The loft-like home has a unique C-shape layout that hugs the kitchen. Raymond maximized the natural lighting in the living area by demolishing the wall of one bedroom, in favour of a larger living room with a full stretch of windows (not seen). Tableware and cushions, from Commune.

Royston Tan – known for his art cinema feature and short films, such as Sons, Mother, 881 and 15 – is one of Singapore’s most celebrated and renowned film-makers.

2-Storey Condo in Serangoon

Royston envisioned his apartment – a 2-storey two-plus one-bedroom condominium unit in Serangoon – as a blank canvas that allows him to change his environment whenever he likes — very much like living on a film set!

Part of the living area, the open study is situated in the footprint of a former bedroom. A framed mirror Roystan Tan bought in Taiwan hangs above a desk with pencil legs from Commune, while collectibles and colourful toys are stowed in the vintage wooden cabinet behind.
Part of the living area, the open study is situated in the footprint of a former bedroom. A framed mirror Roystan Tan bought in Taiwan hangs above a desk with pencil legs from Commune, while collectibles and colourful toys are stowed in the vintage wooden cabinet behind.

Clean, Industrial, Zen

Interior designer Raymond Seow of Free Space Intent gave the apartment a “clean, industrial-zen look”, with concrete screed-finished walls and floors, and minimal built-in fixtures. 

The beauty parlour signboard was given to Royston Tan by the owner of Xin Cai Hong Hair Salon, which had been around since the 1960s. As a student of Zhonghua Secondary School, Royston used to walk by every day, and ended up filming documentary, Old Romances, there three years ago. Tableware, cushions and throw, from Commune.
The beauty parlour signboard was given to Royston Tan by the owner of Xin Cai Hong Hair Salon, which had been around since the 1960s. As a student of Zhonghua Secondary School, Royston used to walk by every day, and ended up filming documentary, Old Romances, there three years ago. Tableware, cushions and throw, from Commune.

Retro Hair Salon Signboard

The beauty parlour signboard was given to Royston by the owner of Xin Cai Hong Hair Salon, which had been around since the 1960s.

Zhonghua Secondary School Alumni

As a student at Zhonghua Secondary School, Royston used to walk by every day, and ended up filming his documentary, Old Romances, there.

A commissioned painting by local artist Elton Goh adds contrasting colour to the hallway. It is an artwork that has been painted over numerous times at different milestones of Royston Tan's life.
A commissioned painting by local artist Elton Goh adds contrasting colour to the hallway. It is an artwork that has been painted over numerous times at different milestones of Royston Tan’s life.

C-Shape Home Layout

The loft-like home has a unique C-shape layout that hugs the kitchen. Raymond maximised the natural lighting in the living area by demolishing the wall of one bedroom, in favour of a larger living room with a full stretch of windows.

A commissioned painting by local artist Elton Goh (pictured above) adds contrasting colour to the hallway. It is an artwork that has been painted over numerous times, at different milestones of Royston’s life.

A weather-beaten door, originally from Shandong, China, was installed along sliding tacks to close off the kitchen. Royston Tan first spotted this statement piece at a boutique in Orchard Central. When the shop closed down, he tracked the owner down to acquire the door!

Vintage Door

A weather-beaten door, originally from Shandong, China, was installed along sliding tracks to close off the kitchen. Royston first spotted this statement piece at a boutique in Orchard Central. When the shop closed down, he tracked the owner down to acquire the door! 

Located on the mezzanine, the master bedroom is furnished with just the essentials - a bed with an upholstered headboard and wooden nightstands from Commune.

Master Bedroom

Located on the mezzanine, the master bedroom is furnished with just the essentials –abedwithan upholstered headboard and wooden nightstands from Commune.

Posters of films directed by Royston Tan accompany the assortment of vintage decor and retro accessories throughout the apartment.
Posters of films directed by Royston Tan accompany the assortment of vintage decor and retro accessories throughout the apartment.

This article was first published on Home and Decor in March 2016.