Cover Arches in this terrace hous eby Uncommon Studio create aesthetic appeal and counteract the rigid lines of the home
Arches in this terrace hous eby Uncommon Studio create aesthetic appeal and counteract the rigid lines of the home
1 / 1
Tatler+
With a focus on quiet luxury and the rhythm of life, Uncommon Studio turns a newly built terrace house into a soothing sanctuary for a young family
Wherever wanderlust takes you, home is still where the heart is. There is nothing like returning to the comforts of your abode, after adventuring around the world. So it was for a well-travelled family, who wished to have their house serve as the perfect sanctuary while embodying elements of their memorable journeys.
Situated in a tranquil low-rise neighbourhood in northeastern Singapore, this corner terrace house was built in 2024 and features six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and an open-plan ground floor. The 5,200 sq ft property was essentially a blank canvas; a designer’s eye was necessary to turn it into a personalised haven. The owners tasked Uncommon Studio retaining the brand-new flooring and finishes used by the developer, while personalising the interior to suit their needs and lifestyle.
Don’t miss: Home tour: A spacious, art-filled bungalow with separate wings for a multigenerational household
Above They also foster visual continuity by leading the eye through the different spaces
They also foster visual continuity by leading the eye through the different spaces
1 / 1
“Our intent was to create a home rooted in quiet luxury—one that feels timeless yet personal,” says Ethan Tan, founder of Uncommon Studio, who worked with senior interior designer Kuah Tee Ping on this project. “The design draws inspiration from the clients’ many holiday experiences, translating that sense of calm and indulgence into everyday living.”
Practical Magic
Above A slim floating desk maximises the use of space in the study
A slim floating desk maximises the use of space in the study
1 / 1
As parents to young children, the couple wanted a home that balances elegance with liveability. Decluttering was essential; the team had to blend functional storage solutions seamlessly with a contemporary yet timeless interior.
Above Soft curves are echoed in the vanity area, creating cohesion
Above A pedestal washbasin occupies a smaller footprint in this petite powder room
Soft curves are echoed in the vanity area, creating cohesion
1 / 2
The owners also wanted to capture the plush comforts of their favourite boutique hotels and resorts within their home, while incorporating organic curves to soften the angular lines of the interior architecture. “The aim was to make each day at home feel like a stay at a private resort, with thoughtful details, layered textures and curated accents that reflect both functionality and individuality,” explains Tan. “Every detail was carefully refined to ensure durability, while expressing a sense of understated elegance.”
Read more: Home tour: a 10,000-square-foot Penang condominium designed around curves
Above Arches create aesthetic appeal and counteract the rigid lines of the home
Arches create aesthetic appeal and counteract the rigid lines of the home
1 / 1
To achieve this, the team lavished attention on the detailing of the home, from the three-dimensional arched openings to the textured lime-plaster walls. Working closely with local craftsmen, these delicate features sport a handmade touch. The designer emphasises the importance of the eco-friendly lime-plaster finish, which brings subtle depth to the beautifully layered interior while having an air-purifying effect. “These artisanal touches embody the belief that refinement lies not in overt gestures, but in the precision of craftsmanship and the nuances of materiality that are mindful of a young family’s lifestyle.”
Above These elegant French doors separate the kitchen and the dining area
These elegant French doors separate the kitchen and the dining area
1 / 1
Upon entering the home, guests are greeted by sweeping curves that frame the open-plan living and dining areas, while simultaneously softening the scale and linearity of the interior. These arched details connect seamlessly between the walls and the ceiling. Inspired by the rounded arches and vaults of classical chapels, the curved elements create a calming effect while being concurrently modernised by the clever use of colour and texture.
A pair of French doors is among the most striking elements on the ground floor, delineating the dining area from the kitchen. This design flourish gives the culinary space the feeling of an indoor courtyard basking in the warm sunlight.
The neutral colour palette creates an utterly calming effect, complemented by the use of pale wood and soft white curtains that diffuse the daylight streaming into the home. Hand-joined marble features and custom joinery add to the cohesive tableau.
The Suite Life
Above The carpeted walk-in wardrobe sports a refined air and keeps clothing and accessories neatly organised within custom cabinetry
The carpeted walk-in wardrobe sports a refined air and keeps clothing and accessories neatly organised within custom cabinetry
1 / 1
Head upstairs and you’ll discover ensuite bedrooms that feel as serene as the spaces on the ground floor, while sporting a dose of glamour via the use of gold accents on the lighting fixtures and bathroom fittings. The team designed bespoke cabinetry for each bedroom, paying special attention to the walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom. This carpeted space is crafted as a realm of calm that also showcases the owners’ treasured collection of apparel and timepieces.
Above Strip lighting brings a cosy glow to this bedroom
Strip lighting brings a cosy glow to this bedroom
1 / 1
This five-month project remains close to heart for the designers, whose creative concept was fully realised for their clients. “We were deeply involved from start to finish, ensuring that the spaces felt as fluid and soft as we had envisioned. Watching those sketches evolve into crafted details, and ultimately into a home that reflects both quiet luxury and our clients’ lifestyle, was incredibly rewarding.
“What began as a checklist of practical needs evolved into a shared vision of a home defined by softness, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.”
Uncommon Studio
Above Uncommon Studio founder Ethan Tan
Uncommon Studio founder Ethan Tan
1 / 1
Established in 2018 by founder and creative director Ethan Tan, Uncommon Studio is a Singapore-based design practice that takes pride in creating timeless, narrative-driven spaces. The firm is the creative force behind the beautiful interiors of luxury apartments and houses across Singapore, as well as the elegant spaces of Meta restaurant, the Core Atelier Pilates studio and the Everyday Curtain gallery.
82 Playfair Road, #02-01 D’Lithium, Tel: 9137 6674, uncommon-uncommon.com
Credits
Images: Courtesy of Uncommon Studio
