Cover Summerhaus D’zign gave this 20-year-old Serangoon terrace house a facelift, creating personalised work, play and rest zones for the entire family
Summerhaus D’zign gave this 20-year-old Serangoon terrace house a facelift, creating personalised work, play and rest zones for the entire family
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Summerhaus D’zign gives this 20-year-old Serangoon terrace house a much-needed facelift while creating personalised zones for play and rest
What does it take to completely overhaul the interiors of a decades-old terrace home with good bones but an outdated layout? For the owners of this property located on Serangoon Garden Way, the process entailed one year from design to handover, collaboration with interior design studio Summerhaus D’zign, and the gumption to pivot when faced with an unexpected opportunity.
Standing on a 2,300 sq ft plot, the three-storey Serangoon terrace house had a solid framework and 4,000 sq ft of built-up floor space to boot. But with 20 years under its proverbial belt, its original interiors were in dire need of a refresh. The homeowner came across Summerhaus D’zign on social media, and quickly reached out as she was drawn to the studio’s expertise in designing luxurious, modern abodes.
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Above The stately yet cosy living room is dressed in soft neutral hues, with dark walnut woodgrain lending warmth
The stately yet cosy living room is dressed in soft neutral hues, with dark walnut woodgrain lending warmth
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The homeowner came across Summerhaus D’zign on social media, and quickly reached out as she was drawn to the studio’s expertise in designing luxurious, modern abodes.
The designers had their work cut out for them. After all, the 20-year-old Serangoon terrace house had to accommodate the everyday needs of the family of five and their two helpers, and also incorporate a guest room for the female homeowner’s mother whenever she visits.
Above A view of the cohesive living and dining areas
A view of the cohesive living and dining areas
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Purpose and Play
Above One of the house’s many balconies, furnished with outdoor sofas and a swing seat
One of the house’s many balconies, furnished with outdoor sofas and a swing seat
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Having a good-looking and cosy family home was of utmost importance to the client. She was also clear about carving out individual bedrooms and recreational spaces for each of her children—a daughter and two sons. The former is an avid dancer who required a dance studio, preferably right next to her bedroom, while the latter two needed a playroom where they could expend their boyish energy.
Above Soft, pink textiles add femininity to the daughter’s bedroom, where an installation of white and gold butterflies takes flight above the headboard
Soft, pink textiles add femininity to the daughter’s bedroom, where an installation of white and gold butterflies takes flight above the headboard
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The daughter’s bedroom is a serene affair, with soft pink textiles adding a pop of colour to the predominantly off-white and grey space. To add a touch of whimsy, the studio installed a flutter of 3D butterflies in gold and white, taking flight right above the headboard. This motif is repeated in the dance studio, which doubles as a yoga room.
Above The loft utilises previously unused ceiling space
The loft utilises previously unused ceiling space
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Above One of the two loft bedrooms for the sons
One of the two loft bedrooms for the sons
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While renovating the boys’ bedroom, the studio discovered an expanse of unutilised space hidden by a false ceiling. “After we opened up the existing ceiling boards, we realised that there was quite a big, wasted space above it that could be converted into a loft,” says Larry Lim, co-founder of Summerhaus D’zign. “After a few rounds of discussions, with the knowledge that the whole project would be delayed by the changes and incur additional costs for the owner, we decided to give it a shot. Upon seeing the revised proposal for the two rooms, the owner was very happy and gave us the green light to proceed.”
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Above The sons’ playroom features a rock wall, hammock and jungle gym set
The sons’ playroom features a rock wall, hammock and jungle gym set
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The playroom is another jewel in the studio’s crown. Despite initial concerns about space constraints, through careful planning, the designers managed to fit in a climbing wall, jungle gym, and a hammock that doubles as a snug reading spot for quiet moments.
Shared Serenity
Above The black-and-gold master bedroom is anchored by a slab of Magma Gold granite
The black-and-gold master bedroom is anchored by a slab of Magma Gold granite
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In contrast to the rest of the house, which has a predominately lighter feel, the homeowner wanted a darker theme for the master bedroom, with black and gold as the main accent colours. A striking Magma Gold granite slab, handpicked by the homeowner, stands behind the headboard and anchors the colour scheme of the room.
Above The spacious wardrobe corner in the master bedroom
The spacious wardrobe corner in the master bedroom
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“The owner loved this particular slab, which she saw in a factory in Johor Bahru and paid for the logistics just to bring it in,” reveals Lim. Meanwhile, the husband had special input when it was time to design the master bathroom. “He’d seen something similar on his travels, and he really wanted that for the master bath.”
Above The outdoor zen garden is connected to the home office and music corner
The outdoor zen garden is connected to the home office and music corner
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Within the master bedroom, the designers were able to carve out decent wardrobe space and dedicated zones for a home office and music corner. Situated right next to a zen garden on the terrace, the home office and music corner were designed for the husband and wife respectively.
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Above A Chinese screen divider separates the music corner from the home office
A Chinese screen divider separates the music corner from the home office
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A Chinese screen divider separates the two zones and provides a degree of privacy without both spaces feeling totally closed off. “The owners’ dream was to have some nice greenery right outside the two areas to help to ease their minds while they work or play music,” adds Lim.
Labour of Love
Above The striking blue-and-white kitchen features custom spray-painted cabinets
The striking blue-and-white kitchen features custom spray-painted cabinets
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As the family enjoy cooking, they wanted a well-designed kitchen in which they could exercise their culinary prowess. “Initially, the design intent for the kitchen was more conventional. After a few rounds of discussions, the owner decided to go for an unexpected white-and-blue colour scheme,” Lim explains.
Above These Peranakan-style tiles in the walk-in pantry give it cultural character
These Peranakan-style tiles in the walk-in pantry give it cultural character
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Blue Peranakan-style wall tiles were used in the walk-in pantry, giving the entire kitchen more personality and pep. The kitchen cabinets were spray-painted rather than laminated, and although upkeep of the cabinets would be a little higher, the owner felt it was a worthwhile trade-off for such a vibrant and customised finish.
Above An arched walkway perfectly frames the dining area and front door
An arched walkway perfectly frames the dining area and front door
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The interconnected living and dining rooms were kept simpler in terms of design in order to create a welcoming yet spacious feel, with wainscoting adding visual interest to the walls and dark walnut woodgrain lending warmth. A full marble dining table, customised by the same stone supplier from which the homeowner had obtained the Magma Gold granite slab, now serves as the centrepiece of the space.
Above The dining area features a similar theme, flowing seamlessly from the living room
The dining area features a similar theme, flowing seamlessly from the living room
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This stylish Serangoon terrace house represents a labour of love, from conception all the way to realisation, and the result was worth all the sacrifices. The owners now have a sanctuary with personalised areas that reflect each of their varied interests and hobbies. And since the design studio took care to incorporate common motifs and elements throughout all three storeys, the overall look of the home is intentional and cohesive, even though each dedicated space has its own distinct identity.
Credits
Photography: Aaron Poon
Based in Singapore, Engracia Ang is an experienced writer specialising in home and living content.
