Home tour: A freehold Singapore apartment turned family home

Joey Khu Interior Design took inspiration from modern resorts to transform this freehold Singapore apartment into a family home, bent on serving functionality while celebrating timeless style and a pared-down aesthetic

Situated in the leafy precinct of Taman Serasi, this 1970s apartment in Botanic Gardens Mansion caught the eye of a couple in their 30s. With a child and pet poodle in tow, they decided they wanted more space. The 1,800 sq ft unit, set on the ground floor, is surrounded by nature and located just a stone’s throw from the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The peaceful site boasts a laid-back vibe all year round, with the Gardens’ close proximity also serving as a solid incentive to lead an active lifestyle.

Given the verdant surroundings, it was only natural for the couple to desire a contemporary home with timber design elements. Joey Khu Interior Design popped up on the couple’s radar through social media and was later boosted by a number of credible recommendations from friends. They admired the firm’s extensive interior design works, mainly its timeless, modern spaces. An initial meeting took place in early 2023, leading them to share their vision and preferences with one of the firm’s designers, Jerry Tan.

Photo 1 of 2 This diptych represents an interesting twist on the usual solitary wall-hanging artwork

Photo 2 of 2 A screen with fluted details breaks up the uniformity of the cabinet

The apartment’s original space was in dire need of a transformation to cater to a modern young family. Tan was given carte blanche to redesign the home; the couple’s only requirement was to create a purposeful, functional abode enriched with tasteful furnishings and lighting that would stand the test of time.

The entire project took three-and-a-half months to complete, and the resulting aesthetic encompasses various spaces that lure you in to unwind and relax. The first thing you will notice when you step into this Singapore apartment is the timber flooring in the hall. Glancing up, you’ll find that the ceiling is also clad in solid wood. The presence of wood not only injects warmth into the apartment but also lends a welcoming touch. Tan also proposed a masculine colour palette for the home, replete with materials such as stone and stainless steel, besides wood.

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Above The living room’s timber flooring is mirrored by the wooden ceiling, enveloping the space with texture and warmth

The entryway leads to the open-plan living and dining space. On the left is the floor-to-ceiling home entertainment storage fixture, with a dark-hued veneer that adds depth to this area. The custom storage also does double duty as a decorative shelf on which the couple’s stylish keepsakes are proudly displayed. Besides, it offers a space at the entryway where the family can store their shoes.

Tan devised a sliding timber-slatted screen that conceals the TV when it is not in use to maintain the room’s sleek aesthetic. He also optimised the space by subsuming the original balcony indoors and turning it into a cosy nook devoted to a custom-designed bar. This bespoke, stone-clad fixture is paired with two Tom Dixon Fat stools. At dusk, it is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of whisky after a long day at the office. On weekends, it is a stylish spot at which to host friends who pop by for drinks and nibbles. In the mornings, the blinds filter and soften the sunlight, creating a dreamy space for the couple to have their coffee before they head to work.

Above The use of timber and steel elements results in a compelling juxtaposition of the organic qualities of wood with the sleek appeal of metal

The homeowners trusted the designers to source the furniture and lighting pieces to jazz up their space. “I think once you’ve been given free rein to shop for your clients, you know you’re on the right track,” says Tan.

In the living room, the Cinder Block sofa designed by Luca Nichetto for Wendelbo takes centre stage. Complementing it is the solid wood square Horizon coffee table by Matthew Hilton for De La Espada and the asymmetrical Offset stool by Philippe Malouin for Resident, both add plenty of character to the space.

The open-plan kitchen, with its architecturally arresting, sleek stainless-steel island counter, was designed to be a conversation starter. Tan cleverly layered it with various hues, textures and patterns. Here, a rich tapestry of veneer, solid timber, stainless steel and sintered stone is a visual feast. The designer devised an interplay of warm wood textures and cool steel surfaces for the kitchen cabinets; a stone countertop and backsplash add depth and visual interest.

The designers installed timber fixtures in varying shades and finishes to create visual interest and enhance the sense of dynamism in the home

Photo 1 of 2 The designers installed timber fixtures in varying shades and finishes to create visual interest and enhance the sense of dynamism in the home

Photo 2 of 2 This tasteful and welcoming dining setting is tailor-made for memorable mealtimes

The tranquil dining space features two Frisbi pendant lights designed by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, a bespoke live-edge solid wood dining table and six King Living dining chairs clad in pale-hued upholstery.

Tan designed the main bedroom to be functional, yet luxurious and stylish. The original layout of the master bedroom included a connection to a study room; he decided to seal off this passage to make a significant expansion to the master bathroom. The new space has his-and-hers basin vanities, a shower area, a water closet and extra storage space.

Above Neutral hues and soft textures infuse the master bedroom with a restful atmosphere

The master bedroom’s wardrobe is divided into two zones; one has a glass cabinet and an integrated dresser, which also serves as a stylish bed headboard and offers ample storage for the homeowners’ precious clothing and accessories collections. The clever divider maximises functionality and maintains a sense of privacy that ensures uninterrupted rest even while the bathroom is in use.

The home’s elevated makeover also extends to seemingly utilitarian areas such as the common bathroom. Guests stepping into this space are invited to savour the ritual of ablution in a luxurious stone and white oak setting, much akin to that in a stylish resort. “We are proud to have the sophisticated resort aesthetic down pat,” Tan enthuses.

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Above Another view of the master bedroom, with its utterly functional integrated dresser which also doubles as a unique headboard

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Credits

Photography

Courtesy of Joey Khu Interior Design

Topics

Freehold Singapore Apartment Botanic Gardens Family home Renovation Home tour Joey Khu Interior Design

Tatler Asia

Home tour: A freehold Singapore apartment from the ’70s transformed into a serene family home