Tatler Homes Singapore June 2021

Material Edge

The deft manipulation of materials and forms by Summerhaus D’zign turned this duplex into a warm and sophisticated home

With captivating views of the city, double-height windows and a generous footprint of 3,035sqft, the bones of this four-bedroom duplex apartment in Lincoln Suites were already impressive to begin with.

The clients had asked for a bright and airy home that exudes an understated elegance. When they approached Summerhaus D’zign to redesign the home, they wanted to clad a six-metre-high wall in the double-volume living room in marble and use light tones for the colour palette. But after making several visits to the home, the designers felt that a dearth of colour was not the best idea, especially with the bright sunlight streaming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows and reflecting off the white walls.

THE BIG PICTURE

The project was led by interior designer Jacelyn Chieng, who worked with co-founders Larry Lim and Jess Koh to complete the home renovation. The team’s solution exhibited clarity of vision and inventive problem solving, while also adding a layer of sophistication that gave this home the look and feel of a luxurious hotel.

“After further discussion, the colour scheme was changed to grey with brown accents, complemented by warm lighting and copper tones, to subtly bring about a sense of warmth,” says Lim.

A pair of white marble slabs on the first floor and mezzanine were bookmatched to visually bridge thetwo levels. For further continuity, copper trimmings were applied to the walls as well as on the base of kitchen island, which also features a dark timber top that echoes the materials used for the consoles in the living and dining areas.

Furnishings in the living room include a pebble-shaped coffee table, a rotund sofa and armchair, and dining chairs with shapely backs that temper the unit’s angular lines. Curved walls and the custom furniture create a similar effect.

PERSONAL TOUCHES

At the entryway, the team created a luxurious first impression using marble, dark wood, brass and a full length mirror with a bronze finish. Here, the bench at the bay window is another thoughtful gesture. Placed next to the footwear shelves so that the owners and guests can put on their shoes with ease, the marble top seat also looks out to scenic views of the city.

The usage and aesthetic of the bay windows in the junior master and master bedrooms were also similarly improved. Using custom joinery, they are transformed into relaxing areas for reading or drinking tea. A table that slides from one end to the other adds flexibility to the bay window areas in both bedrooms.

Completed swiftly in three months, the owners and designers alike are delighted with the home’s makeover. “Getting to work with the lovely homeowners definitely made the process enjoyable,” says Lim. “We relished the chance to mix and match different textures and materials in a way that makes the completed interior come together harmoniously.”