In an age where the complete gutting of apartments seems to be a norm among new homeowners, it is rare to find a home that pays homage to the distinctive design features of the original property in a way that is charming yet tasteful. For Hong Yu Ran, a brand manager for a European fashion brand, part of the allure of his Bain Street apartment was that the previous owner-the first and only occupant of the flat-had preserved it so well.
For instance, the flooring with the original terrazzo tiles-a common sight in Singapore homes 40 or 50 years ago-were retained. Hong also kept part of the original tiling that covered one wall in the living room, but chose to cover half in cement so that the floral pattern would not be too overpowering. It is this fine balance of experimentation and restraint that characterises his approach to designing the home.
Hong, who shares this apartment with his partner, first laid eyes on the blocks peeking out of Bras Basah Complex when the couple were hanging out at The Great Escape rooftop bar at Shaw Towers. When they realised that they were residential blocks-they spotted clothes hanging outside the windows-they began searching the property listings the next day. Luck was on their side; not only did they find a top floor unit which was airy and awash with natural light, it was also in immaculate condition, with much of its original finishings intact.
Denne historien er fra February 2023-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra February 2023-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SET SAIL
The standout cruise 2025 collections delivered fantasy, dreamy destinations and plenty of fabulous fashion.
WAITLIST
Hermès hits the open road with a pair of boots that promises plenty of mileage.
Artful Living
Full of fine design details and exquisite artwork, this poetic apartment is a haven of calm.
Site Seeing On Set
Bob Marley's Jamaican hideaway, the mountains in Mr & Mrs Smith, the Edinburgh of One Day and more... see the sights immortalised on film.
Bagging For An Expression
Luxury handbags have become the canvas of choice for artists and art-lovers alike. Are they a new form of collectible art?
POLITICALLY CHIC
In a year of major elections happening globally, Aaron Kok investigates the role that fashion plays in the arena of politics, and how it can be the make-or-break tool.
STRAPS OF STYLE
The founders of local watch strap brand, Delugs, recount their backstage run-in with Ed Sheeran at his concert and their love for independent watch brands.
WEIGHING IN
Have we come to a point where weight loss injections and procedures are unavoidable?
FAIR TAKE
Why are Asians so obsessed with having fairer skin? Arissa Ha investigates.
ICONS ONLY
What makes an outfit live on in history? Which outfits changed the way we think about getting dressed? BAZAAR assembled a team of experts to determine some of the most iconic looks of all time.