High above Singapore’s bustling shopping district is a sanctuary in the sky where East meets West.
When the Cheong family visited the show suite for The Orchard Residences, they did not just fall in love with the property; they also liked what Topic Design Studio had done with the show suite interior, which shared a similar configuration with the Cheongs’ unit, so they decided to engage the firm to work on their newly-bought apartment.
“We wanted a classic yet contemporary design that embodies what we think a home should be – cosy, homely and not overly excessive,” says Cheong. Being an avid art collector, the homeowner also wanted an interior that showcases the art pieces that are special to him.
Meeting Of Cultures
According to Tan Sze Ling, design director of Topic Studio, “The design incorporates a mix of Oriental and Western influences to create a luxurious cosmopolitan look that is rich in details and material textures.” The East-meets-West style is apparent not just in the interior design but also in the collection of art pieces in the home. The private lift opens into an entrance foyer that presents a picture of tranquillity in stark contrast to the hive of activity in the integrated retail development, ION Orchard, and MRT station below the apartment. The linear veins from the travertine marble floor and the stainless steel strips tinted a champagne colour and embedded in the bespoke cabinet create a strong converging perspective that draws one’s attention towards a Jesus Curia sculpture of a man poised in a gravity-defying cantilever over the pedestal. A lily pad-inspired rug does not just provide contrast to the linearity but also adds to the serenity that is often associated with lilies.
Above the cabinet is one of a series of artworks by Cultural Medallion winner, Lee Hock Moh, which can be found within the home. These reveal the homeowner’s penchant for works by local pioneer artists. “I chanced upon the National Gallery in Singapore when they were preparing for their Southeast Asian pioneers exhibition and that sparked my interest,” recalls Cheong. “Our pioneer artists have a very distinct style.
Their works represent Southeast Asia uniquely and they have a way of making one feel closer to his roots,” he adds. The works of Chen Wen Hsi and Georgette Chen rank among Cheong’s favourites. “Their works are very diverse and allow us to appreciate the spirit of Singapore during her early days. They are reflective of my time growing up in Singapore,” explains Cheong.
Classic Contemporary Accents
The living room projects an overall modern look with its Baker flared arm sofa, Barbara Barry for Baker coffee table and Timothy Oulten seven-tier glass chandelier, while a pair of Bracelet chairs by Barbara Barry and a Chinoiserie-inspired Frato ottoman create an oriental dialogue. A customised desk with a chagrin leather top, high-gloss ebony veneer frame and brass leg cappings, together with a Baker vanity chair create a secondary focal point within the living area.
The soothing palette in the dining room comprises soft shades of cream, camel and beige. A Baxter Abrascato marble table takes centrestage, surrounded by a set of Baker dining chairs that give the room a feminine touch. The strong grey grain running down the centre of the dining table echoes the travertine veins on the floor, once again drawing the eye to an oil canvas by Finnish artist Yrjo Edelmann. The lifelike, bright yellow package injects a splash of colour to the predominantly pastel composition. Other contrasting accents include the metal studs on the dining chairs, the champagne tint stainless steel edgings delineating the walls and the mirror-finish below the dining sideboard.
Suite Vista
Located on the 51st floor of a 54-storey residential tower, the apartment’s balcony offers breathtaking views of the Orchard shopping belt and beyond. “The balcony is our favourite space in the home as it is very cooling in the mornings and evenings, and showcases an expansive view of the city and its greenery,” shares Cheong. The outdoor sofa provides the perfect vantage point for soaking in a view reserved for the privileged. The soft, flickering glow from a cluster of what appears like miniature oil lamps emanate from within a coffee table resembling a treasure chest, bringing to mind the exotic folklore of Arabian Nights, while a faux crocodile feature backdrop draw on the imagery of wildlife safari.
The master bedroom has a decidedly stronger oriental touch compared to the rest of the house. A fabric feature wall behind the television has a distinctly oriental motif and lends a luxurious touch similar to a hotel suite, as does the high-gloss ebony veneer framed headboard with seashell ornamentation. A prized collection of Chinese painting by one of Cheong’s favourite Singapore pioneer artists, Chen Wen Hsi takes pride of place beside the TV wall, while another floral piece by Lee Hock Moh is embedded into the fabric headboard. Spread across the bedroom floor is an oversized bespoke silk rug that picks up on the recurring flower theme in the artworks around the apartment.
The interior of the apartment has been carefully-orchestrated into a portrait that showcases the essence of East and West, but its success also lies in the fact that “despite being located in such a busy part of Singapore, the apartment always feels tranquil, peaceful and undisturbed,” Cheong concludes.
Photography by CI & A Photography
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