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Summerhaus D’zign helped the owner of this apartment realise her dream abode with a selective eye and an attentive ear
Boutique interior practice Summerhaus D’zign has carved a niche designing well-appointed homes characterised by timeless, thoughtful interiors that bear the unique identities of their occupants. The firm strives to build a close working relationship with clients based on a foundation of regular discussions to understand their space requirements and psyche to create functional homes that are truly bespoke.
It was no different in the case of this 1,647 sq ft apartment, which is located in the Jadescape condominium in Singapore’s District 20. The four-bedroom residence is occupied by the homeowner, her husband and two young adult sons; she wanted a new look for her abode and had approached the interior design firm based on a recommendation from a childhood friend.
The client articulated her preferences via mood images featuring work by Eastern European designers characterised by heavier details, textures and colour contrasts. She sought a modern, luxurious aesthetic uncommon in Singapore homes, albeit one that wasn’t too extravagant or heavy with predominantly dark walnut shades or traditional wood grain textures. She had also indicated a preference for symmetrical arrangements as well as concealed or ambiguous storage that blended in with the overall design.

Above Backlit display shelves draw attention to the homeowners’ collectibles
Summerhaus D’zign held multiple dialogues, tests and mix-and-match explorations of different materials and hues to pinpoint what the client liked. Based on its reading of her preferences and its own experience designing a plethora of homes, the firm decided on a subdued version of the interiors in the images she had sent.
“We took inspiration from them but simplified the look so that it is easy on the eye because they are going to live in the house and look at the interiors every day,” says Larry Lim, managing partner of the firm.

Above Mirrored surfaces expand the visual perception of this space
The tone for the entire abode is set right at the entrance, where the position of the main door was relocated from facing the lift to an adjacent wall, carving out a cosy lobby with shoe cabinets and a seating area.
The main entrance itself is a design highlight that encapsulates the interior firm’s mastery of material alchemy and application: the pocket sliding door features a combination of natural wooden veneer, metal, leather and tinted glass, and sports a geometric design that recalls the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
“This door was designed to both blend into the overall design and also be a unique centrepiece,” says Lim, adding that a challenge was attaching the various materials of different thicknesses to the same base. The door itself had to be of a certain thickness and aligned with the walls, with the sliding mechanism also able to bear its weight. The firm worked closely with the carpenter to create an actual sample model of the door and frame to ensure the correct allowances and also to determine the degree of protrusion for each material.
See also: Home tour: A modern Singapore penthouse with enviable ocean views

Above The restful master bedroom features plush textures and shades of cream, lilac and gold
The home proper features an elegant look throughout, from the common areas to the private spaces. The judicious application of dark wood, gilded metal trims and stately materials such as marble adds detailing, contrast, and a dignified yet cocooning air that celebrates a subtle sense of luxury.
A smattering of art deco-inspired elements lends a classic vibe while tying together the design of the entire house. Plush seating options and sumptuous beds ensure relaxation for weary bodies after a long day.

Above The children’s bedrooms feature platform bed frames that double as storage compartments

Above A display wall serves as a source of inspiration in the master bedroom’s study
Clever touches abound, too: in the living room, a series of mismatched Panda White marble slabs punctuated by burnished metal strips forms a compelling feature wall. Behind the sofa, a pull-out table that slides out of a lower cabinet is the perfect spot for completing work assignments or a quick meal. A wealth of dark wood-clad cabinets and other discreet storage fittings throughout the home ensures paraphernalia and clutter are kept hidden.
The project was swiftly completed in three months, coming to fruition in July 2023. “The occupants weren’t sure if the overall look would come together, but were very pleased with the end result,” states Lim, adding that his own favourite space in the home is the living area, “as we spent the most time in the backend on this.”


Summerhaus D’zign
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Larry Lim and Jess Koh in 2012, Summerhaus D’zign is a multi-award-winning firm that has worked on homes in some of the most exclusive addresses in Singapore, such as The Grange, Reflections at Keppel Bay, Lincoln Suites and The Tessarina, as well as numerous landed properties. The interior firm adopts a bespoke approach to creating liveable and elegant residences that express their owners’ personalities and lifestyles while catering to each client’s specific needs and preferences.
Summerhaus D’zign
120 Lower Delta Road, #15-16 Cendex Centre, Tel: 6352 9118
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Images: Courtesy of Summerhaus D’zign
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