For homeowners Hongho and Solfi, a house isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how a space feels at every moment of the day. “They wanted something that felt luxurious but not cold, beautiful but also very liveable,” says the team at J Design & Build, who took on the challenge of crafting a cosy, hotel-inspired home with a clean, modern edge.
Set within Parc Central Residences, this family apartment fuses modern minimalism with cosy contemporary character. The resulting interiors are layered with thoughtful materials, ambient lighting, and a quiet rhythm of dark wood tones and tactile finishes.
Streamlined but Not Sterile
From the moment you step inside, the design leans into simplicity—but never at the expense of warmth. A continuous stretch of custom carpentry begins at the entrance and travels all the way through to the living space, cleverly housing storage while establishing visual continuity. Above, a light and airy ceiling is preserved by opting for unobtrusive white-cased GU10 downlights, balancing utility with discretion.
At the entrance, a fluted wall with a softly lit half-moon mirror sets the tone: clean, curated, and a little bit dramatic. “It’s perfect for their daily OOTDs,” shares the team. “And the lighting brings out the texture of the fluted panels without overpowering them.”
Beneath the elongated shoe cabinet, LED lighting provides both function and flair—offering the couple easy access to frequently worn pairs while maintaining a sleek visual line. This low cabinet then flows seamlessly into the dry pantry, designed with a sintered stone top, eco-clay backing, and open glass shelves—Hongho’s favourite spot for his daily coffee.
At the far end, a glowing fluted feature wall wraps around the TV, completing the room in a palette that is consistent but never monotonous. “We really paid attention to the flow and finish across the space—it was about making sure no element felt disconnected,” the team adds.
Bedrooms That Reflect Personality
In the master bedroom, a rich and restful scheme takes centre stage. Wall panels in African walnut and metallic brass are arranged in alternating smooth and fluted finishes—setting a sophisticated mood that carries through to the matching re-laminated wardrobe doors.
While space was tight with a king-size bed, the team managed to work in a dresser table, display cabinet, and TV console—each echoing the home’s signature dark tones. “It was important to keep the master cohesive with the rest of the home while still carving out a personal sanctuary,” they note.
The daughter’s rooms, however, take a more individual approach. Karen’s room opts for a light woodgrain palette paired with a queen-size platform bed, flip-top mirror dresser, and a dedicated music corner for her keyboard. A soft limewash finish on the wall adds quiet texture. “She wanted something brighter, more suited to her personality—and we love how it turned out,” says the designer.
In Kezia’s room, a grey limewash wall sets the tone for a calmer, cozier aesthetic. Designed with flexibility in mind (the room doubles as a guest room for their grandmother), the layout is kept open and minimal, with curved-edge furniture and warm pendant lighting that softens the darker palette.
A Hands-On, Low-Tech Approach
Interestingly, the home features no smart tech or app-controlled systems—a rare move in today’s design landscape. “The owners were very clear,” shares the team. “They preferred a more grounded experience. It wasn’t about smart features—it was about smart design.”
For J Design & Build, that meant channeling their creativity into craft instead of circuitry, letting materiality, lighting, and proportion take the lead.
More than a showcase of trendy finishes or high-tech gadgets, this home is a reflection of its owners’ personality and lifestyle. “We always say: embrace boldness and explore new ideas,” says the team at J Design & Build. “But never forget who you’re designing for.”
And in this case, the result is a richly personal, immaculately tailored space that combines the best of sleek modernism and soulful comfort—one that feels as good as it looks.
