A Place To Call Home

Three local interior designers take us into their homes and spill their design secrets on decorating a space that’s truly, uniquely yours

- Elizabeth Liew

Your living space should truly reflect who you are, believes Raymond Seow, design director of Free Space Intent. So when it came to his family home in Upper Thomson Road, the spirited 46-year-old designer didn’t hold back, creating an eclectic, colour-splashed space that showcases his individuality.

The striking scheme, which Raymond terms “arranged chaos”, is a mix of different styles defined by punchy pastels and origami-inspired geometric shapes, balanced with clean and paredback Scandinavian-style furnishings so it’s not too overwhelming. “My home is a rojak of many different things that I like,” he shares. “I’ve always loved the retro, pop art colours of the ’70s and ’80s, but here I chose mainly pastels as they’re softer and more soothing.”

“But don’t use colours for the sake of it,” Raymond cautions. “Ask yourself: Are you really okay with looking at them for the long term? Find colours that you like. Trends are useful as they can help you determine what kinds of palettes you like, but you don’t have to follow them. It’s all about personal preference.”

From the various feature walls to a toy collection display shelf, every nook and cranny of Raymond’s two-and-a-half bedroom condominium, which he shares with his wife, son and in-law, is filled with character. “The most important thing for any homeowner is to decorate with something personal,” Raymond says. “For me, it’s my figurine collection, although I need to start trimming down as the shelf is overflowing!”