by There is incredible detail in every corner of Jason and Trish Yong’s (pictured) five-room flat, from the two different black- and-white tiles that greet visitors at the entrance to the dragon doorknob of the master bathroom. This decorative Chinoiserie style is the result of a collaborative effort between interior designer Trifven Ho from Living Icon and the homeowners.
The previous owner had bought the corridor space, giving interior designer Trifven Ho more space to experiment with various tiles.
What went into the $100,000 renovation?
Trish: Mostly the reconfiguration of space. We took some space from the dining room for a walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom, and created a shoe cabinet near the foyer. We also re-did the kitchen; we added a breakfast counter and, as I hate the oil from cooking, Trifven moved the stove nearer to the window.
The home is decked out in colourful prints. Tell us about it, Trish.
Trish: I am half-Peranakan, and have always been drawn to loud colours and the Oriental style, with a French twist. Trifven knows my style well, and went to Goodrich Global to pick out several prints with butterflies, birds and flowers like peonies. We also engaged a Chinese artist to illustrate three murals, including the floral motif in the master bathroom. We retained the marble and terrazzo floors from the original unit. Many of our furniture pieces, such as the dining chairs, are from Taylor B.
How do you incorporate old furniture in your new home?
Every time I move, I will buy some new furniture and keep the rest in storage. Trifven will then look through my collection for pieces that match the current style. We also try not to discard furniture, and modify them to enhance its functionality instead. For instance, we incorporated a wooden partition – that we bought from Just Anthony almost 10 years ago – into the sliding grille in the living room, and turned another intricate wood panel we have into a dining room feature wall.
The couple loves oriental furniture, especially those with traditional features like lacquer finishes and metal hinges.
Both Trifven and Trish do not shy away from utilising prints on prints – the more the merrier, they say.
Both the mirror and vanity are over 60 years old.
What were some of your must-haves for the home?
Trish: I insisted that I must have a bathtub, even if it is small. But it’s more about my love for standalone bathtubs rather than having a good soak (laughs). We decided to remove the shower point in the master bathroom and move a bathtub in instead. We also kept the area enclosed, away from the vanity, for a cosy and dramatic mood. My husband wanted a red main door, as it is a visually striking element and complements the oriental decor well.
