UNIT @ KENSINGTON PARK ROAD

Its been too long since i uploaded anything online, so much so i become unfamiliar with the composing screen; received email enquiries if i am still doing interior design; encouraging SMSes to upload my works more consistently etc. THANK YOU! : )

The past few months had been a thrilling roller-coaster ride, juggling a number of projects at one go, fortunately, most of these units turned out pretty charming and satisfying in varying design themes. Had also been working on to complete renovation works at my own design studio; have finally hired someone to help out in my office administration as well as another designer to share some of my workload. It's a whole new challenge to hire and manage! I am constantly reminded of this old saying that while employees count each months by the days, each month breezes through in mere 4 weeks for employers! But I think i have been rather fortunate and feel i have more means and time to take on more challenges ahead! Hee.

Working on this unit @ kensington park road was a rather nostalgic ride for me, it was the home of a childhood friend who had lived in the house and kindof inherited the unit after a long period of stay overseas. Going back to the unit, a walk-through the various spaces rake up distant memories of the neighbourhood and house when i used to drive down for late night cartel cafe's icecream waffles, enjoyed night breeze while sitting on those "ancient" swings (metallic chains and seat that was made of tyre) in neighbourhood playground, and those beautiful terrazzo tiles in the house where i had slept on during bunk-in nights. This experience bridges the distance in my relationship with my friend whom we kind of grow apart from each other because of circumstances. But what intrigues me the most, is through our re-established communication, a lot of my design ideas were challenged and questioned to a point whereby i become more appreciative on the age-long struggle between aesthetics versus functionality. Do we really need need that many lighting points? Are cabinets the only way to hang and display our clothings? Is my home reflective of my character? Do i really need that piece of furniture? Am i really going to use this or that? In our comfortable country where we can simply work hard to lead a rewarding materialistic life, many of us are living in excess. i began to ponder and re-evaluate many of my needs and wants in my life.

WORKING AREA
(part of living hall/ part dining space)

ANOTHER SHOT OF THE LIVING HALL

The main point in the design brief was to design a space that is reflective of the owner's character. i was instructed that the interior design of the space should NOT be too pretty, it should be more quirky, for instant, i do not need to put in extra effort to conceal wiring in the house, a false ceiling in the living hall to take care of the asymmetric concrete ceiling is unnecessary nor is it a valid enough reason to provide provisions for decorative halogen lamps; a functioning shoe rack can simply be created by putting a transparent piece of old glass top over two red bricks on a wide parapet wall, trust me, i was amazed how well it turns out! The clarity of the glass top brings out the colour and design of each pair of shoes while making selection of shoes easy, and because of the nature of these raw materials, you do not need to worry so much about cleaning, remember, nothing should be perfect or too pretty in the house. But of cuz i had my struggles to keep up with this notion, for i am a perfectionist when it comes to aesthetics, maybe in a few more aspects of life too, haha. And so one can expect how we constantly challenged each other in the design process to come into term with the various decisions for the house. I am glad everything works out well!

KEY features in the living hall: brick wall (veneer brick tiles cladding) & rhythmic window panes .
The orangy veneer bricks brought character and warmth in the otherwise colder interior. The walls were mostly white and the house had been vacant before my friend took over, the terrazzo tiles in the house were green and the wall tiles in the kitchen were blue, subconsciously, i felt we needed a main feature in the house to freshen and rejuvenate. These veneer tiles are only 20mm, they could be easily cladded onto any wall surfaces like wall tiles without sacrificing spaces. Instead of keeping the original shaded sliding windows in the house, my proposal was to install a series of narrow casement panels to create a rhythmic effect; these narrow strips of glass also provide a lengthening effect on the perceived height in the hall.

Simply house a mix of furniture and accessories in the house, you can really set the character of the space which you can proudly call your home!




KITCHEN & RESTROOM



Retained the retro blue tiles in the kitchen & restroom. Renovation works are kept to the minimum in both spaces for its functions but i really feel more can be done to make them look more "complete" and "nice" . ha



BEDROOM




Love the way the bedroom turns out, nothing unnecessarily fanciful but totally functional and aesthetically characteristic! Track lighting with dimmers provided illumination in wherever directions and mood required. Metallic racks on wheels creates a mobile setup for clothing and accessories which can alter in accordance to personal mood and needs. I felt it might be better and more complete if there were additional shelves on the walls to make the spaces above the racks look less bare?

your idea of a WALK-IN WARDROBE? :P


For whom you find understanding the most, whom you can be most comfortable and encouraged to share your dreams and difficulties, we nevertheless grow and grow apart from one another at times. Looking beyond and moving on might just bring out the best in each lives!

Truly grateful to be involved in this project, in this phrase of your life, my dear friend..