Homeowners who lead stressful work lives often regard their homes as their sanctuaries where they can relax after a long day.
Stephanie Chua is no different. The 39-year-old master financial consultant wanted her home to be “cosy and comfortable, a place where I can rest my mind and soul after work”.
Who Lives Here A master financial consultant in her 30s
Home A two-bedroom condominium at Telok Blangah Road
Size 829 sq ft
Interior Designer The Interior Lab
Dark, Modern Luxe
In her brief to Yen Ng, manager and senior interior stylist at The Interior Lab, she requested for a timeless design with a dark, modern luxe look that is aesthetically pleasing, yet practical. She also highlighted the need for plenty of storage areas.
Renovation Cost: $120,000
The $120,000 renovation involved gutting the interior as the existing design, materials and colours were not to Stephanie’s liking. The layout was left mostly intact, except for the reconfiguration of the two bedrooms into one large master suite with a walk-in wardrobe.
Full-height cabinets are a common feature in the entrance foyer of many homes, but despite the need for storage space, Stephanie was adamant about not crowding the entrance area with excessive built-in cabinetry.
“The client just needed a spot for placing her keys and some shoe storage,” shares Yen.
Fluted Panels
Fluted panels are a recurrent element in the home that Yen used to tie the various spaces together.
They can be found on built-in cabinet doors and the living room feature wall, and they are also used to conceal doors to the storage cabinets and powder room.
TV Console & Feature Wall
In the living room, the fluted detailing on the television feature wall complements the marble grain laminate to accentuate the luxury hotel ambience.
Stephanie admits that the television console is one of her favourite features in the home: “I still don’t tire of it even though it is one view of the home that I see the most often.”
Bay window provides additional storage while also doubling up as extra seating for guests
Bay Window
The existing bay window was redone in an aesthetic that better fits the new interior style, as well as to incorporate extra storage. Stretching across the living and dining rooms, it also provides additional seating for guests.
Kitchen
As a contrast to the rest of the home, the kitchen takes on a Nordic style with its light colour palette and sage green cabinets.
2-In-1 Master Bedroom
The master bedroom continues the dark and moody theme with black wallpaper and a black ceiling.
With two bedrooms-in-one, there is space for a sleeping area, as well as a walk-in wardrobe. The bed is elevated on a platform, with storage drawers built into the steps.
Walk-In Wardrobe
The centrepiece in the walk-in wardrobe is a boutique style, island showcase where Stephanie can display her collection of jewellery and accessories.
Renovation Took 12 Weeks
Friends who have visited the home since Stephanie moved in in June 2022 after a 12-week renovation have all expressed that it is “so Steph”.
She comments: “Yen was able to transform my vision into reality. My home is a dream- come-true and looking at it never fails to bring a smile to my face.”
For interior designer Yen, she finds fulfilment in being able to bring her client’s ideas to life and in designing a home that suits the client’s lifestyle and needs.