Cover The living room features a L-shaped sofa from Gurian, an armchair from Frigerio and shelves displaying more prized bottles

Combining two penthouses into one not only doubles the panoramic views, but also creates ample room for everyone to pursue their passions

As the interior designers and directors of Prestige Global Designs, Jeremy Tay and Michael Ong have had the opportunity to design many penthouses.

“Each home has different characteristics and clients all have different requirements. So our approach is to provide plenty of customisation for their needs,” says Tay. Most importantly, the firm aims to celebrate the abundance of natural light and nice views that penthouses typically possess.

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Above The Catellani & Smith chandelier is the centrepiece of the dining room
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Above A colourful Hermès scarf is among the vibrant pieces in the living area

This particular penthouse in Singapore is unique in that it combines two abutting units. The family, with two young children, had previously lived in a three-bedroom apartment nearby but desired more space. The house also had to accommodate family gatherings and occasional visits of the grandparents.

“We are a close-knit family and so we wanted a home to create memories with our children as they grow up— to have cosy areas where we can play games and hang out together, as well as spaces we can quietly read in,” shares the wife.

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Above Gold trimmings impart opulence to the grey palette in the entertainment room and the master bedroom

The entrance is located at the larger five-bedroom unit, whose living area is kept intact. An opening in an adjoining wall connects the two units. To enhance functionality, the designers removed one bedroom to create a larger living area, and turned another into the master bedroom’s walk-in wardrobe. The firm also enlarged the son’s bedroom by removing the ensuite bathroom. In the smaller two-bedroom unit, there is now a guest room and entertainment area for accommodating lively children during gatherings.

See also: Home Tour: A Penthouse With Tropical Accents And Beautiful Balconies

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Above The pebbled detail of the terrazzo walls adds character to this minimalist bathroom

“We wanted every corner of the home to be eye-catching and unique, while conveying a consistent design scheme,” says Tay. To achieve this, the firm used recurring materials and tones that manifest in various ways. These include the dark wood joinery and neutral shades on the walls and floors, which are accompanied with accents of blue and grey.

See also: Home Tour: A Colourful Apartment With Orange And Blue Accents Inspired By Nature

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Above The bar area incorporates an onyx-clad bar counter and full-height glass shelves that showcase the owner’s impressive collection of spirits
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Above The library is furnished with an armchair and footstool from Poliform, and a Moooi pendant lamp

Mirrors, brass trimmings and incandescent lamps reflect and amplify the light streaming in from large windows. For instance, an Art Deco-style mirror at the entrance enhances the space’s sense of depth. In the dining room, a majestic Gold Moon chandelier from Catellani & Smith spirals like gilded leaves floating in the air. With more space, the owners can indulge in their hobbies.

The husband is an avid fan of vodka and the home showcases his extensive collection of spirits—many of them rare bottles—with a display shelf that stretches to the top of the double-height ceiling. An onyx-clad bar counter and a glittering chandelier from Cattelan Italia add to the refined atmosphere.

See also: Tatler How-To: Design A Home Bar

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Above The blue rug in the lounge area was designed to match the feature wall in the dining room
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Above Purple accent pieces on the balcony connect to the mauve pieces in the living room

The designers took advantage of the living area’s soaring ceiling by adding a mezzanine that shares the balconies’ stunning panoramic vistas. The library on the mezzanine is the wife’s favourite spot in the home. “She loves to read and especially enjoys the Harry Potter books and film franchise,” says Tay. “We created a Harry Potter-themed library using dark wood and introduced accessories and artworks inspired by motifs from the series, such as the broom, the owl, and the knight.”

Here, a trunk imprinted with the Union Jack celebrates the British-influenced theme. Above it floats the Coppelia pendant lamp from Moooi, which features a skeletal frame. The wife, delighted with this personal sanctuary, can often be found here with a book in hand.

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Above The tranquil master bedroom features a calming neutral scheme

Rather than employ a sprawling open plan, many intimate nooks define this penthouse. The bar area and mezzanine are some of these cosy alcoves. Another is the lounge located opposite the dining room. The Prussian blue carpet and ambient lighting lend cosiness.

Like in a mystery novel, a door in the cabinetry conceals a storeroom where the smaller unit’s entrance used to be. In the living room, floral motifs on the silk carpet connect with the verdant scenery outside the windows. Equally expressive is a Hermès scarf framed and hung on the wall like an artwork. Influences from nature are also found in the master bedroom’s wallpaper, with gold leaves and trims. By the bedside, Bocci lamps mimic water droplets. 

See also: Home Tour: This Penthouse In 3 Orchard By-The-Park Is A Stylish Family Haven

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Above The son’s bedroom sports cobalt accents inspired by his favourite colour
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Above The walk-in wardrobe of the master suite features dark wood cabinetry and full-height mirrored panels

The children’s bedrooms, featuring more youthful decor, are personalised with the things they love. The son’s bedroom has cobalt curtains, as blue is his favourite colour; artworks of his favourite cars hang on the wall. In the daughter’s bedroom, floral wallpaper and light wood veneer cabinetry lend a feminine yet playful touch. Above the bed, the designers framed and hung a feline artwork that she adores.

See also: Stay Home and Level Up Your Home Entertainment Experience With These Gadgets

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Above The balcony looks out to verdant views of the neighbourhood

In combining the units, the family also gained more balcony space in which to enjoy morning birdsong and evening quiet. Tay adds a subtle divider of potted plants for privacy outside the daughter’s bedroom, which is accessible from the main balcony.

Even the utilitarian spaces are customised; in each of the four bathrooms, the family’s love of travel is represented by an artwork of a major city—Paris, London, New York and Berlin. With such a tailor-made home, there’s really no reason for the family to want to be anywhere else at all. 

Credits

Photography  

Jasper Yu

Prop Styling  

Jeremy Tay

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