Beyond the Tour: How to pull off the perfect pairing of European townhouse and tropical flair to achieve an elegant and timeless interior

The pairing of food and wine requires a delicate balance of flavour profiles. On the one hand, they should be complementary to achieve a harmonious experience, but on the other, the astute introduction of some contrasting elements can have the effect of tantalising the palate.

This is exactly what Studio HP pulled off for this food-and-wine loving couple’s 1,399 sq ft, 3-bedroom condominium in Tanglin. While the main aesthetic is European Townhouse, Studio HP has given it a tropical touch that reflects its locale and makes it truly unique.

Studio HP founder, Rashi Tulshyan, and lead designer, Melissa Wan shine the spotlight on some pieces that they specially curated for the home to achieve this.

Nothing says tropical like rattan, yet it also has some European associations from the colonial era. It is a durable material that is low maintenance and its airy nature is well-suited to our tropical climate.

Studio HP has installed various rattan elements around the home as centrepieces, framed by arches. Apart from the rattan cabinet doors at the entrance foyer, these rattan doors to the bar beside the dining area were specially custom-made for the clients. “We wanted to add a textural element to the space and rattan paired with black wood beautifully marries a mid-century design with something that speaks of Singapore,” says Rashi.

You can get your rattan designs tailor made at places like Rooma, which uses traditional skilled artisans from Indonesia. Another established rattan manufacturer is Chun Mee Lee Rattan Furniture, which was founded back in 1948. The second generation proprietor has been dedicated to the craft of weaving for over six decades and each commission is lovingly created like an art piece.

This boucle armchair from Castlery integrates form and function. It looks sleek and is not overly bulky, and is also comfortable to sit on. The circular form lends a nice softness to the space and it fits in with the home’s predominantly monochromatic colour palette that the clients preferred.

Another Castlery piece, this coffee table not only suits the home’s aesthetics, but the separate pieces can be pulled apart to serve as individual ottomans for guests when hosting.

A map, just like books allows our minds to travel without physically leaving the space that we inhabit. Aptly installed in the study room, this map is from the clients’ collection. “We used the dusty rose gold paint and gold trim around the border to highlight the existing wall niche and also frame the wall art beautifully and purposefully,” Melissa explains. 

The map’s black frame complements the subject matter and the home’s colour scheme perfectly. Simple as it may appear, a frame is more than just a frame- it is an extension of the artwork. It is essential for a good framer to possess an understanding of proportions and design. Merlin Frame Maker and Arts In Mind are a few names trusted by gallery insiders.

Rashi and Melissa went with the selection from Glowlights for the key lighting pieces in the home. At the entrance foyer, a soft linen ceiling lamp makes a statement without being too overwhelming. It gives off a soft, warm glow that sets the mood for the rest of the home.

A pair of globe lights were selected to go with the custom designed headboard. “We felt that this light would provide the right shape and illumination for the space,” shares Rashi. 

Continuing the rattan thread for consistency and cohesiveness while further reinforcing the design theme, a rattan pendant lamp was chosen for the powder room. Together with the palm motifs on the wallpaper and the black wood carpentry, this truly conveys the tropical European style.

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