What started as a request for an easy-to-clean home became an ultra-chic picture of industrial minimalism.
What started as a request for an easy-to-clean home became an ultra-chic picture of industrial minimalism.
The original glass panel at the front of the house was kept to open up the space. The solid wood surfaces of the dining table and bench from Knocknock add a touch of warmth. Cushion and black and white pots, all from Make Room.
Ed customised the wall-mounted shelves in the dry kitchen for the homeowners to display their knick-knacks and alcohol. Foscarini lamps from Xtra hang above the kitchen island. Green marble board, striped cups, ampersand ornament, and black vase, all from Make Room.
The homeowners stash beverages in the dry kitchen’s built-in fridge.
Individual coffee tables from The Beuro are grouped together in the living room for an interesting visual effect.
Daphne Chua and her partner wanted an industrial style for their house as it was “easy to clean”; but the raw elements and “authentic” feel which their designer Ed Ong of Dwell incorporated in the design, soon grew on them. The renovation, including furnishings, cost $500,000. “I wanted the industrial style to come through as authentically as possible,” shares Ed, who used construction beams or metal I-beams at the front and back of the ground floor of the home.
He also clad the walls on the first floor, as well as the stairwell and staircase, in concrete screed. The latter sports no-frills metal railings and tension cables. For the flooring, the matte grey tiles from Hafary have a concrete-like feel underfoot that adds to the sensorial experience. The heart of the home, the dining-cum-dry kitchen, is where the homeowners spend most of their time, especially when they have guests over.
The island has a grey Caesarstone countertop; the same material is used for the kitchen countertop, which segues into the TV console in the living room. “I wanted a seamless and clean look that extends all the way to the living room. The stone supplier said it was the longest piece he’s ever done for a residential project,” says Ed.
The interior designer separated the wet kitchen from the common areas with glass walls, held up by a frame of metal beams. The beams were positioned carefully to ensure that they don’t obstruct the view that looks out into the dining and living areas. Upstairs, the home’s attic was transformed into a master bedroom suite with an open-concept bathroom.
“We wanted the bedroom to have a calming effect,” shares Daphne, of the only space in the home which has wood-look tiles. “We also wanted a resort-style bathroom, where we could feel relaxed in, and specifically told Ed to create the pebble flooring!” she adds.
WHERE TO GO Dwell Interior Design, TEL: 6883-1005.
To complement the industrial style of the home, Ed stripped the Bosch hood in the wet kitchen and exposed the duct.
Ed used metal sheets to clad the flooring of the backyard, to complement the industrial style of the home.
Only minor changes were made to the bathroom on the second floor. The new black metal sink from Bretz & Co and the metal louvres echo the raw feel of the ground floor.
“The second floor is for guests to enjoy when they stay over,” shares Daphne. The coffee table and TV console are from Journey East. Blue glass bottle, copper pot and copper tray, all from Make Room.
The interiors of the master bedroom are kept simple and cosy, perfect for the couple to unwind in. The bedside table is from Crate & Barrel.
The original skylight was kept, which allows natural light to illuminate the staircase during the day.
Beautifully designed Philippe Starck fittings from Hansgrohe create an understated but luxurious look in the master bathroom.
