In this one-of-a-kind home, the tastes of three generations— Baby Boomer, millennial, and Gen Z—converge.
Like most homeowners, Horng Ann came prepared with a deck when searching for an interior designer. However, the 37-year-old creative director’s vision was met with scepticism.
“Sharing that deck earned me my fair share of side eyes from most of the interior designers I met with,” he says.
“Because my family includes my mom, who’s in her 60s, and my younger sister, who’s 25 years old, I didn’t want my home to stick to just one interior style. We all have our own styles but I wanted to create a home that brings all of our personalities.”
Designing a home for a couple is challenging enough, but balancing the preferences of three people from different generations adds another layer of complexity. However, Jax, an interior designer from Threehaus Works, was more than ready to embrace Horng Ann’s eclectic vision.
“He really surprised me by not only understanding my vision but also enhancing it with his own ideas,” Horng Ann says.
“For example, I had the idea of playing with chrome and reflective surfaces and Jax incorporated a sleek, futuristic touch into the more industrial elements of the home. This made certain areas pop in ways I didn’t expect.”
The synergy between Horng Ann and Jax is evident from the moment you step into the home. A metallic stool and breeze blocks, designed by Jax, separate the foyer from the communal areas, with the monochromatic entrance setting the tone for the maximalist living and dining spaces that follow.
“I’ve always been drawn to making different styles work together, and I love the idea of making items that might not traditionally go together feel like they belong. It’s all about creating harmony in the unexpected,” Horng Ann explains.
This design philosophy is reflected in the dining area, where a large Akari lamp illuminates a table flanked by mismatched chairs. The living room furniture is equally eclectic, though Horng Ann has a particular fondness for his Togo sofas.
“I had them customised through Son&Bear in different colours and materials, both in leather and suede to bring more texture to the space,” he shares.
“Another favourite is the glass geometric coffee table; I had it customised by a glass vendor in China. It’s from an Italian designer I discovered on Instagram and I instantly fell in love with it.”
While fluted panels and lime wash feature walls may be popular, they don’t have a place in Horng Ann’s apartment. Instead, his collection of artwork, mirrors, and lamps are arranged at both ends of the living room, transforming the space into a personal gallery.
“To highlight Horng Ann’s personality and the colours of his collections, I kept built-in carpentry to a minimum in the living room and used strong yet neutral colours,” Jax explains. “On the other hand, darker spaces like the kitchen and yard are concentrated on one side of the apartment.”
The kitchen, outfitted in black wall paint, built-in cabinetry, and appliances, is a stark contrast to the living room. Natural light from the service yard complements the sleek KompacPlus countertop. The look takes a rugged turn in the common bathroom, which features cement screed walls and industrial-style fittings and lighting.
Horng Ann’s sister’s bedroom carries forward the dark theme, though it’s softened with more whimsical touches to match her personality. Like her brother, she’s a collector, as shown by her own gallery wall and custom shelves fitted into a recessed niche.
In contrast, their mom’s room is bright and airy, designed to be easy to maintain, as per her request. However, Horng Ann and Jax still managed to infuse style into the space.
“The window ledge in my mom’s bedroom adds a cosy touch, creating a space that feels inviting and reminiscent of a cafe,” Horng Ann adds.
Of all the rooms, Horng Ann’s bedroom is perhaps the most anticipated. It extends the kitchen’s austere aesthetic while incorporating both a study area and a walk-in wardrobe.
“My walk-in wardrobe always makes me feel like I’m stepping into a boutique, and I love the sense of organisation it brings to my space,” he says.
Ultimately, the collaboration between Horng Ann and Jax successfully created personalised spaces for three very different individuals within a 5-room HDB flat. It’s a logistical feat, but one that also creates a more versatile workspace.
“Even working from home becomes much more enjoyable, as I can choose where I feel inspired to work. Each corner has its own vibe, making it feel like I’m working in different spaces,” he says.
More importantly, the project reinforces Horng Ann’s belief that a shared space should reflect the unique identities of its occupants.
“As individuals, we’re layered and multifaceted. So why shouldn’t our spaces reflect that too?”.
