At Maddy Barber’s home in Serangoon Gardens, you can enjoy ample daylight and see soothing greenery from any room in the house. That’s quite a feat, considering the 2,750 sq ft inter-terrace landed property is sandwiched between solid party walls. Bought by her parents in 2006 and refurbished by her brother—award-winning multidisciplinary designer Gabriel Tan—in 2021, the house is a charming mix of old and new that makes the most of our tropical climate.
“Our tastes are quite different,” says the jewellery brand owner and beloved former Kiss92 DJ. “His is more minimalist, influenced by Japanese and Scandinavian designs, and mine is more maximalist. I like the decorative and rustic elements you see in the sunny Mediterranean countries.” But the siblings could agree on one thing—updating the interior to suit their evolving lifestyles while honouring the original architectural shell that had witnessed some of the family’s happiest years.
Tan had done some intervention to the existing home when his parents had bought the house. Realising that the living room’s false ceiling had hidden a pitched roof, he had asked his parents to expose the original structure. This resulted in an airy space with a timber structure and exposed brick wall, two features that Barber decided to keep during the most recent refurbishment.
As its side elevations are closed off, the house relies on its inner courtyard to allow natural light and airflow in. Previously a forgotten dumping ground for random furniture and appliances, the courtyard is now a cheerful spot dressed with greenery and decorative tile—a worthy place to which all openings in the bedroom—bar her younger daughter Alicia’s—and bathrooms are oriented to.
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
FASHION IS POWER
American author, filmmaker, psychologist and educator Roberta Degnore who teaches a world-first course called "The Psychology of Gender, Perception, and Self-Expression in Fashion" at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology argues that fashion is anything but frivolous.
The Italian Who Does It Better
After fifty years in fashion, Giorgio Armani—the man and the brand is still a force to be reckoned with.
Most Stylish Women 2024
Stylishness isn’t just about being fashionable. Instead, it’s a blend of self-assurance, passion and stories that makes the idea of style so multifaceted and rich. From a mother and daughter duo who approach dressing up with equal exuberance, to an entrepreneur championing the varied tales of batik to a singer-songwriter showing her chic chops with a walking stick, meet the 10 women who inspire us with their singular takes on personal style.
CITY ON HIGH
One city, 10 collaborators, 10 collections-Moncler lit up Shanghai with its City Of Genius showcase.
PRETTY NOVEL 172
Franck Muller presents its smallest skeleton movement to date in beautiful miniaturised novelties from the Round collection.
THE JOIE
Chopard's newest global brand ambassador Bella Hadid details her appreciation for the Maison and what she loves about its jewellery.
SOUL SEARCHING
In Rajasthan, India, a first-time visitor explores two stunningly singular Aman properties and experiences the raw and powerful beauty of the northwestern state.
INTO THE BLUE
With the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, the watchmaker is on a mission to safeguard our most precious resources, including the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area in Indonesia.
LIFE IN TRANSIT
Entrepreneur and creative multi-hyphenate Sherry Ang shares how her transitional home blends elegant simplicity with the vibrant chaos of family life.
YES,CHEFS!
BAZAAR talks to three of the hottest names in Singapore's culinary scene to get the hot, hard truths of the trade.