He adds: “We see the process of designing this home to be akin to painting a colourful work of art. We started off with a white canvas, followed by having different colours and textures flowing in. The white walls act as the base to tie in everything, at the same time bringing out the colours that give a good contrast [to the lighter hues].”

While the 14-year-old unit was in good condition, the layout had to be reconfigured to suit the needs of its current inhabitants, particularly in the kitchen and service yard to create a spacious, functional culinary zone for a family who habitually cook throughout the day. Other spatial requirements included an ensuite bedroom for the visiting grandparents, a playroom for the two children and a rooftop jacuzzi area, all while provisioning for ample storage and various ways to showcase the family’s art collection.

The owners leaned towards a modern and clean-lined look that incorporates unique furnishings. They also preferred a light colour scheme and were clear that they did not want black or reflective gold tones in their home; aside from those requirements, they gave the firm a free hand in proposing their choice of materials and stylistic details for the home.

As in a stage performance, showmanship matters—the couple wanted an entryway that hints at the upcoming main act. And what a sight it is to see: the double-volume living and dining room of the penthouse is designed as the ultimate entertainment zone, and is furnished with ample seating areas. It also leads up to a spacious balcony where the party can spill over to when throngs of guests visit.

The bright and airy feel of the home is enhanced by off-white walls and flooring that form a light base palette, and punctuated by a vibrant assortment of loose furnishings. “We wanted to not only have a bright and colourful space, but also employ an array of different materials and textures to create interesting layers. We wanted to create the effect of seeing different details as we move around the space,” explains Lim.

The joinery and built-in furniture installed were intentionally designed with open and “see-through” elements, and mostly in neutral colour tones to keep the focus on the view. These include the open shelves as well as a marble feature wall behind the TV that also conceals the electrical wiring. The kitchen area is now enclosed so the culinary work can be conducted behind the scenes while guests enjoy drinks and nibbles. In the dining area, three floor-to-ceiling columns were constructed to partially block off the view of a neighbouring building.

On the second storey, the layout was largely retained while creating rooms catered to each inhabitant. The entrance of the son’s bedroom was shifted to accommodate his favourite bed, which was brought over from the previous home. Both his and his younger sister’s room feature mostly loose furniture so that these spaces can be updated for the needs of the children as they grow up.

The master bedroom notably incorporates a jungle-themed wallpaper in the hallway that leads to the bathroom, as well as a pull-out shoe cabinet that stores over 50 pairs of footwear. Other subtle details include a pair of tilted vertical columns flanking the velvet headboard to echo the columns featured in the dining area and, at the same time, filter natural light into the dressing area.

Up on the rooftop, the jacuzzi has been reinstated and paired with a tranquil garden and ample seats to create a relaxation zone the whole family can enjoy. It also features a barbecue area enlivened by a green wall that continues the nature-inspired theme.

Capably executed with confidence and poise in equal measure, the renovation was met with commensurate delight by the family and the designers. Adds Lim: “Overall, we value simplicity and an elegant, sleek look that also gives off a sense of understated luxury. The success factors of this project were the smiles on the owners’ faces upon completion, and hearing how much they love the outcome and enjoy living in the home.”

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