Poets Villas is a luxurious residential enclave comprising 40 units of four- and five-storey strata semi-detached houses located in the Upper Thomson area. It is a tropical oasis nestled within a tranquil setting surrounded by water catchment areas, reservoirs, parks and trails.

The homeowner, a professional doctor, is someone who appreciates elegant style and fine quality. “I came across Prestige Global Designs in Singapore Tatler Homes and immediately recognised their forte for creating interiors that exude luxury and prestige,” says the homeowner, so he decided to entrust the practice with the task of transforming his newly-acquired unit at Poets Villas into a lavish abode fit for him, his wife and two children.

Masters In Design
Prestige Global Designs is a multiple award-winning interior design practice that has been lauded Asia Pacific’s Best Interior Design (Apartment) 2014 and Singapore’s Highly Commended Interior Design (Show Home) 2015 at the International Property Awards 2014 and 2015 respectively, among many other accolades. Their portfolio includes projects in prestigious developments in the high-end segment, such as The Orchard Residences, Marina Bay Residences and Hamilton Scotts. Founders Jeremy Tay and Michael Ong saw to every detail, from the hacking of walls and layout reconfiguration, to lighting, furniture and soft furnishings, “so that the clients can move in with just their suitcases,” says Tay.

A glass-enclosed water feature at the entrance foyer sets a relaxing mood from the moment you enter. “The use of glass provides a subtle segregation while maintaining the visual sense of space from the main entrance all the way to the living room,” explains Ong. A bespoke console with curved edges, set against a decorative screen backdrop draws visitors into the home. More than just an elegant piece complemented by a Lalique seahorse lamp that echoes the aquatic theme, the console also provides functional storage compartments and the perfect place for keys and mail.

This is just one of many examples within the home that showcases the duo’s flair for marrying form and function. Tay, who comes from a science background but who decided to follow his heart and pursue his passion in interior design, sums up this ethos succinctly, “There is a certain science to design as we seek the perfect balance between pragmatism and aesthetics- not unlike chemical equilibrium.” Greeting visitors alongside the water feature and console is an upright piano, something from the homeowners’ previous home that they wanted to retain.

Living Room Touches

Setting the tone in the living room is a feature wall constructed from silver travertine and accentuated by indirect LED lights to provide a warm yet luxurious setting that lends itself perfectly to both casual family gatherings, as well as more formal entertaining.

“We spend most of our time in the living room as a family,” shares the homeowner. “It is my favourite space in the home where I can indulge in the luxurious setting and comfortable furniture,” he adds.

The existing staircase was removed and redesigned using a modern language of glass and metal, incorporating LED lights that give it a soft glow. “The homeowners have a preference for glass and stainless steel, combined with an overall colour palette comprising grey tones and neutral shades that achieve a timeless appeal,” says Tay.

Up Above
On the second storey, the master bedroom has been transformed into a plush and opulent sanctuary where the homeowners can relax in sheer comfort and finery. A new partition separates the master bedroom from the walk-in closet. The same partition also houses a wall-mounted television on one side and a built-in dressing table with ample storage on the other.

“By adding a simple dividing wall, we managed to address the homeowners’ request to have a television in the bedroom, as well as to increase the amount of storage area,” Ong explains. A customised chaise lounge positioned right up against the outdoor deck provides a quiet spot for reading or for contemplating the beautiful scenery beyond the balcony.

The roof terrace occupies the fourth storey and the elevated position and surrounding greenery give it the quality of a private sanctuary in the sky. The carefully conceived lighting scheme, from the illumination below the decking to the planter lights and the lights along the staircase leading up to the roof terrace enhance the overall ambience that makes you feel at one with nature.

In the words of Oscar Wilde, “We are made one with what we touch and see.” The idyllic surroundings of Poets Villas inspire just that. In the context of this home, one takes the liberty to extend it to how the homeowner appreciates the finest things in life and the Prestige Global Design team has designed him a home where he can take the time to relax and find happiness surrounded by beautiful things and a loving family.