Change floor plan

The most radical was the complete alteration of the floor plan to streamline zoning and shape a compelling spatial journey that would reflect the homeowners’ personalities.

“Francis and Michele’s previous home had a very Balinese vibe. While they didn’t set to replicate the style, they did want a proper place for key furniture pieces they had brought over,” shares Mark.

The entrance of the new layout has been pushed out, the awkward powder room in the living area has been converted into a storeroom where Michele keeps her bicycles, leaving a spacious living area where new armchairs exist harmoniously with vintage teak chests-cum-sideboards.

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Storage Design

The storage walls flanking the room are clad in ribbed nyatoh wood painstakingly stained to match the colour of the furniture.

The former dining room and kitchen have been merged into an open kitchen clad in a grey-toned powder blue called Frost.

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Nyatoh timber wall

The nyatoh timber wall hides the 55-inch TV.

Its thickness cuts into the powder room behind it.

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Open concept kitchen

A free-standing island finished in Silestone Calacatta Gold takes centre stage.

Around it are three ovens, two colossal fridges, a stainless steel exhaust fan and drawers and cabinets equipped with pop-up mechanisms from Hafele and Blum that contain Francis’ “kitchen toys” – appliances ranging from a mega food processor and ice cream maker to specific little tools like cherry pitters.

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Glass sliding doors

Glass sliding doors with a ribbed texture similar to the living area’s storage walls separate the kitchen from the rest of the home.

When closed off, it is a private working space. When opened, it is an extension of the living room.

“We cook, so the kitchen needs to be able to contain the fumes,” explains Francis.

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Helper’s room

The back of the kitchen conceals the helper’s quarters, a small yard and a washer and a dryer.

The ledge of the air-conditioner next to it is decorated with artificial monstera planters, whose leaves sway gently, creating an impression of a garden when seen from the kitchen.

“I missed having a garden and looking at this soothes me,” shares Michele.

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Red dining room

The former master bedroom is now the dining room in a shade of red that’s between terracotta and carmine – bold yet appropriate.

It is flanked by two curved walls.

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Curved walls

The red wall is a tribute to the condo’s curvy architecture.

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Fluted cabinet

The dining room cabinet for fine tableware has the same ribbed timber finish.

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Liquor and wine storage

The built-in cabinet in the dining room stores liquor and a wine fridge.

The neat interior contains more storage volume than their previous home.

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Catholic altar design

The ribbed, concave wall houses an elegant, minimalist altar that features a crucifix and statues the couple hand-carried from Assisi, Italy – the birthplace of one of history’s most famous Catholic saints (and Francis’ namesake), Saint Francis.

A pull of the concealed handle reveals the powder room behind it.

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Powder room

The exuberant wallpaper is a delightful surprise that calls back the artificial plant in the aircon ledge.

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Study room

The study next to the dining room has a ribbed glass front as well.

Inside, work desks and Cosm task chairs from Herman Miller occupy one side and bookshelves the other.

The far end is decorated with photos of the couple and their beloved dog that’s passed on.

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Master bedroom

The guest bedroom and the master suite conclude the spatial journey, both featuring original timber flooring, en-suite bathrooms and full storage walls.

Balinese style interior design

The Balinese vibe lingers in the master bedroom, thanks to the tropical jungle wallpaper and the slatted timber wardrobe.

Some of the doors were salvaged from the existing apartment while the rest were customised to match the originals.

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Vanity table design

Tucked into a corner away from the bed is a compact vanity with pull-out vertical drawers for accessories, a fridge for skincare products and a built-in light switch.

“I can light this area and do my routine without disturbing Francis’ bedtime,” says Michele.

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Shower design

The shower stall features decorative tiles and seating.

Seating in the shower stall is a practical and thoughtful addition to a bathroom that can enhance comfort, safety, and accessibility, especially for those with mobility issues or those who simply enjoy a leisurely shower experience.

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Red dining room

“What do you see when you look at this painting?” is a conversation starter in the cosy red dining room that used to be the master bedroom.

Subtly Balinese with curves that speak of a ’70s seaside aesthetic with sun-washed Scandinavian colours, the interior is a delightful tapestry of style, presenting a processional spatial journey dotted with details precision-engineered to address the needs and personalities of its owners.

This is a slow burn love story with a happy ending for everyone.

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This article was first published on Home and Decor in December 2020.