This interior designer injected elements of the past into his modern home.
This interior designer injected elements of the past into his modern home.
WHO
A family of five
HOME
2+1 condominium apartment on Upper Thomson Road
SIZE
980sqf
Interior designer Raymond Seow has never been one to shy away from colours or a mismatched look, and his own cosy home on Upper Thomson Road is a representation of that.
The contemporary retro-style home is awash in pastel hues and geometric patterns, and every nook has an interesting detail – either about the design process or the owner himself. For instance, a large toy collection greets visitors at the foyer (there’s more in the bedroom, too), and beside it, an “unfinished” tile arrangement – which he says took him half a day to configure.
With a total renovation cost of $50,000, Raymond managed to transform his small apartment into a home. We find out more about the design.
Why the fascination with geometric patterns?
I’ve always been attracted to retro designs, especially patterns from the 1950s and 1960s. But while my previous works – and home – featured the organic and curvy silhouettes of that era, I decided to focus on geometric angles for my new abode.
How did you incorporate this in your design?
After settling on the pattern, I thought of different ways to achieve it throughout the home. I painted a geometric motif on the walls between the living room and corridor (for a sense of continuity), laid hexagonal tiles for the indoor dining area, and designed a geometric cushioned headboard for the master bedroom. It’s a way to unify everything I like, without it being too busy.
Your home is awash in pastel hues. What did you complement it with?
I balanced it out with masculine styles and elements, like the concrete screed, which not only gives an edgy look to the apartment, but neutralises the various colours I have chosen, as well. The angular silhouettes of the geometric patterns help, too.
What did you spend most on?
Most of my renovation cost went to the retro materials and carpentry work. The retro tiles I’ve used – the round mosaic pearls at the entrance and green diamond-shaped tiles in the living room – were leftover stock from the 1950s. They are rare and expensive.
What’s your favourite part of the home?
The balcony. The living and dining room are a bit of a squeeze, so I maximised the space by converting my balcony into an al fresco dining area.
WHERE TO GO
Free Space Intent, TEL: 6392-8885
Photography WINSTON CHUANG Art Direction DON TAN
