The salon is also a space intended for intimate conversations, with no distractions from a TV,” says Lai. Instead, an artwork of water lilies adorns a blank wall by the main door, adding to the genteel mood. “The careful selection of loose furniture and soft, flowing curtains seemingly encapsulate the salon space with walls of fabric, with soft light permeating the interiors,” describes Lai on the design of this calm space. 

The artwork is highlighted in an oak timber portal. This material is generously deployed for other built-in joinery. “At the dining area, we have designed two cabinets—one contains coffee and tea beverages in the day, and the other, wine or alcohol for the night. They can be concealed or revealed, depending on the time of the day,” describes Wong. 

Polished bookmatched Calacatta Vagli marble adorn the backsplash of these cabinets for a touch of elegance. Another feature that showcases the architects’ meticulous touch is a pair of mirrored pocket doors between the dining area and kitchen, which visually extend light and space at the dining area when closed.  

On the second floor, the former master bedroom was converted into a study. New floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as glass panels separating this space with the family room flush the room with daylight. The airiness is accentuated with a pitched ceiling.

“One of the requirements was to provide ample bookshelves as the owners are avid readers. We positioned a long study desk spanning the room under the expansive ceiling in front of the full-height windows, so that the owners can look out when taking a breather from work and feel connected to the outside while working,” Lai explains. This connection to the outdoors is also enhanced with the repositioning of the master bedroom next to an existing balcony.

The master bedroom, wardrobe and master bathroom were rearranged in enfilade-style, with the doorways in line with each other, such that the sequence culminates in the freestanding bathtub. “In the master bedroom, we chose stained teak veneer for a mellower [mood],” highlights Wong. Symmetry in the fabric headboard flanked by a pair of bronze wall scones that add a sense of calm. The dresser is positioned in front of the window for better lighting during make-up sessions, where wooden sliding windows regulate daylight.

The staircase was also remodelled for more daylight. Existing dated wrought-iron balustrades and timber handrails were replaced with glass balustrades. The treads and risers were clad in white oak timber to create a seamless feel with the first and second storey flooring. A new skylight washes light through the house’s section. At the attic’s entertainment room, the walls abutting the staircase were replaced with glass windows to borrow light from the skylight.  

Like surgeons, Lai and Wong have worked around the bones of this house carefully, amending and inserting only what is necessary. But the layering of the tone-on-tone palette as well as choice furniture and lighting selection bring tranquillity and life into the new bones.    

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