Cover To Terri Tan, design director of Designworx Interior Consultant, this bunaglow project marked a full-circle moment as the homeowner-couple were repeat clients from over 20 years
To Terri Tan, design director of Designworx Interior Consultant, this bunaglow project marked a full-circle moment as the homeowner-couple were repeat clients from over 20 years
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A returning client commissions Designworx Interior Consultant to craft a three-storey bungalow with mezzanine and attic as a retirement residence designed for family gatherings, art and lasting comfort
Some relationships in design span decades. To Terri Tan, design director of Designworx Interior Consultant, this project marked a full-circle moment, as the homeowner-couple were repeat clients from over two decades ago.
Over the years, Designworx Interior Consultant had designed several of their homes, including their long-time residence at The Legend condominium, as well as their son’s home at Spring Grove.
This latest project marked a new chapter. A three-storey envelope-control bungalow with mezzanine and attic levels, the 8,000 sq ft new build was conceived as a long-term home for the couple and their helper, yet one with open arms for their growing family, with ample space for their children and a growing number of grandchildren to gather, linger in, and return to.
Above This custom display unit showcases Peranakan ceramics and also acts as a screen
This custom display unit showcases Peranakan ceramics and also acts as a screen
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“We wanted to make room for life,” says Tan. “For long lunches, laughter, and the joy of everyone coming home.” The move from condominium living to a detached bungalow was not about grandeur. It was about making room for family, hosting your nearest and dearest, and an enriched life that had naturally expanded over time.
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Designed Around Life
Above Another view of the fossil from the dining table
Above A close-up of the 55-million-year-old fossil reveals the delicate imprint of prehistoric palm flowers that were preserved in limestone
Another view of the fossil from the dining table
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At the top of the brief was a generous dining space that could comfortably host family gatherings and friends. Equally important was the display of their existing art collection, which includes an exceedingly rare prehistoric fossil piece—a perfectly preserved 55-million-year-old sabalite, or palm flowers in a limestone bed.
Above A closer look at the exquisite Sans Souci lighting installation
A closer look at the exquisite Sans Souci lighting installation
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Above In the dining room, a rare prehistoric fossil display provides a contemplative counterpoint to the warmth of the leather seating
In the dining room, a rare prehistoric fossil display provides a contemplative counterpoint to the warmth of the leather seating
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Storage, despite the increase in floor area, remained a critical concern. The home also needed to accommodate visiting relatives from overseas, bedrooms for both son and daughter, and an entertainment room at the attic level. A warm, neutral palette was preferred throughout as an elegant backdrop for the art to breathe and remain the focal point.
Tan’s storage solution was a discreet full-height cabinet that conceals utilities within seamless joinery. Beside it, a bespoke display shelf featuring Peranakan vases and kamcheng (lidded porcelain jars) defines the foyer, creating an inviting threshold into the home.
Rethinking Living Spaces
Above The double-height dining space is anchored by a custom lighting installation, its floating discs animating the neutral palette and warm leather seating below
Above The installation is configured in a figure-eight formation, symbolising prosperity and continuity
The double-height dining space is anchored by a custom lighting installation, its floating discs animating the neutral palette and warm leather seating below
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The original living and dining zones, while well-proportioned on plan, felt constrained when accommodating a full sofa set and an eight-seater dining table. More importantly, as the clients explained how they actually used these spaces, it became clear that the conventional zoning no longer served their lifestyle.
The response was to rethink the spatial hierarchy. Tan made a bold move by dedicating the first level entirely to dining, and relocating the living room to the mezzanine. Elevated away from the front door’s formality, the living room became the place where conversations lingered, visits felt unhurried, and hosting naturally turned informal.
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Above The Sans Souci lighting installation in its full glory
The Sans Souci lighting installation in its full glory
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From this perch, the home’s statement lighting from Sans Souci’s graceful Bowls collection by Katarina Lukačková can be fully appreciated. Custom-configured as an auspicious formation of the figure eight for prosperity, the fixture’s crystalline rhythm catches light and shadow in a poetic play, reveals itself differently from each level, and reaffirms the home’s celebratory spirit.
Thoughtful Details
Above The landing doubles as a viewing gallery, anchored by a vivid abstract artwork
The landing doubles as a viewing gallery, anchored by a vivid abstract artwork
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Elsewhere in the home, underutilised spaces were carefully reconsidered and treated with purpose. A deep niche beneath the stair’s structural beam was transformed into discreet luggage storage. Residual M&E spaces beside the lift were concealed behind custom joinery that doubles as display shelving for sculptures.
Above A monochromatic tropical-themed wallpaper adds texture above the bed, contrasted by a vivid artwork set just beyond
A monochromatic tropical-themed wallpaper adds texture above the bed, contrasted by a vivid artwork set just beyond
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In the master suite, the space flows through three connected zones: a walk-in wardrobe, a cosy lounge for television viewing, and a restful sleeping area. Concealed lighting within the headboard softly highlights the black-and-white tropical wallpaper, while bedding selections echo the tones of the artwork in the adjacent lounge.
To Tan, designing for long-time clients like these is most satisfying and meaningful. “They are no longer looking for what will impress in the years to come but what feels right, now. When comfort is not a compromise on luxury, it is its most enduring form.” she reflects.
Designworx Interior Consultant
201 Henderson Road, #09-07 Apex @ Henderson, Tel: 6479 6838, designworx.net
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