticated and inviting home with a sense of wellness at its heart.

“I believe they wanted the ‘Miaja style’ right from the beginning: comfort, elegance, and an atmosphere that is refined, yet not contrived,” says company founder and lead designer Isabelle Miaja of her clients’ key considerations. “Their previous home was a beautiful landed house that suited their lifestyle at that moment in time. They wanted a stylish new place in which they could worry less about children running around, where the beautiful views of the city were left unobstructed, the breezes flowed freely, and each object was purposely chosen so as not to crowd the spaces.”

Miaja designed this bespoke Phi chandelier as an eye- catching centrepiece that makes the most of the living room’s soaring seven-metre- high ceiling

Above Miaja designed this bespoke Phi chandelier as an eye-catching centrepiece that makes the most of the seven-metre-high ceiling

Miaja describes Tomlinson Heights as a well-laid-out building that takes full advantage of its sweeping views, natural light, and airflow. For this reason, the designer did not have to alter the apartment’s layout, focusing instead on augmenting the sense of comfort and elegance already afforded by the architectural shell. She also spent much time with the client discussing ways to achieve the perfect balance between beauty and functionality.

Some of the occupants’ more specific requirements were zones for wellness, with some emphasis on greenery. As such, the balcony’s yoga corner was a must—bringing nature up to the 18th floor of a high-rise building by creating a garden also added a sense of familiarity, as per the clients’ previous landed property. This yoga corner was further enhanced with a mural which, together with the green wall, opens up to the spectacular view, providing the perfect spot for stretching and meditation.

The chandelier takes on the form of an infinity symbol surrounded by celestial bodies when viewed from below

Art was an important consideration in each space, including the dining area

In the study, wallpaper from Florence Broadhurst creates a sense of whimsy and makes an artistic statement

Photo 1 of 3 The chandelier takes on the form of an infinity symbol surrounded by celestial bodies when viewed from below

Photo 2 of 3 Art was an important consideration in each space, including the dining area

Photo 3 of 3 In the study, wallpaper from Florence Broadhurst creates a sense of whimsy and makes an artistic statement

Likewise, spaces to accommodate the occupants’ hobbies and lifestyles were also taken into account. “A kitchen that catered to their love of cooking and their art collection, which was brought over from their previous home, needed to be well thought through,” says Miaja. “The children’s bedrooms needed to give them a warm welcome when they returned home from abroad, instead of being these impersonal guest rooms.”

A timeless aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail allow the design to take centre stage, right from the private lift lobby. The grand double-height living room stands as the signature feature of the residence, presided over by a bespoke Phi chandelier designed by Miaja herself that makes the most of the seven-metre ceiling height. Below this centrepiece, luxury and comfort converge in an inviting, sophisticated selection of furniture, inclusive of a pair of Jensen swivel armchairs from Minotti and an Aurae sofa from Maxalto.

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Another bedroom takes on a more rustic air with the use of earthy tones and Misia Paris’ Les Rues de Zanzibar wallpaper

One of the guest bedrooms features Flavor Paper’s Feroz print in the Yellow Fury colourway

The master suite provides supreme comfort in the form of Archibald armchairs and ottomans from Poltrona Frau, while a custom wallcovering designed by Emma Hayes lends an organic touch

Photo 1 of 3 Another bedroom takes on a more rustic air with the use of earthy tones and Misia Paris’ Les Rues de Zanzibar wallpaper

Photo 2 of 3 One of the guest bedrooms features Flavor Paper’s Feroz print in the Yellow Fury colourway

Photo 3 of 3 Take supreme comfort in the form of Archibald armchairs and ottomans from Poltrona Frau, while a custom wallcovering designed by Emma Hayes lends an organic touch

The bedrooms were designed as luxurious retreats. The master bedroom features a custom wallcovering by Emma Hayes, adding a unique touch to the space, while a walk-through wardrobe is decked out in two extravagant marble finishes. One guest room pairs the Les Rues de Zanzibar wallcovering from Misia Paris with the elegant Xi table lamps from Poltrona Frau. In another, Flavor Paper’s tropical jungle-inspired Feroz wallpaper adds a lush yet somewhat unexpectedly modern vibrancy thanks to its neon-yellow and grey hues. Meanwhile, in the study, a beautiful feature wall finished in floral wallpaper from Florence Broadhurst adds a sense of charm and sophistication.

Design details elevate the home’s architectural features: the ledges running along the perimeter of the rooms are finished in Botticino marble, and the desks sitting on them were designed to be moveable, allowing the homeowners to enjoy the view while using them. The balconies were landscaped, the chandeliers provide light and serve as works of art, and the wallpapers were specially selected to suit the design of each space. “Everything was tailored to create an unspoken language of sophistication,” declares Miaja. “[It is] discreet, yet present.”

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The designer worked with specific colour tonalities to give the client’s old artworks their own perfect background and surroundings in the new home

Above The designer worked with specific colour tonalities to give the client’s old artworks their own perfect background and surroundings in the new home

Above The home’s materials and finishes were chosen to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation

The sculpture in front of the aforementioned green wall was brought over from the previous home and needed a deserving spot. Miaja created a stone pedestal to give it height and importance. “We also created green walls at the kitchen balcony, where one can sit for coffee in the morning. The view is spectacular, and the touch of green gives it a cool ambience as only nature can give,” she adds.

As evidenced by the soft design touches and carved-out spaces, the overall aim of the whole apartment was to foster a sense of well-being and relaxation, says Miaja. “Raw and natural materials such as grass and silk have their own energy. Stone and greenery reflect serenity; harmonious colours balance the natural rhythm our eyes and minds respond to. Like appreciating an artwork, one can instinctively feel if the composition is just right.”

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Credits

Photography

Jin Cheng Wong

Topics

Home tour Singapore Miaja Design Group Apartment Interior design Wellness

Tatler Asia

Home tour: A mindful and restorative Singapore apartment dedicated to wellness