Eliza HamizaH finds out how a young couple undertook the design of their home mostly on their own, with help from their style-savvy carpenter.
"The wall separating the living room and kitchen was demolished and replaced by a bar counter to open up the two spaces."
Well-travelled homeowners Ronald Wan and Rachel Ong were inspired by the many stylish Airbnb apartments they stayed at during their trips to Paris, London, New York and Bangkok. Those homes were chic, simple and inviting – something the married couple believed could be achieved in their own home by using the timeless palette of black and white.
“For us, the feeling of being home has to do with a space that is constant and consistent, and the black-and-white colour scheme makes a good base for this. It’s easy to match, and coloured decor pops nicely against it. To keep to our budget, Ronald and I planned our own mood board, while Gay Zhengcai from The Merry Men Interiors helped us realise it,” says Rachel.
MARBLE MAVEN
DIY WARDROBE
CLASSIC BEAUTY
HISTORY OF US
PERSONAL SPACE
Rachel’s work as a stylist in the fashion industry, as well as Ronald’s love for pop culture, influenced the four-room flat’s interior. The result is a tasteful space designed with restraint, yet packed with detail. Among the choices they made were selecting a cushy suede chesterfield and pairing it with a minimalist coffee table, as well as opting for a projector instead of a television to recreate an old-school cinematic experience.
“WE DON’T EVEN NEED A HOOD AS WE MOSTLY BAKE, STEAM AND AIR-FRY. IF IT DOES GET SMOKY, WE TURN ON THE AIR PURIFIER AND OPEN THE WINDOWS – NO BIG DEAL, AND IT ENCOURAGES US TO EAT HEALTHY.”
– RONALD WAN
PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY ART DIRECTION KRISTY
QUAH
