MELTING POT

Embodying an impactful blend of Eastern and Western influences, this cosy, liveable apartment is replete with character and soul

-  Ryan Reuben

When tasked with refreshing the interiors of this apartment in downtown Singapore, designer Nikki Hunt revelled at the opportunity to wield her signature application of pattern and colour in crafting a stylish yet comfortable abode that represents its occupants’ diverse cultural experiences. Encompassing a unified selection of elements and styles, the home shows off its continental and Asian design influences proudly, making for a comfy, classic residence that is warmly welcoming and utterly liveable.

The apartment is home to a husband and wife, their teenage son and daughter, and their pet dog and two helpers. The husband, who collects Indian art and sculptures, had lived in Japan for several years and appreciated the serene, calming quality of Japanese design. He requested that Japanese-inspired elements be incorporated into his personal spaces. The wife, who is partial to a soft palette and Chinese motifs and design details, had resided in the US and was a fan of the classic American East Coast ambience; she asked that the main entertainment areas communicate a crisp, Hamptons-like feel.

WHERE THE ART IS

Hunt, the founder of award-winning interior design and architectural consultancy Nikki Hunt’s Design Intervention, reveals that ultimately, the owners “did not want a show home, or one that felt like a hotel”. “They didn’t care about impressing others, this home was for them and they wanted one that would help them de-stress,” she says. Among the other requirements were plenty of storage, communal spaces in which the family could bond, and private spaces for each individual to enjoy their own quiet time.

Part of the 40-year-old Beverly Hill condominium at Grange Road, the 3,500 sq ft apartment was acquired in its original condition and had not been renovated at any point. The electrical and plumbing systems also required a total overhaul.