The acute sense of restful nature—both indoor and out—satisfies the brief for “a home that has an unhurried atmosphere, which would calm the senses and provide a clean enough canvas for their young daughters to gradually add their own items, memories and collectibles as they grow up in the home,” Tan shares. 

See also: Why Singaporean designer Gabriel Tan chose to relocate to Portugal

Another aspect of the design that helps create a peaceful home is the material and colour palette. Tan employed light ash and oak timbers in the second storey flooring, the ceiling and accent surfaces, light grey terrazzo tiles on the first storey floor and beige tones in a customised paintwork at the entrance with a textured effect made from marmorino (made from a combination of slaked lime and finely ground marble dust with fine marble sand). 

“This would not only provide a tranquil and soothing environment, but also acts as a clean and minimal backdrop for each family member to introduce their own character and sense of style in the spaces over time, be it the eldest daughter’s favourite shade of light blue through a cushion or throw, or the husband’s clay vase collection,” says Tan.

Aside from a fluted pattern applied to timber surfaces, the choice of furniture and furnishing layers on texture and a sense of quiet luxury to the minimal aesthetic. “For example in the living room, we chose a boucle fabric for the off-white Arflex Marenco sofa, and the grain of the Japanese oak Summit lounge chair from Ariake adds to the appreciation of nature in the space,” Tan describes. 

The decorative lighting adds to the understated atmosphere. One is a poetic Flamingo light pendant from Vibia at the dining area, and another is a pair of RBW Mori wall scones framing the artwork at the entrance. “With their woven fabric stretched over a wire frame, these provide soft ambient light akin to a paper lantern that enhances the atmosphere of the space at night,” Tan describes. 

The master bedroom is also a haven for rest, furnished with a comfortable DUX bed and a pair of Hashira pendant lamps from Menu, hung low at the bedsides and emitting soft light though their linen fabric. At the patio, rattan seating from Kettal accommodates more people during gatherings. Against this, Tan juxtaposed a symmetrical arrangement of Crisp outdoor wall scones from RBW on a wall finished with terracotta tiles.  

The home is truly built for easy family living. “The living, dining and patio are adjacent to one another on the ground floor, functioning as the heart of living for the family, but each space is visibly and intuitively zoned by furniture choices and floor coverings. The outdoor lounge area is an ideal spot for a morning coffee or afternoon tea or a snack, while the large dining table isn’t just for meals but also functions as a workspace for the girls to do their homework or art,” Tan elaborates.

In the living area, a TV is absent as the family wishes to prioritise conversation and reading, though movies can be projected onto the blank wall. A piano in the adjacent study “allows for a mini performance by the girls during gatherings,” shares Tan on the lovely sounds that accompany that of birdsong and the rustling of leaves when the breeze visit.  

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