Home Designed By A Friend For A Friend

An almost 40-year-old flat in its original condition gave old friends the opportunity to work together on the interior design and renovation, making this a new home designed by a friend for a friend, and where friends are always welcome, as LYNN TAN finds out.

- Lynn Tan

When Dr Wong Chen Seong bought this flat with his researcher partner Rayner Tan, he could not think of a better person to take on the interior design than his long-time friend Wong Liang Wei. The two have known each other since they were 13.

A lawyer by training, Liang Wei joined Haven Lifestyle, his family’s business, five years ago as a business development manager. The regional home lifestyle group distributes premium bed and bath products and have a boutique furniture factory.

Chen Seong’s brief to Liang Wei was straightforward but specific as they had clear ideas about what they wanted. He is an accomplished cook while Rayner is a trained pastry chef, so the kitchen is an important space. An avid reader and book collector, Chen Seong also wanted a library for his collection that includes many cookbooks.

Floor tiles laid in a herringbone pattern welcome visitors into the home. The same pattern defines the living area while the darker-colored palette meets with Chen Seong’s preference. The brass accents are a cool counterpoint to the warm tones.

The original balcony is now part of the living room. Cheng Seong shares: “I originally toyed with the idea of retaining the balcony so I could grow some plants, but I like it the way it is now.”