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.
It is no wonder that the Yongs have worked with interior designer Trifven on previous home and office properties (over the course of the last decade) as well. Trish shares with us the work that went into creating this vibrant and expressive abode.
Buy HDB corridor
The previous owner had bought the corridor space, giving interior designer Trifven Ho more space to experiment with various tiles.
$100,000 Renovation cost
Question: 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.
Chinese Artist’s Mural
Question: 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.
Upcycled Furniture
Question: How do you incorporate old furniture in your new home?
Trish: 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.
Lacquered Furniture
The couple loves oriental furniture, especially those with traditional features like lacquer finishes and metal hinges.
The use of lacquer, a time-honored technique in Asian furniture-making, brings a rich, glossy sheen to the pieces, highlighting the natural beauty of the wood and offering protection against wear and tear.
The addition of metal hinges not only ensures the durability of the furniture but also introduces an element of contrast and sophistication.
Prints on print
Both Trifven and Trish do not shy away from utilising prints on prints – the more the merrier, they say.
The key to successfully implementing “prints on prints” lies in balancing scale, color coordination, and contrast to create a cohesive and visually appealing design that reflects individual style and preferences.
Whether through textiles, wallpaper, artwork, or furniture upholstery, this approach allows for endless possibilities in home decoration.
Antique furniture
Both the mirror and vanity are over 60 years old.
Freestanding bathtub
Question: 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.
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This article was first published on Home and Decor in July 2018.