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The pandemic may have thwarted their travel plans, but this couple did not let that prevent them from escaping to faraway lands without leaving home.
Recognizing that border restrictions would not be lifted so soon, they enlisted the help of Nikki Hunt, principal of Design Intervention, to design a home that would transport them to different worlds.
At A Glance
Home: A semi-detached landed house in Joo Chiat
Size: 8,400 sq ft
Who lives here: A couple in their mid-40s
ID: Design Intervention
Inspired by the Netflix series Bridgerton and the ITV series Belgravia, which she watched during the lockdown, the lady of the house dreamed of having a home decked out in a romantic, English period style with soft pastel tones.
Being confined at home had also made her appreciate the outdoors more. She wanted her living room to be modelled after an English conservatory, where she could host her friends to an English-style afternoon tea when restrictions were lifted.
She longed to escape to a grand, old English country house but also yearned for an Italian summer, a touch of Provencal charm, and an African safari adventure.
Therein lies the biggest challenge for Nikki and her team, who had to craft these disparate themes within a single home.
To establish a common thread and ensure a smooth transition between spaces with seemingly incongruent styles, Nikki embraced botanical motifs that would unify the home and devised connectivity through colour selections.
Floor-to-ceiling wallpaper murals flank the living and dining areas on the first storey.
They depict enchanting columns and trellis adorned with beautiful trailing flowers, luscious fruits and birds that convey a romantic period setting right from the moment one enters the home.
There are not one but three sofas in the living area comprising a central, double-volume space and a tea area to one side.
These multiple bespoke pieces allowed Nikki to mix fabrics and textures, patterns and prints to invoke the casual feel of a home that has evolved over time.
“Each piece has its own unique form, but they are unified by the same soft, curvaceous forms. Even the seat and arm heights have been carefully matched to achieve a cohesive feel,” Nikki explains.
Taking pride of place in one corner of the living room adjacent to the pool terrace is a bespoke grand piano specially commissioned for the home.
The original plain white body has been embellished with hand-drawn floral motifs that have transformed it into a work of art.
Light, fresh and ethereal, its presence fills the space with a sense of romance and instantly transports you to a bygone era.
Drawing on motifs and colours from the wall mural, the dining table top seems to pull the scene right out of the wall. It elevates dining into an immersive experience that feels as if it is taking place inside a classic walled garden.
The kitchen reflects absolute escapism that conjures up imageries of glorious Tuscan summers.
Nikki interpreted the maximalist style of the client’s favourite Italian designer, Dolce & Gabbana, into interior design, capturing the bold use of colours and patterns to create a high-octane look that is decadent and full of fun.
Located on the second storey is a tearoom that brings together a rich tapestry of bespoke creations, antique accessories and whimsical touches.
A bespoke sideboard in a vibrant green hue houses the client’s collection of crockery and teacups. A mirrored panel at the back echoes the pattern on the sheer curtains.
The nursery takes us on an African safari. The wallpaper features animals from the continent.
Spots, florals, chevron prints, and cut velvets have been combined with gusto to inject dynamic energy befitting a child’s room.
The master bedroom, bathroom, and a pantry share the third storey with the nursery.
Located at the staircase landing, the pantry nook precedes the master bedroom. The pantry unit looks like something out of Bridgerton, encapsulating the romance and delicate lines.
Oozing rural French luxury, the master bedroom belongs in a classic French country chateau.
Embracing the botanical theme, the room gives the homeowners the desired connection with nature.
The pistachio and apricot colour palette is classically French, complemented by wallcoverings, furnishings and accessories that create a romantic, relaxed, and quietly glamorous ambience.
A whimsical shower enclosure in the form of a decorative bird cage takes the mundane out of a daily ritual.
Set against a scenic mural that features a romantic interpretation of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, the bespoke commission is an intricate composition of stylised trees and pink flamingoes interspersed with floral designs.
Ascending the stairs to the top floor takes you on an Arabian adventure.
The reading room in the attic, with its oversized daybed centrepiece and tented drapery that take advantage of the pitched roof, put you in the glamping holiday mood. Sized to accommodate two double mattresses, the daybed allows the couple to stretch out fully.
It also doubles up as a guest bed when the need arises. The intricate lattice design on the sides are associated with Islamic architecture. Its open pattern keeps the appearance visually light so that it does not overpower the room due to its sheer size.
This project emerged as the winner of Best Interior Design (Residential, Singapore) and was conferred Best Bathroom Design (Singapore) at the 2022 International Property Awards.
For Nikki, however, the success of a project is more than just awards.
“The success of a home design is measured in terms of the joy it brings to the owners. We created a bespoke interior to suit these homeowners’ particular whims, dreams and lifestyles. It goes beyond aesthetics. It is a collection of complete experiences intended to inspire the mind, soothe the body and nourish the soul,” she believes.
