Cover A Driade Roly Poly chair by Faye Toogood stands in one corner of the living and dining room

Designed by Parenthesis, this stunning home in Singapore exemplifies a winning combination of clean-lined minimalism and warm cosiness

“Form follows function”—that phrase, so famously coined by American architect Louis Sullivan in 1896, holds that the design of a structure should relate primarily to its intended purpose, and the pursuit of functionality. The subsequent interior design and decorative embellishments would augment the overall design, which naturally follows its intended purpose, adding layers to a practical foundation.

Far from being a cliché, this axiom holds strong to this day, and has proven a well-established guide for effective and good-looking abodes grounded in rationality. Local firm Parenthesis placed practicality at a premium when tasked with the makeover of this 3,800 sq ft property in Singapore, which is home to a couple, their two young children and pet dog.

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Photo 1 of 3 Accent cushions and a potted plant liven up the austere living space
Photo 2 of 3 Another view of the living space
Photo 3 of 3 A row of &Tradition Flowerpot lamps by Verner Panton floats above the kitchen island

The owners had sought larger premises to accommodate the changes in their lifestyle, and recently moved into the two-level corner terrace house in their quest for more room. Sujono Lim, co-founder and director of Parenthesis and sister studio Sujonohun, reveals that the clients wanted a clean, fuss-free palette that would act as a “soothing backdrop” for the family’s treasured selection of furnishings and collectibles. They also desired unique elements within a neat, commodious design, along with ample storage for their necessities.

“We started by looking at the [home’s] layout, and determining the most efficient use of space to suit the clients’ lifestyle,” says Lim. This functionality then informed the abode’s design; a modern minimalist look with beach-house elements characterised by the liberal application of neutral tones and pale wood for a cosy, breezy vibe. 

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Above Bearbrick figurines and decorative objects add character to the TV console
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Above A Driade Roly Poly chair by Faye Toogood stands in one corner of the living and dining room

The stage for relaxation is set at the entrance, where a door in light-hued timber and a wooden portal establish a warm welcome. The expansive living room benefits from the generous sunlight that enters through the large glass doors that span the length of this space, suffusing everything with a natural glow. These glass doors serve to bring the outdoors in, as does a large potted plant in a corner, which also provides this neutral-toned tableau with a welcome hint of green. A plush sofa and wood-framed armchairs are paired with patterned cushions that add tactility; the light-hued floor reflects light and visually expands the size of the living area. 

A wall-hung, elongated TV console in blonde wood and grey marble stretches from the living room to the adjoining dining area, tying both zones together. This statement piece holds collectibles such as the owners’ Bearbrick figures, books and objets d’art, and incorporates a hidden minibar beside the dining zone. Here, a Driade Roly Poly chair by Faye Toogood makes a sculptural statement, its pristine white form taking on a luminous quality in the direct sunlight, as does the row of Flos IC S1 pendant lamps by Michael Anastassiades above the dining table.

 

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Above A clean and elegant kitchen aesthetic featuring &Tradition Flowerpot VP1 pendant lamps by Verner Panton, Aesop hand soaps and marble-finished island countertop
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Above Flos IC S1 pendant lamps by Michael Anastassiades hung above the dining table
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Above A peek into the master bedroom from the staircase
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Above The desk that’s hidden behind the headboard in the master suite

Partially demarcated by the staircase is the dry kitchen, which the interior firm treated as a continuation of the living and dining areas. An island clad in a light Dekton Opera ultra-compact surface, which is inspired by Italian Carrara marble, is the key focal point here. Copper details in the form of strips on the kitchen island and the &Tradition Flowerpot VP1 pendant lamps by Verner Panton overhead provide subtle visual accents and a richness in materiality. “The copper detailing cuts down on the bulkiness of the island and adds an elegant touch,” says Lim.

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Above Another view of the kitchen

The light palette continues on the second floor, which houses the master bedroom, the son’s and daughter’s rooms, and a guest room. This level also features beautifully layered spaces that make use of a combination of textures to infuse the modern minimalist aesthetic with snugness and warmth.

A bed stands in the centre of the spacious master bedroom; its headboard features a concealed workspace behind it, complete with power outlets, a desk and a pouf. This space-saving feature is worked into the room beautifully; it’s perfect for a quick bedtime read or as a space for craft projects.

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Above The terrazzo-like pattern on the countertops brings a lively touch to the children’s shared bathroom

Also in this room are a wardrobe and a display cabinet; the latter stands out as an accent piece with its gentle backlighting. One of the wardrobe doors opens to a handsome closet and the master bathroom; the former features dark-framed wardrobes with tinted glass doors, and a gorgeously veined marble island. The application of patterned stone as a design element is also evident in the bathroom between the children’s bedrooms; the countertops and shower area feature a delightful terrazzo-like finish.

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Above This custom headboard features an elongated design that also cleverly conceals a desk behind it

Parenthesis completed the interior design in six months; the entire addition and alteration project took one-and-a-half years due to the pandemic. “There were issues with material availability and stock due to Covid-19, so we had to make some substitutions,” says Lim.

The designer adds that the clients were pleased as the result turned out to be very close to the originally envisioned design. It’s also an apt representation of the firm’s creative ethos and their belief in the importance of a trusting, collaborative relationship with the client. “We believe that every project should have the most unique possible result through a mix of creative thinking and functionality; it’s as important to have client’s trust and patience,” sums up Lim.

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Above The picture window in this bathroom frames relaxing views of the verdant greenery outside beautifully
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Above A boutique-style island showcases an array of watches and jewellery in the wardrobe area

Credits

Photography  

Daniel Koh

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