Prized Possessions

For a couple whose work involves extensive socialising, the dream was to have a personal retreat where they could unwind and admire their cherished collectibles.

- JOYCE YANG

If you’re expecting a minimalist home feature, you might want to turn the page, because this project is more than just clean lines and neutral hues. For Anthony and his partner, minimalism is only “good on paper,” and their new one-bedroom condominium was always going to be about their prized possessions.

“We’ve collected a lot of things from our travels that we wanted to display, as opposed to hiding them away inside a cabinet. That alone told us this was not going to be a minimalist home,” said Anthony.

Their collection of textiles, for example, includes kilim rugs from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and woven table runners from Bhutan, Jordan, and Denmark. These items keep fond memories of their adventures close.

This approach meant that their interior designer, Wei Kai, had to design the space around the objects it would house, transforming the apartment into something of a gallery.

“The homeowners wanted to make it functional based on their lifestyles and avoid excessive built elements as they may clutter the place. The toughest part of the brief was bringing out their personalities while balancing their strong identities,” Wei Kai said.

They decided to boycott built-ins and use materials that complemented the homeowners’ collections. A muted colour palette was chosen—lowkey enough for their items to stand out while adding visual interest throughout the apartment.

You might notice this the moment you walk through the door and find yourself in the “foyer,” carved out with a mild steel panel and wire mesh. It demarcates the entryway, and a dining nook on the other side, where the homeowners’ penchant for patina makes its first appearance.