Behind Close Doors

Featuring a design c oncept that separ ates its public and private spaces, this home is all owed to be “mes sy” – as long as the mes s is k ept out of sight!

Each chair around the dining table has a different design, but the open-concept dining area still looks uniformed thanks to the consistent use of black.

Amoz Boon, architectural assistant.

With a master’s degree in architecture – which he obtained in Australia – under his belt, Amoz is in the process of getting certifi ed as an architect in Singapore. Having recently moved back to Singapore, he is currently working at EHKA Studio, a local interior design and architectural fi rm.

A geometric arrangement of photographs taken by the couple form a focal point in the living area. Candle plates on coffee table, from stylodeco.com.

Amoz Boon began working on the design of his new home when he and his wife, Eleanor Ee, were still living in Gold Coast, Australia. The couple are both in their late 20s. Being both the designer and homeowner, he knew exactly what the desired look was – “something spacious, sophisticated and easy to clean” was Eleanor’s requirement, he says. To achieve this, he designed the layout of the flat so that the public and private spaces were separated, and spent over $70,000 for the renovation.

Structures in the home, such as the aluminiumframed glass door and the panel concealing the bomb shelter, are kept black and inconspicuous so as not to steal the limelight from the furniture.

Black aluminium-framed glass panels, as well as the sheer curtains behind them, zone off the private areas, namely the study and bedrooms. “This area behind is allowed to be ‘messy’ since it’s hidden!” laughs Amoz. The couple frequently have friends over, and things can be quickly and discreetly stashed away behind the glass panels, he explains. The study has also been designed according to the concept of a studio – with a large communal, centrally positioned workspace – which the couple can share (Eleanor is a tuition teacher).

Walls were demolished to open up the kitchen, which has a gallery layout with a bright and airy feel. Tableware and linen towel, both from stylodeco.com.

The living area on the other side is neat and structured with an almost symmetrical layout. The furniture has also been arranged unconventionally for this type of flat: The TV set is mounted between the windows, with the seating area orientated towards it. But for this to happen, a false wall had to be built to cover part of an existing window.

The master bedroom has a calm and restful vibe, kept free of clutter and ornamentation. Vases, from stylodeco.com.

Between the living area and the open kitchen is the dining area, which is Amoz’s favourite part of the home. Each dining chair around the round table is different. “Guests can pick their own unique chair to sit on,” smiles the designer. The couple also agree that it is interesting to observe the choices of different guests.

Sheer curtains fl anking the wallmounted TV in the living room block out the glare, but not the light.

Aluminiumframed glass panels, installed between the living room and study, demarcate the private and public areas of the home.

Amoz wanted the furniture to be the main feature in the home, “like sculptures decorating the place,” he says. Therefore, almost every piece was bought from a different store, such as Grafunkt, Commune, Lush Lush, Muji, Comfort Design, Ikea, Castlery and Picket & Rail. When it came to the wall decorations, they did not want to buy posters or prints. They simply decided to use the photographs they took while travelling the world over the past two years: it was not just a stylish choice, but a personal one, too.

Black fi ttings, fi xtures and accessories provide marked contrast against the otherwise all-white master bathroom. Basket and bath towel, both from stylodeco.com.