Home Tour: An expat family’s black and white private apartment near Orchard Road

In an era where new builds often prioritise efficiency over expansiveness, this remarkable Orchard Road apartment boasts generous proportions of Singapore’s older residential gems. Spanning an impressive 3,700 sq ft, this spacious apartment has been thoughtfully reimagined for modern living while preserving its inherent grandeur.

“It is an old apartment, hence we have the luxury of space,” explains homeowner Mrs Kyrkjebø, who worked with interior designers to enhance the natural flow by removing non-structural walls, amplifying the sense of openness throughout.

Split-level Orchard Road apartment

The intelligent spatial planning of this Orchard Road apartment reveals itself in its distinctive split-level design. The living and family areas occupy different elevations, creating subtle spatial demarcations without compromising the open-plan feel. The dining area commands prime position near the windows, while the kitchen embraces contemporary open-concept living, seamlessly integrating with the social spaces of this spacious apartment.

Apartment layout reconfigured

William Chan of Spacedge Designs approached the renovation with a keen understanding of modern lifestyle needs. His reconfiguration of the master suite exemplifies smart space planning, carving out a more generous bathroom and introducing a sophisticated walk-in wardrobe.

In a thoughtful nod to younger residents’ interests, interior designer Chan transformed one area into a dedicated music room for son Paal, creating an ideal space where he and his friends can enjoy drumming sessions without disrupting the home’s tranquility.

Home flower decor

While the private apartment’s architecture embraces minimalism, personality and warmth emerge through carefully chosen furniture and accessories.

“I also like using flowers to add colour to the apartment,” shares Mrs Kyrkjebø, describing her seasonal approach to decorating this Orchard Road apartment. Her thoughtful touches bring the space to life - from festive red blooms during Christmas to spring-heralding yellow tulips that echo the Northern Hemisphere’s changing seasons.

Light and neutral apartment aesthetic

The spacious apartment’s serene atmosphere stems from a deliberate design strategy focusing on lightness and neutrality. This aesthetic choice manifests in every detail, from the selection of light-toned marble flooring to the pristine white walls that serve as a gallery-like backdrop for the family’s life and belongings.

Black and White Colonial Bungalow

For the Kyrkjebøs, transitioning from their previous black-and-white house to this apartment has been a welcome change. “It is great, waking up each day, seeing a bright home, and not having problems such as termites to worry about,” Mrs Kyrkjebø reflects, highlighting how the move has simplified their living experience while maintaining the spaciousness they value.

Glass swivel door

The apartment’s innovative design extends to its entryway, where convention gives way to contemporary elegance. “You can see everywhere in the apartment from any spot,” explains Mr Chan, pointing out one of the home’s most striking features - a dramatic glass swivel door that replaces the traditional wooden entrance at the private lift lobby. This transparent boundary maintains the spacious apartment’s flow while creating a spectacular first impression for visitors stepping out of the elevator.

This article was first published in The Business Times.