Light of Way

Smart, sleek retouches paved the way for a breezy resort vibe in this multi-storey townhouse. JACQUELINE TAN talks to interior designer Terence Neo on how his team created this beautiful family home.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
Smart, sleek retouches paved the way for a breezy resort vibe in this multi-storey townhouse. JACQUELINE TAN talks to interior designer Terence Neo on how his team created this beautiful family home.
 
My Reading Room
The living area opens onto the verandah, creating a seamless space that is airy and inviting.
 
My Reading Room
My Reading Room
LEFT

Homeowners Calvin Chan and Zoe Luo.

ABOVE

Full-length glass panels allow plenty of natural light to fill the indoor spaces during the day.

OPPOSITE
The light colours of the interiors help to make the open kitchen area look spacious and warm.
 
My Reading Room
WHO LIVES HERE

Couple with their two young daughters HOME Four-storey townhouse in Watten estate SIZE 2,600sqf

When a home is big on space, there’s a tendency (or temptation) to pile on the design elements, furniture and accessories. But not for the homeowners of this five bedroom townhouse, who even did away with the television set in the living room. “The owners rarely watch TV shows and they do not want a console or feature wall to take up space,” says Terence Neo, design director of Eightytwo. “Their style is understated and they don’t want anything too loud, gaudy or bulky-looking.”

Refurbished at a cost of about $150,000, the major overhaul resulted in a look that strikes a balance between being resort-like and exuding a cosy, homey feel. An immaculate row of bamboo plants is planted on the front porch, creating a picture of calm and serenity when one looks out from the living room.

A former wall by the staircase was torn down to make way for more natural light. In its place are spaced wooden panels, which act as a divider and also lend a warm accent to the space.

An interior that was once all about ornateness (think suedes and heavy carpeting) has been transformed into one that is clean, airy and nature-inspired.

PLAY TIME

The living room extends into a dedicated play area that allows plenty of room for their kids to engage in games and activities. The play area and adjacent dining room are treated to outdoor views, with floor-toceiling glass panels letting in plenty of light, contributing further to the spacious feel of the home.

COOL KITCHEN

As the couple entertain a fair bit, the kitchen is not just a sleek showcase but designed to be practical as well. Cabinets provide ample storage and are clad in highly resilient off-white laminates in the dry and wet kitchens. As a slight contrast to the dry kitchen, the wet section gets a dash of raw, earthy touch with its cement-textured flooring and backsplash.

WHERE TO GO Eightytwo www.eightytwo.sg

photos EIGHTYTWO 
My Reading Room
A former staircase wall was knocked down, and in its place are well-spaced wooden panels, that together with the brown sofa lend a warm, cosy accent to the living room.
 
My Reading Room
My Reading Room
TOP LEFT

The interesting door handle design lends a touch of sophistication to the space.

LEFT
The design team optimised the use of tight spaces by turning them into functional areas, such as this dressing corner.
 
My Reading Room
My Reading Room
TOP RIGHT

Plenty of large windows around the house allow light to fill the home in the day.

OPPOSITE
The glass door in the en suite bathroom in the guest room lets in natural light, with its metal frame lending a bold, sleek accent.
 
My Reading Room