Compact Luxury

How this couple incorporated a mini-bar, display gallery, and fullheight shoe rack into a two-bedder inspired by high-end hotels.

It’s no surprise that Singaporeans, with their love for travel, often get their interior design ideas from their holiday accommodations. Weicong and Una, both working in advertising, are no different. When dreaming up their new place in the North, they envisioned a lavish and sophisticated ambience, reminiscent of the hotels they stayed in.

“We wanted it to feel like a hotel so coming home every evening would feel like a relief. Almost like we’re on a perpetual holiday,” said Wei Cong.

“‘Atas’ is the word we keep hearing from guests. They’re amazed by how posh the design is, and many say the vibe is similar to Andaz, Sofitel and Alila hotels.”

While many homeowners in landscarce Singapore aspire to bright and airy spaces, this couple chose a dark theme for their home. On work-from-home days, it offers a retreat from the harsh sun, which even day curtains can’t fully block. By night, it transforms into an intimate lounge, perfect for movie and karaoke nights.

However, designing a dark-themed home, especially in a compact space like their two-bedroom plus study resale condominium, requires skill. That’s where their interior designer, Lon, comes into the picture. To achieve the perfect balance, Lon focused on three key elements: finishing, lighting, and decor.

These are evident the moment you step into the foyer, greeted by the reflection of wall and ceiling mirrors.

"The entrance has a low ceiling height, so we used a mirror, extended with a magnetic track light, to create the illusion of openness and brighten the foyer, said Lon.