4. Tropical-Colonial Style
Clarence Chua and Candice Li were so inspired by their honeymoon in Africa two years ago that they decided to decorate their five-room executive condominium in Bukit Panjang in the tropical-colonial style.
The couple, both 33, were influenced by the Macushla House, a guesthouse in Nairobi, Kenya; the world-famous Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe; and a few restaurants in Cape Town, South Africa.
Clarence says: “We like that raw, grand quality and tried to recapture that in our home.”
The living and dining areas of the 1,050 sq ft apartment are filled with lush potted plants that tower above a person of average height and antique-looking wooden furniture.
Framed botanical prints and world maps hang on the walls and black-and-white bamboo blinds are installed at the windows. The balcony is a mini garden, furnished with fake carpet grass as well as standing and hanging potted plants.
Because the apartment’s palette is black, white, green and brown, the couple stained their furniture, such as their light-brown mirrored dining table from Courts, a darker colour to match the decor.
They also chose solid tropical wood furniture, such as teak and rattan, as they like how the wood contrasts against the white walls and greenery.
As flowering plants require full sunlight and are not suitable as indoor plants, the couple, who have no children, opted for leafy ones such as dracaena, bird’s nest fern and philodendron.
Their expenses included a self- installed irrigation system for the plants. Before that, Candice says they found themselves rushing in the morning to water the plants before leaving for work.
