SquareRooms Issue 181 Mid-Year 2020

21 The look of wood is common in many homes as it is versatile enough to take on different styles ranging from modern to Scandinavian. Therefore, it was fitting to be used lavishly for this resale condominium penthouse unit. “The homeowners wanted to convey a cosy and luxurious style through the use of dark wood finishes,” reveals Interior Project Director Annie Tan from The Interarch Design. Commissioned to work on the renovation of this penthouse, she joined hands with her brother, Mike. As the proprietor of lifestyle store Egg3, he provided his home styling services to complete the makeover. For the renovation itself, Annie gutted the entire place except for the staircase and original parquet flooring. “We had to change the look drastically because it would clash with the new design proposal of woody accents,” she explained. For instance, in the living room, she hacked away the old flooring and replaced it with new marble flooring. Creating a balanced colour contrast, the light-hued stone flooring now looks perfectly matched with the dark wood used on the custom-designed cabinetry and TV console. Another area that saw a dramatic overhaul is the kitchen. Previously an enclosed area, it was converted into a semi-open-concept space with the addition of a dry kitchen. This allows the homeowners to use this as a multi-functional area for entertaining or as snack or bar counter. With the introduction of these perfectly placed amenities, home becomes a place for the homeowners to retreat and relax with their loved ones. The Brief L e f t Overall view While the original staircase was retained, a new divider made of timber veneer strips was implemented for extra privacy. This enhanced the relaxing feel of the space and the natural woodgrain pattern also further induces a calming effect.