On the material palette of the common spaces, Soh shares: “We used a mix of compressed quartz with a natural stone finish, large-format grey tiles and timber-lookalike laminates to introduce warm hues into the space.” The muted backdrop brings attention to eight David Pompa pendant lamps hung above the island counter in a row that accentuates that table’s linear expression.

The lamps’ lava stone-and-steel finishing adds to the textural composition while providing a sense of rhythm in the space. Above the dining table is a more dramatic lighting feature; the Heracleum III lamp by Bertjan Pot for Moooi has a body that mimics tree branches and delicate leaf-like luminaires. 

One of the bedrooms was reoriented to face the living area. Sliding doors separate accord privacy when necessary or open to make the room an extension of the main gathering space during parties. It is the husband’s ‘man cave’. Faux brick walls extend in the expression of the condominium’s original brick walls. “Black-framed steel doors and carpentry complement the bricks and create a cosy whiskey bar vibe,” describes Soh.

He continues, “The man cave was made for the husband to have a whiskey at the end of a long day at work as he plays his records. He also works here and hosts his friends when they come over.” To expand the master bedroom, another bedroom was reduced in size. This became the wife’s entertainment room and study where she can host her friends, while her husband and his friends head to the man cave during gatherings. 

The composition of botanical wallpaper, a dark-orange sofa, a brass side table answers the wife’s request for autumn expressions in the brief. “She found this colonial-era, tropical-inspired wallpaper, and we proportioned it with a suitable wainscoting sofa solution and loose furniture that created this vibe,” says Soh.

It has a similar feel to the powder room behind the dry kitchen, which is wrapped in dark green glossy tiles and patterned floor tiles. “The powder room is a very small space. It was designed mostly for guests to freshen up when they arrive or just before they leave,” says Soh on the modestly sized yet memorable space. 

The larger master bedroom also includes a generous walk-in wardrobe and expanded master bathroom. “It has a warm palette similar to the rest of the home, with large-format grey tiles and a travertine tile. We customised a long counter to include his and her washbasins, embellished with a composition of circular mirrors as a fun touch,” Soh remarks.

While the home has many rich expressions, it was designed ultimately for comfort. “Whether it is in-built or loose furniture, there is a place to sit down in any part of the home. For example, the dry kitchen’s island counter doubles as a stool for wearing shoes at the entrance [as it is close to the top steps at the foyer]. The placement of the Eames chair in the master bedroom, the sofa in the wife’s study room, the sofa and armchair in the man cave, and of course, the poufs and sofas in the living area, as well as the choice of their upholstery were all made with comfort in mind,” Soh highlights.  

Built-in components like the headboards were dressed in softer materials like leather and linen to create a feeling of softness, warmth and cosiness. The lighting, colour tones and designing for the owners’ individual habits also add to the general sense of comfort and understated luxury. In the bedrooms, this means being exact about the layout of wardrobe interiors, taking note of which side of the bed they sleep on and which side of the master bathroom counter they prefer to use.

“Functionally, a lot of effort was spent to cater to the owners’ preferences,” says Soh. “The wife required the counters to be lower to match her height. Ergonomically, the locations of hobs, sinks and refrigerators were carefully planned around the owners’ movements and patterns of use.” 

Testament to the success of the design is the owners’ glowing report. The couple share that the long kitchen island counter fulfils the functional needs of preparing food when they host guests. “The home’s design is also a conversation starter,” says Soh. “Visiting friends and family notice and comment about the many small details—from the choice of the fabrics and lighting fixtures to the furniture and even the countertops.”  

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