A blend of Art Deco style, tropical touches, and colonial- era decor renews this penthouse into a unique home fit for entertaining.
Relocation and marriage are big moves in life. The purchase of a new home takes it to a whole new level. The owners of this home are a couple in their early thirties who have moved from Hong Kong. One of the things they enjoy doing as a couple is entertaining at home. Therefore, a space conducive to hosting friends was a priority.
Penthouse along Oxley Walk
They chanced upon a penthouse unit at Oxley Walk with a rooftop terrace. It was a 12-year-old property with good bones that the owners would like to retain. Having two floors meant that they could have dedicated outdoor space for entertaining.
In addition, all the rooms have high ceilings, making the overall unit feel spacious. They engaged Rashi Tulshyan and Melissa Wan from Home Philosophy to helm the project.
Who Lives Here A couple in their 30s
Home A 3-bedroom penthouse at River Valley
Size 3,550 sq ft
Interior Design d Rashi Tulshyan and Melissa Wan, Home Philosophy
Love For Art Deco
“The couple loves the Art Deco style. They wanted to incorporate some bold features in their fabrics and clean lines through the home,” Rashi, the founder of the interior design firm, says. “Our clients wanted their rooftop terrace reimagined with new real grass, decking and furniture, so we focused on lush landscaping to add softness to the space.”
Giving the space an Art Deco style with a tropical touch, Rashi and Melissa incorporated colonial-era decor with dark and black woods, and classic wall mouldings in white. Rattan is also a key material in this home.
The Bar
The bar area prior to renovation sported a dark, modern theme
The design team also put weight on custom designs that would make a difference.
“The bar archway behind the sofa is a unique piece. Our clients wanted to use real teak wood cabinets below. We complemented that with a thicker stone countertop. The beautiful gold wallpaper made this piece of carpentry a real standout of the home,” Melissa shares.
The team also framed the bay window beside it in slim wood and added seating, turning it into another highlight in the home.
Living Room
The living room before renovation
The intention was to work with the unit’s original layout and transform it into a style that makes it unique to the homeowners. All the rooms in this home have a ceiling height of more than three metres.
The design team accentuated the sense of volume with a full-height television feature wall and stepped ceiling features. The intention was also to spotlight the furnishings with shapes and styles to complement them.
Dining Room
The former dining room’s mirror panel was removed
Removing many of the home’s original custom features, including a mirror panel in the dining area, and replacing them with matte woodgrain, dramatically soften the space. Wall mouldings in white work beautifully with the dining chairs in dark wood and rattan, bringing the colonial-era ambience to life.
Kitchen
The kitchen comes with high ceilings – making full-height kitchen cabinets not practical
Matte black cabinets with white marble-veined porcelain stone countertops now fill the kitchen. Because the kitchen also has a high ceiling, the design team considered the accessibility of the kitchen cabinets. Instead of installing upper cabinets, the lower kitchen cabinets are complemented with fluted panels on the wall and an easy-to-access shelf.
Master Bedroom
The former luxe Chesterfield headboard was removed
For the master bedroom, the homeowners loved the idea of muted but rich colours, textures, and contrasts in tone. The design team created a material palette comprising velvet for the headboard, grass cloth wallpaper, and dark wood for the wardrobes. Rattan elements were added for lightness.
“Overall soft furnishing were key to making the spaces come together beautifully, so all the fabrics from the bedspreads to the curtains are where the magic lies to make the design of each space feel both unique and yet cohesive. We stayed within the same muted colour tones, but then added little pops of colour and texture that would make the room have its own feel,” Rashi explains.
Study Room
An extra bedroom was converted into a study room
In between the two bedrooms is a bedroom smaller than the other two. The couple wanted it transformed into a study or chill-out space. However, they were concerned that it might ruin the overall look and feel of the home.
The striking wallpaper with bamboo patterns, a cushy sofa, wall mouldings, and wall lighting make this a practical space awash with flair. A compact table nestles between the wardrobe and door that leads out to the balcony. Rattan surfaces soften the space further.
Rooftop Terrace
Atop the penthouse is a sprawling green terrace
A green haven awaits on the second floor where the outdoor terrace is. Gone were the overgrown shrubs, artificial turf and jacuzzi.
With landscaping, real grass and large potted plants, it has pockets of space for serene solitude and a yoga area. The sheltered lounge and dining areas make the perfect spot for gatherings amidst the bustle of the city centre.