Another goal was to create interiors befitting the elegant structure. “The overall concept for this bungalow was to create a contemporary, understated yet luxurious abode to showcase the family’s collection of art and sculptures. They also requested a feature wall in the living room to highlight the double- volume ceiling,” says Terri Tan, design director of Designworx Interior Consultant.

As the close-knit extended family enjoy entertaining and also spending time together, the various zones in the public realm are designed to flow seamlessly into one another. In areas that require separation—such as between the dining room and the dry kitchen—sliding glass doors are employed to bring visual continuity to the space.

To achieve this open layout, different zones are demarcated by loose furniture, evoking the feel of a spacious hotel lobby. Comfortable sofas and lounge seats sourced from Space Furniture are artfully arranged to encourage cosy conversation among groups of varying sizes.

A Giorgetti Skyline console separates the spacious living room from the dining area without breaking the line of sight, where a bespoke 14-seater dining table provides the focal point. Flanked by pedestals to draw attention to two sculptures, the dining area also features an artful montage of framed family photographs to keep their favourite memories in sight.

On the second floor, the library is outfitted with bespoke shelves and display niches filled with objets d’art for visual interest. It overlooks the double-height space of the living room, adding to the sense of airiness in the area.

Taking pride of place on the wall of the living room is a work of art by Indonesian artist Wayan Paramartha; it was a housewarming gift from the owner’s brother. The couple loved the dynamism of the piece so much that they recently purchased two other stylistically complementary works by local artist Shyama Nadimpalli to create a triptych of paintings, adds Tan.

In fact, there is plenty of art carefully positioned in the home to surprise and delight curious eyes. For instance, a sculpture of a boy on a bench sits on a staircase landing while the wife’s portrait drawings hang on a wall in the dry kitchen for guests to admire at close range.

In the basement, a more casual family area is anchored by B&B Italia sofas. Thanks to the sloping terrain, the basement also has full-height windows which look out to the saltwater lake. As this is where the wife retreats to draw and paint, the designers also incorporated a small studio by the picture window to offer ample daylight and inspiration.

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Over the years, the owners have called on Tan and her team to revamp selected parts of the home to cater to their evolving needs. A few years ago, they were asked to convert an empty space in front of the lift landing into a compact gym featuring a bench and weights. In keeping with the sports and fitness theme, the space is decorated with framed and autographed Rugby World Cup 2011 memorabilia.

“It was quite a timely intervention as this provided a convenient exercise corner for the husband during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, a personal trainer comes regularly to work with him on a customised exercise programme,” says Tan.

The owners also put in effort to make the latest addition to their brood feel welcome. “When we first met them, the owners’ children were teenagers. Now, they have a grandchild who visits them regularly from the US,” says the designer. For example, the originally nondescript guest room by the main entrance was converted into a nursery. It features Tiffany blue walls and handpicked decor and soft furnishings to complement the baby cot.

Most recently, the owners also added a pool patio and a multipurpose entertainment room to give their young granddaughter even more opportunities to explore the world through sensorial play. “This allows them to keep an eye on their granddaughter as she enjoys water play while they relax with a drink. It also gives them the option to indulge in family dinners by the pool—something they can enjoy for years to come,” smiles Tan.

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