When this retired couple wanted their dream retirement home to become a reality, they approached Chuah Peilin from The Interior Lab. The couple dreamed of living in an English country cottage-inspired home, without excessive decor and clutter. Wanting a more spacious house, the homeowners wanted to expand the kitchen and living room area to accommodate having more guests to pass time during their retirement.
With these details in mind, Peilin transformed their house into a bright and spacious contemporary Victorian-style retirement home.
AT A GLANCE
Home: 5-room HDB at Tampines Street 33
Who lives here: A retired couple and their daughter who studies abroad
Size: 1506 sq ft
ID: The Interior Lab
This luxe house is furnished in white with gold accents, brightening up its interior. The minimalistic, white walls of the living room feature wall beading to bring out a clean, classy Victorian-style look. Ample seating invites guests to rest and relax.
Guests are greeted by classic marble tiles that line the foyer. The elegant shoe cabinet is embellished with a small, simple golden knob. The gold accents of the potted plant holders, table centrepiece and wall lights tie in this modern regal look.
Previously a solid wall, one side of the foyer was hacked. Wooden beams now offer guests a peek into the kitchen and dining area, adding visual depth and making this home more spacious.
What was once a study room next to the kitchen has been hacked and transformed into an open kitchen concept. A 6-seater round dining table with a marbled top and a functional kitchen island sits in this space. Furnishes with light grey hues were picked to accentuate the contemporary Victorian kitchen. Hanging pendant lights and tabletop ornaments add visual flair.
The kitchen cabinetry feature wainscoting details like a classical Victorian abode. The light grey matches that of the furnishings. The golden knobs and handles keep the fine interior details consistent throughout this home. A mix of display cabinets and concealed storage were incorporated to accommodate the homeowners’ extensive collection of crockery, drinkware and kitchen accessories.
The master bedroom features an extensive built-in wardrobe and a concealed bathroom door to unify the grand wardrobe look, a creative suggestion by Peilin. Inside the bathroom includes a standing vanity counter, adding a touch of luxe. Golden table ornaments, golden doorknobs, neutral-toned carpets and lace are used as accents.
Wanting to give their daughter enough storage space to avoid clutter, the daughter’s room is equipped with a walk-in wardrobe. A tall shelf maximises vertical storage space, making a perfect place for the daughter’s books. Involved in the design process, their daughter chose a marble wallpaper for the bedroom’s feature wall. The bay window’s grey, textured finishing was chosen to match.
In their previous home, a bay window overlooking an open space was their daughter’s favourite resting area. Reminiscent of her childhood, this bay window was designed in memory of that treasured space, with the intent of using it for both relaxation and work.