Home Tour: An interior designer's conservation shophouse home in Selegie

When homeowner and interior designer Alvin of Homme Space was designing his own home, he wanted his design studio integrated into it as well, so he could live and work in the same compound. 

Housed in a conservation shophouse in Selegie, the multifunctional space is contemporary with statement pieces and a growing collection of design objects. It certainly makes for an interesting workplace! 

The fusion of residential and professional spaces creates a unique environment where creativity flows seamlessly between home life and design projects.

Conservation shophouse in Selegie

The living room/office zone is a bold mish-mash of looks: Vintage trunks and cameras sit alongside Paul Smith’s special series of rabbits. This eclectic combination of decorative elements showcases Alvin’s eye for curating unexpected pairings that somehow work harmoniously together. 

The open-concept space features carefully selected furniture pieces that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating a workspace that inspires both Alvin and his clients.

Living room with office space

Part of the living room is sectioned into an office space for Alvin’s staff. His own workspace is tucked into a corner – which doubles as a library – behind the wall for extra privacy. 

This thoughtful layout demonstrates how small space design can effectively separate work areas while maintaining an open flow. The strategic placement of furniture and shelving creates distinct zones within the open floor plan, allowing for collaborative work as well as focused individual tasks.

Home library

Alvin also has a library space dedicated to his design tomes. This personal collection of interior design books, architectural references, and creative inspiration serves as both a professional resource and a design element in itself. 

The carefully arranged shelves feature color-coded volumes interspersed with small decorative objects, creating a visually appealing backdrop that reflects Alvin’s passion for design history and contemporary trends.

Retro kitchen floor tiles

Retro grey floral-patterned tiles were specially chosen for the kitchen flooring to retain some of the place’s bygone charm. This nod to heritage design elements contrasts beautifully with the modern kitchen fixtures and appliances. 

The renovation preserved characteristic features of the original shophouse while incorporating contemporary functionality, demonstrating how modern home offices can respect architectural history while embracing current design sensibilities.

Toy figurines as home decor

A Transformers figure stands guard at the second floor corridor along the staircase. This playful touch reveals Alvin’s personality and reminds us that even professional spaces can include elements of fun and personal interest. The carefully lit corridor creates a gallery-like atmosphere, with the walls serving as display space for selected artwork and collectibles that inspire Alvin’s design approach.

Contemporary master bedroom with vintage decor

The master bedroom blends contemporary styles with vintage props set against a warm, earthy palette of greys and browns. This restful retreat showcases Alvin’s talent for creating comfortable living spaces that complement his work environment. The thoughtfully designed bedroom features custom storage solutions and multipurpose furniture, proving that even in a home-office setup, creating a separate sanctuary for relaxation is essential for work-life balance and wellbeing.

Part of the living room is sectioned into an office space for Alvin’s staff. His own workspace is tucked into a corner – which doubles as a library – behind the wall for extra privacy.