Cover This stately house designed by KNQ Associates combines Victorian influences with gilded details. All photography: KNQ Associates
This stately house designed by KNQ Associates combines Victorian influences with gilded details. All photography: KNQ Associates
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KNQ Associates infuses this courtly home in Singapore with loads of character through a rich tapestry of classical details and art deco influences
A strong working relationship between the client and the designer is the bedrock of a fruitful collaboration. It was no different in the case of the owners of this three-storey Singapore house and KNQ Associates; this project marked the third time they had appointed the interior practice to design a residence for them, so they gave the homegrown firm free rein in crafting an interior suited to their three-generation family of eight.
“The client trusted us enough to understand their tastes and requirements, and left all the decision-making to us,” says Stanley Tham, co-founder of KNQ Associates. This unspoken brief led to the most alluringly sumptuous outcome, with the interior design firm drawing inspiration from the 8,279 sq ft house’s Victorian-style exterior to craft complementary living areas replete with art deco touches and bespoke rooms that draw inspiration from some of the most glamorous hotels and resorts around the world.
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Above The exterior of the house
The exterior of the house
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Encompassing retrofitting work on the communal living spaces as well as private zones such as the bedrooms and bathrooms, the project saw the designers remain respectful of the decades-old structure’s Victorian-inspired design. “Many of the original architectural elements were retained, with new additions curated to be as close to the original style of the building as possible,” says Tham, explaining that the art deco introductions helped the “inside to gel with the exterior”.
Above The luxurious use of marble adds pizzazz to the bar area and dining room
The luxurious use of marble adds pizzazz to the bar area and dining room
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The ground level houses a bar, entertainment room and dining hall, and functions as the main communal hub hosting social activities and family gatherings. The suites are located on the second and third levels, and accessible via a private lift or a spiral staircase set against a glass-block wall that softly diffuses the sunlight entering this zone. The detached house has seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, and a key challenge was completing the on-site works for these spaces within two-and-a-half months. KNQ Associates capitalised on the three-month lead-time and drew upon its wealth of experience to successfully realise bedrooms that each boast a distinct personality.
Above A chandelier above the spacious dining area emphasises the lofty height of the space
A chandelier above the spacious dining area emphasises the lofty height of the space
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True to the joyful spirit of the Jazz Age and the art deco movement, various spaces throughout the home flaunt bold rectilinear details and geometrical shapes as well as gold and chrome tones. At the entrance and in the lobby, which feature a decadent use of marble, metal grilles and cushions are adorned with geometrical patterns. A bar counter shines with burnished metal accents; these are echoed in the gilded metal frame of the dining table nearby.
The gold patterns on this rug echo the metallic detailing of the furnishings in the family room
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In one bedroom, semi-circular cabinet pulls come with a golden shine, while a textural rug in a delectable chocolate shade and a metallic wallpaper sport geometrical prints. Their earthy tones are juxtaposed against walls painted in shades of blue. Another bedroom incorporates a feature wall clad in a wallpaper with an abstract pattern in black and white, which presents an arresting contrast with the parquet flooring here.
Above Blue walls help to define this space and demarcate the study from the sleeping area
Blue walls help to define this space and demarcate the study from the sleeping area
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The master bathroom includes a wall with black and white mosaic tiles set in a repeated pattern, while the guest bathroom glows with bronze-hued, diamond-shaped tiles and a statement mirror. Illuminating all these gorgeous scenes is a plethora of decorative wall and hanging lamps as well as spotlighting, which draws attention to the home’s unique style and enhances the ambience of each space for a palatial yet cosy abode that fulfils its owners’ needs.
Above Glimmering mosaic tiles up the glamour quotient of the powder room
Glimmering mosaic tiles up the glamour quotient of the powder room
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