Right in the heart of Singapore, on Caldecott Hill, is a palatial Modernist bungalow—all sharp angles, sleek grey concrete and dark wood accents. Imposing as its size is, there is a warmth and a Zen serenity to the aKTa-architect-designed house, thanks to the Japanese garden on the rooftop— visible even from the street—as well as the rock arrangements and the Bonsai-like greenery lining the driveway. Though the city bustles on right outside, all is quiet here, buffered by an abundance of nature. This is where Fumi Lee, a personal stylist who is in her 50s, has chosen to make a home with her husband, two children and two dogs.
The striking but subtle visual impact of the façade carries through into the interiors—Lee’s aesthetic of choice is minimal but not austere, and elegant without being cold. A whimsical giant chilli sculpture by Kumari Nahappan that sits outside the front doors hints at what’s to come inside; almost every wall in the house is hung with a work of art and an impressive collection of Modernist furniture is sprinkled throughout.
“The first thing about this house that attracted me was that the structure is really simple but modern and beautiful. I like the outside to be simple so the inside can really shine. It’s the things you put inside that reflect the personalities of the people who live there. Everything here is a collection of the things I love, which is mostly modern Italian furniture and Japanese antiques from the Meiji era. Even with furniture, I’m drawn to things with simple shapes but very beautiful details; little details are very important to me,” says Lee.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Lights, Camera, Fashion
How does social media alter the way we consume fashion cues from our favourite TV shows and movies?
Beyond Beaches
Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.
Out Of This World
Celestial bodies animate autumn's most elegant spritzes.
Do You Fashion, Bro?
As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.
DOWN TO EARTH
In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.
CRUISING ALTITUDE
With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.
PUT A RING ON IT
Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.
PERFECTING TIME
With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.
HAUTE BIJOUX
The latest and most talked-about collections.