Home Tour: $550,000 Modern contemporary renovation for 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau

This 4-storey terrace house occupies in prominent corner plot near a crossroads is home to a 3-generation family who enjoy the busy atmosphere.

The Kareems, a couple in their 50s, photographed in 2021 at the stairwell landing in their 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau. Interior design by Hans Chua from Erstudio.
Home & Decor
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The Kareems, a family of business owners in their 50s, proudly call this stunning Telok Kurau terrace house their home. Along with their son and daughter in their 20s, and Mrs. Kareem's mother, they bought this Telok Kurau property in 2020 from a developer. The family then hired Hans Chua, project director at Erstudio, to remodel the terrace house into a stylish abode reflecting their vibrant personalities, says Mr. Kareem.

Living room in a 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau for the 3-generation Kareem family of five.

Living room in a 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau for the 3-generation Kareem family of five.

Interior design by Hans Chua from Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

As everyone works in the family business, they wanted a beautiful and cosy home where they could spend time as a family after a long day in the office. 

Who Lives Here: A 3-generation family of five
Home: A 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau
Size: 6,000 sq ft (built area), 2,500 sq ft (land area)
Interior Designer: Erstudio

Rich dark wood panels line the walls in the dining room of the Kareem family’s 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Rich dark wood panels line the walls in the dining room of the Kareem family’s 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Terrace house in Telok Kurau

The main entrance of their renovated Telok Kurau terrace house leads into a welcoming foyer with a cleverly concealed shoe cabinet that can store at least 100 pairs of shoes.

This flows into the open-concept family zone consisting of living and dining areas, dry and wet kitchens, pantry, powder room and helpers' quarters. To create an inviting, lounge-like atmosphere, interior designer Hans chose rich dark wood panels in contrast with the light-toned flooring.

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Spacious, fully-equipped kitchen where the talented homeowner chef Mrs Kareem showcases her culinary prowess for the family in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Spacious, fully-equipped kitchen where the talented homeowner chef Mrs Kareem showcases her culinary prowess for the family in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua from Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Kitchen

This spacious, fully-equipped kitchen is where the talented home chef Mrs. Kareem delights in showcasing her culinary prowess for the family.

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A luxurious formal living room on the second storey of this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

A luxurious formal living room on the second storey of this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Formal living room

One level up, the second storey houses a luxurious formal living and dining room, the perfect space for the family to entertain and host guests. A striking 4-storey glass wall runs alongside the stairwell, allowing an abundance of natural light to brighten and air the interiors.

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A 4-storey glass façade runs through this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

A 4-storey glass façade runs through this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Glass façade

Through this glass façade, complemented by balconies and large windows, the family enjoys a panoramic bird's eye view of the surrounding Telok Kurau neighbourhood.

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A luxurious modern contemporary dining room in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

A luxurious modern contemporary dining room in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Glass terrace house in Telok Kurau

Homeowner Mrs. Kareem fondly shares how passersby frequently stop to admire and photograph their stunning Telok Kurau terrace house, ever since they moved in in January 2021. A source of immense pride for the family!

Beside the formal living area, there is also a semi-outdoor terrace overlooking the nearby traffic junction - a tranquil spot where Mrs. Kareem's mother unwinds while watching the world go by each late morning.

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Elegant champagne and gold luxurious master bedroom design for the homeowners in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Elegant champagne and gold luxurious master bedroom design for the homeowners in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Gold master bedroom design

The uppermost two levels form the private quarters. Apart from the well-appointed guest room, there are also bedrooms for the couple and Mrs. Kareem's mother, who requested her favourite light turquoise blue hue, beautifully incorporated by Hans into her headboard design.

For the husband and wife's master bedroom and sleeping zone, he proposed an elegant champagne and gold colour scheme.

“We love the timeless quality that makes it possible for us to live here for years and not tire of it,” says homeowner Mrs Kareem.

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Gold sundial mirror adorns the wall above a console in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Gold sundial mirror adorns the wall above a console in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Quality furniture

As with all the furnishings, the couple believes in investing in quality durable pieces that can last for years, and take pride in maintaining their family home.

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The daughter’s bedroom opens up to an outdoor balcony in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

The daughter’s bedroom opens up to an outdoor balcony in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Children’s bedroom

Homeowner Mrs. Kareem fondly refers to the entire top floor as the "Kingdom of Children". Her daughter's bedroom, tastefully decorated in warm wood tones and the young lady's chosen colour scheme of pink, olive green and gold accents, opens out to a semi-outdoor balcony space - envisioned by interior designer Hans as the perfect setting for her to pursue her passion for art and painting.

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Mahattan-style interior design for the son’s bedroom in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Mahattan-style interior design for the son’s bedroom in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Manhattan-style bedroom

On the opposite side, her son’s bedroom has a more masculine theme. Interior designer Hans elaborates, “We went with the Manhattan concept, pairing dark walnut with tan leather.”

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A gaming area in the son’s bedroom in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

A gaming area in the son’s bedroom in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

Gaming room

As he is a gaming enthusiast, the son also gets a dedicated gaming area within his bedroom.

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Luxurious marble bathroom in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Luxurious marble bathroom in this 4-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau.

Interior design by Hans Chua of Erstudio.

Photography Veronica Tay. Art Direction Kristy Quah.

$550,000 Renovation cost

The extensive interior renovations for this dream Telok Kurau terrace house cost $550,000. Despite workforce challenges posed by the pandemic, interior designer Hans and his talented team deftly completed the entire project within an efficient 16-week timeline.

"We believe in creating timeless designs with a neutral palette, allowing the homeowners' furnishing choices to bring out their unique personalities. This way, the terrace house grows and evolves alongside its multi-generational residents over the years," explains interior designer Hans.

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This article was first published on Home & Decor in November 2021 and updated for clarity.

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