In Mr Xavier Chang’s Pasir Ris home, every space is designed to reflect a different scene in nature.
Elements inspired by the forest, for instance, are found in the living and dining areas.
The dining table, which was imported from the Philippines, was purchased by Mr Chang at a furniture fair here. It is made of upcycled wood and cement, and is complemented by a set of brown leather chairs from a different furniture label.
Nature-Inspired Furniture
Behind the dining table is another feature wall, which consists of two layers – the original wall was spray-painted with a stone texture and then fitted over with a layer of glass. The glass layer features frosted glass stripes to resemble a waterfall and has green shapes etched onto it to resemble leaves.
Ms Teo says: “I wanted to add a touch of nature to offset the harshness of the stone wall.”
Stone TV Feature Wall
A granite feature wall made up of stone blocks is in the living room.
Mr Chang, then 45, a logistics director, says: “I find the stone façade more three-dimensional and interesting than a flat wall.”
Family of Four
He lives in the three-bedroom condominium apartment with his wife, Ms Lynn Ang, an export manager, and their two children – Edrea and Elva, then 17 and 11.
In line with the nature theme, the furnishings feature earthy hues of grey and brown, as well as organic elements such as wood and stone.
The kitchen counter and cabinets have been remodelled by interior designer Thriza Teo, who runs interior design firm Triz Arte.
Children’s Room
Wallpaper depicting meadows adorn the children’s room, giving it an idyllic feel that is enhanced by a cloud-shaped light fixture that Ms Teo found in a shop in Balestier.
“I wanted the room to feel open and airy, hence the cloud light,” she says. “The beds are also placed on a raised platform as I didn’t want them to be boxed in by conventional frames.”
Renovation Cost: $90,000
The renovation, which cost $90,000 without furnishings, took 10 weeks to complete in 2013.
With such an idyllic home, it is no wonder the family enjoys staying in on weekends to watch movies and have meals together.
Mr Chang says: “We try to have dinner together whenever everyone’s free. I have one house rule – no phones at the table.”
Study Room
The study room is designed to mimic the experience of sitting in a garden.
Bird cage lights from Singapore lighting store Eurostar Lightings and Furnishing hang from the ceiling, while elements such as a splash of green paint on the ceiling and a large tree wall decal add to the nature theme.
This article first appeared on The Straits Times in 2017.