Past in Present

Upcycled furniture and existing fixtures in the house were given a new lease on life in this Art Deco- and colonial-style home.

This home has a number of designer furniture pieces, such as the kitchen’s yellow Masters dining chairs by Philippe Starck, as well as an oversized Kartell lamp.

WHO
A family of five and two elderly parents

HOME
A house in Bukit Timah 

SIZE
6,047 sqf

See more of this Art Deco-style home in our video tour. See page 22. 

The bay window (originally a veranda that was part of the carpark) and wall lamps were in the house before the homeowners moved in.

The bay window was designed so the couple’s elderly parents could enjoy this soothing view from indoors.

As the lady of the house has a penchant for colonial houses and upcycling, purchasing a 1970s’ property with well-kept design elements thrilled her. Its existing features, such as wall lamps and the staircase, were perfect for the look the family had in mind: A modern interpretation of colonial and Art Deco styles. 

“Almost all the furniture in this home was from my previous residence, giving the current space a lived-in and familiar atmosphere. I’m pleased that Alex Kwan from Museum Homes appreciates my choice to upcycle,” she says.

Here’s what went into the $700,000 renovation, and the final look of this capacious abode.

They improved the condition of the home
The Art Deco style uses plenty of dark finishes, so a home should be well-lit. So, the house’s original half-windows and false ceilings – which created a dark and stuffy atmosphere – was a no-go.

To create a bright and airy space, false ceilings were hacked and full-length steel-framed windows, as well as larger doors, were installed. The white marble floors in the living room further enhanced the now-sunlit space, oozing sophistication.  

The homeowner said she was attracted to Museum Homes’ steelwork, so Alex included a steel-framed glass door in the kitchen and full-length windows in the design.

Brass handles are quintessential to the Art Deco style.

The spacious bathroom features a bench and a large entrance; it was designed with the elderly occupants in mind.

The powder room, situated near the staircase, features the same black marble used for the customised dining table.

Winding staircases (there’s one in the bedroom, too) and glass chandeliers add to the colonial-style atmosphere

Both the foyer and master bathroom feature mosaic tiles that have been laid out in patterns designed by Museum Homes.

They furnished the home with art
Classical artworks and accessories add to the colonial- and Art Deco-inspired interiors.

“On my bookcase is a Goddess of Fertility bust, which I bought on a trip to Greece, and three Lladro sculptures. They represent my three daughters; each time I delivered, my husband would commemorate the birth with motherhood sculptures. I’ll pass them on to my daughters when they are older,” shares the lady of the house. 

An abstract Murano glass chandelier hangs above the dining table, and the family’s large collection of traditional Vietnamese paintings add colour – albeit in soft, muted hues – to the home. 

WHERE TO GO
Museum Homes, TEL: 9818-3146

This wood-and-white bathroom is a world away from the dark and luxurious first floor, but the homeowners welcome the change in scenery

The bedroom is kept simple with lighter wood hues and few furnishings.

The walk-in wardrobe, which features vintage handles and a barn door, separates the bathroom and bedroom.

text ELIZA HAMIZAH photography VERNON WONG art direction NONIE CHEN