Cover In the apartment conceptualised by Design Basis, we styled the family- friendly spaces with a red leather box, tall horse fur vase and candle from Strange & Deranged

We share the design inspiration behind the elegant show units of new luxury property 8 St Thomas

When it comes to real estate, location is everything—and 8 St Thomas has that, and more. Situated in the River Valley neighbourhood, the freehold property by Bukit Sembawang Estates enjoys proximity to the glitzy Orchard Road while boasting breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline; impressive features that the property developer sought to optimise in collaboration with local architecture and interior design firms.

Designed by multidisciplinary practice DP Architects, the property comprises two towers that rise above a collection of lush landscaped gardens and amenities on the ground floor; sky terraces between the blocks create additional entertainment areas for residents. To envision what living at 8 St Thomas would be like, Bukit Sembawang Estates enlisted three Singapore-based studios 2nd Edition, Janet McGlennon Interiors and Design Basis to design a collection of show apartments, each with its unique interior scheme.

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Above Featured on the cover of the Singapore Tatler Homes Aug-Sept 2018 issue, the home designed by Janet McGlennon Interiors is accentuated with porcelain tableware, Kelly au trot bag, silk velvet cushions, silk twill scarf and blue vase from Hermès, as well as a gold bowl from Strange & Deranged
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Above A spectacular book-matched marble wall is the centrepiece of a two-bedroom apartment by 2nd Edition

With its impressive vantage point from the 29th floor, the three-bedroom apartment designed by Janet McGlennon Interiors enjoys unobstructed views of Marina Bay and the sea.

Inspired by its prime location, the practice endeavoured to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor areas. “We were excited about the tremendous cityscape views—the afternoon light that floods the balcony area also gives the apartment a prominent spot for entertaining,” says McGlennon, founder of her eponymous firm. “Given this, we wanted to focus on the outdoor area as a crucial part of our interior design, to bring the outside in.”

"We wanted to focus on the outdoor area as a crucial part of our interior design, to bring the outside in”

Sliding doors create a seamless transition between the living space and the balcony; McGlennon placed an oversized mirror in front of the custom-made Calacatta marble dining table, to increase the sense of space in the living and dining areas. The studio added shades of yellow, blue and green tones— colours inspired by the sunny skies, the surrounding greenery as well as the distant views of the sea. Metallic trimmings also played an integral part of the design scheme; carefully placed accents of gold and brass add to the apartment’s understated elegance.

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Above Mouldings in the living area add a French twist to the interior scheme by 2nd Edition, and the space is complemented with boxes from Strange & Deranged

In contrast, a two-bedroom apartment by 2nd Edition takes on a more glamorous approach to fully utilise its compact space. The apartment’s most striking feature is the book-matched marble wall that lines the length of the living room. “The concept for this apartment is about creating a cohesive look, with unexpected twists,” Hilary Loh, founder and design director of 2nd Edition.

Take for instance, the bespoke dining counter and bench seating that has been added to the living room; a surprising addition that turns the area into a multi- functional space for dining and leisure. Placed adjacent to the kitchen island, the marble countertop visually connects the culinary space to the living area. To add to the cohesive look of the apartment, a consistent mix of materials such as ceramic, wood and marble is used throughout. A neutral palette creates a restful backdrop, punctuated with teal accents to complement the use of green marble feature wall.

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Above inspired by the European style of the apartment designed by 2nd Edition, the master bedroom is styled with a Panama hat, silk twill scarf, Kelly sellier 28 bag, silk sandals, necklace and cuff, all from Hermès

In another apartment designed by Loh, the designer opts for a French-inspired twist so the interior scheme makes the home appear more spacious. Mouldings are applied along the length of the living area, which vertically enhances its proportions by drawing the eye upwards. Tall built-in shelves similarly lengthens the appearance of its interior, while creating ample storage and display areas for the owner.

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Above In the apartment conceptualised by Design Basis, we styled the family- friendly spaces with a red leather box, tall horse fur vase and candle from Strange & Deranged

The largest show unit commands a prime view on the 30th floor, and is the work of Design Basis. For this four-bedroom apartment, the firm created family-friendly spaces where family members can socialise as well as intimate alcoves that maximise the footprint of the apartment.

“To make the most of the stunning views while creating an inviting ambience, we added bench seating to the bay windows of the rooms, so that a family can work, relax and enjoy the views,” says Tay Hiang Liang, director of Design Basis.

A soothing neutral palette creates a calming effect within the serene apartment, serving as the perfect canvas for its pared- down interiors. Display shelves offer myriad ways for family members to customise each of the bedrooms, which are further enlivened with a creative array of vases and art objects.With these diverse spatial configurations and design concepts, it’s easy to imagine settling into this new property, and to make one of the apartments uniquely your own.

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This story was adapted from Singapore Tatler Homes Aug-Sept 2018.

Art production: Khairul Ali
Styling: Yong Woei Na
Photography: Jasper Yu, assisted by Tan Ming Yuan

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