Jonathan Sim and Yvonne Cheong returned to Singapore after spending 12 years in China, and the maisonette they settled on was intended as a welcome-home gift to Yvonne. It was a surprise for Yvonne, who did not see the place until it was completed. Jonathan and their two sons, Jeric and Xavier, was house hunting when they were introduced to Tammy Tay of interior design firm Imagine SK66.

The trio’s brief to Tammy was to make the interior look and feel as roomy as possible. They also expressed their preference for a black and brown colour palette. “I incorporated some white colours and elements into the design, in order to create a more spacious appearance,” says Tammy,

Accent pieces from Imagine SK66’s collection of home products — particularly those of the oriental style, as a nod to their stay in China — give the home a warm and stylish look. This traditional Chinese tea set on the coffee table makes an eye-catching statement.

With the kitchen being an important part of the home, due to younger son Xavier’s love of cooking, they decided to hack the walls of a bedroom between the main entrance and kitchen, so that the kitchen area would be enlarged. “They wanted to combine the two spaces into one large, open-concept kitchen so that it looks bigger, but I advised against it due to practical considerations. In anticipation of the heavy-duty cooking that they may do, it is better to have separate wet and dry kitchens,” explains Tammy.

For the living room, you can display terra cotta army artworks or Chinese cultural motifs and prints on shelves or bookcases.

The small space between the main entrance and staircase has been transformed into a cosy dining area, complete with a wooden table and bench, and a pair of black, high-backed chairs. A sliding glass door between the dry and wet kitchens was erected, so that the grease and smoke from cooking can be contained. A marble and wood counter in the dry kitchen is not only visually pleasing, but it also provides the perfect spot for the rest of the family to hang out whenever Xavier demonstrates his culinary skills.

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The wet kitchen opens onto a terrace with a beautiful view of Tampines River and the park connector. With just some plastering of the walls and a set of table and high stools, Tammy created another simple, yet cosy, chill- out space for the family. The terrace is also linked to the living room, and the latter’s palette of blacks, greys, whites and browns was exactly what Jonathan, Jeric and Xavier wanted.

Add bamboo accents in the form of rattan tables or chairs, or even decorate with a potted bamboo plant for a subtle touch of the orient.

An ornate basin in the powder room adjacent to the kitchen serves as a focal point. Pick one that has the floral motifs of peonies or plum blossoms for a feminine touch.

On the upper floor, the common bathroom was extended outwards into the hall to accommodate a new vanity, storage shelves and a cabinet that Jeric and Xavier share.

The sons are quite the music fan! Balance out the modern scandinavian vibe with oriental blue pillow cases or of subtle motifs of classic Chinaware.

The master bedroom shares the same lovely view as the terrace. Its dark colours evoke relaxation and a sense of quietness. With some clever space planning, Tammy managed to carve out sufficient space to fit in a set of wardrobes, a dressing table and other storage spaces.

Add a pot or two of peonies or plum blossoms to emphasize the overarching Chinoiserie decor throughout the apartment.

Text: Eliza H/ Home & Decor  Additional Reporting: Seah Pei Jun

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