House Tour: Joo Chiat shophouse for a Malaysian creative consultant living in Singapore

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For Cheah Wei Chun — a fashion and design creative consultant in his 40s — shophouses bring back fond memories of Chinese New Year celebrations with his extended family at his grandmother’s shophouse in his hometown of Penang.

Since relocating to Singapore more than a decade ago, Wei Chun has lived in various such houses.

When the lease of a Little India shophouse that he was living in ended, he set out to find a shophouse of his own.

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2nd Floor Shophouse Unit
“I wanted one with character. Air wells are what I love the most about shophouses,” says Wei Chun.

When he saw this second-storey shophouse in Joo Chiat Road with an unusual air well, he knew it was the one for him.

The mid-70s’ shophouse was in its original condition but Wei Chun’s decision to look beyond the ageing facade and dilapidated interior paid off. After a major overhaul, he now has what he considers the perfect shophouse that is both home and office.

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Francfranc Dining Table
Wei Chun took pains to find this round Francfranc dining table with legs positioned such that guests can easily slide in between the concrete bench and table without the legs getting in the way.

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All Bedroom Walls Hacked
The original walls compartmentalising the three bedrooms were demolished to create an open plan that makes the shophouse feel like a downtown Manhattan loft. This approach complements Wei Chun’s intended use for the shophouse as both a home, as well as a design studio.

Gracing Wei Chun’s very own wall of fame are celebrities, artists and models that the fashion and design creative consultant has worked with over the course of his career.

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Hacked 2 Bedrooms
The space freed up from two of the bedrooms has been transformed into a living room and work space. An existing column in between the two could not be removed but, with hindsight, it provides a sense of separation, reinforced by the placement of furniture.

The colour scheme is predominantly grey and white, including the monochromatic Francfranc sofa and Flos lamp. The red Danish-designed discussion chair has been reupholstered numerous times, most recently in this striking hue to add a dash of colour to the home’s interiors.

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Bookshelf
Magazines are part and parcel of Wei Chun’s work.

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Built-In Wall Shelf
What used to be an odd top-hung bathroom window fronting the street has been designed as a wall unit that wraps around the existing window, flanked by shelves.

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Common Bathroom
The common bathroom opens out to the air well, giving it an outdoor feel.

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Simple Bedroom Design
The monastic simplicity of the bedroom gives it a contemplative quality.



This article first appeared on Home and Decor in 2017.

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