As interior designers, we often believe that a home should do more than simply provide shelter. It should inspire, comfort and evolve alongside the people who live in it. This philosophy guided us throughout the transformation of this 850-square-foot condominium apartment located in the heart of Singapore’s prestigious Bukit Timah district.
Home to an avid art collector and her beloved poodle, this condominium renovation project was an opportunity to create a space where art, colour and emotion could coexist harmoniously. The homeowner has a deep appreciation for colourful designer furniture, curated sculptures and meaningful artworks, and our challenge was to create an interior that would not only showcase these treasured pieces but also enhance the way she experiences them every day.
Understanding the Challenges of the Existing Space
Like many older condominiums in Singapore, this apartment, originally built in 1999, came with several design limitations. The existing layout restricted the flow of natural daylight and ventilation, making many areas of the home feel enclosed and disconnected.
The interior also lacked suitable display opportunities for the homeowner’s growing collection of artworks and sculptures. Rather than highlighting these beautiful pieces, the existing design created visual clutter that diminished their impact. As a result, the home felt smaller than it actually was and failed to reflect the vibrant personality of its owner.
For us, this project was never simply about renovating an apartment. It was about reimagining the relationship between space, colour, art and emotion.
The Design Concept: Chroma Harmony
The concept behind this project explores how colour, shape and art can influence our emotions and overall sense of well-being.
With real estate space at a premium in Singapore, we wanted to create a home that felt visually larger while maintaining flexibility. Rather than relying heavily on built-in carpentry and fixed design elements, we developed a neutral architectural canvas that would allow the homeowner to continuously evolve her environment through artwork, furniture and decorative accessories.
This flexibility was important because emotions are not static. Different colours evoke different feelings, and the homeowner’s collection of iconic designer furniture and art pieces allows her to create new moods and experiences within the same space over time.
Our approach was built around three key elements:
- Space
- Colour
- Shape
Together, these elements form what we call Chroma Harmony.
Creating Space Through Light and Ventilation
One of the primary goals of this condominium interior design project was to improve natural light and airflow throughout the apartment.
By removing selected walls and opening up key areas, we were able to create better spatial flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas. This intervention significantly improved movement within the home while allowing natural daylight to penetrate deeper into the interior.
The result is a brighter and more inviting living environment where sunlight naturally illuminates the dining and communal spaces, creating a sense of openness that was previously absent.
Designing for Flexibility and Emotional Well-being
Flexibility became a central principle of the design.
To create a timeless foundation, we used a palette of soft whites and natural tones throughout the living room, dining area and bedroom. We intentionally avoided excessive built-in furniture or bulky carpentry, ensuring that the homeowner has the freedom to reconfigure her space as her collection grows and her preferences evolve.
This approach allows the home’s personality to be shaped by carefully selected artworks, furniture and accessories rather than permanent architectural elements.
Using Colour Psychology in Interior Design
Colour plays a significant role in influencing emotions and behaviour. Throughout this project, we incorporated principles of colour psychology to create spaces that support the homeowner’s desired emotional experiences.
Blue in the Living Area
Blue is often associated with calmness, harmony and tranquillity. Inspired by the sea and sky, it encourages relaxation and creates a peaceful atmosphere.
The homeowner’s blue furniture pieces became focal points within the living room, helping to establish a soothing environment where she can unwind and recharge.
Green in the Dining Area
At the centre of the home sits a beautiful green artwork that became the inspiration for the dining space.
Green is strongly connected to nature and is known to evoke feelings of optimism, balance and renewal. By positioning green as a dominant colour within the heart of the home, we created a daily reminder of growth, positivity and emotional well-being.
Dark Brown in the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most functional spaces within any home, and we wanted it to communicate a sense of stability and grounding.
Dark brown tones were carefully introduced to create warmth, comfort and security. These earthy hues help the homeowner feel supported and at ease while engaging in everyday routines.
The Power of Curves and Rounded Forms
Shape is another powerful tool in interior design.
For this project, we selected curves and circular forms as the dominant design language throughout the apartment. Rounded shapes naturally communicate feelings of harmony, unity, protection and connection.
At the centre of the home sits a round dining table that serves both practical and symbolic purposes. Not only is it ideal for compact condominium living, but it also encourages conversation, togetherness and shared experiences with friends and family.
The absence of sharp corners further enhances comfort and improves circulation within the limited floor area.
Curves continue throughout the apartment, appearing in walls, furniture selections, lighting fixtures and architectural detailing. These softer forms create a distinctly feminine elegance that reflects the personality and achievements of the homeowner.
A Curved Gallery for Art Appreciation
One of the project’s signature features is the curved feature wall within the dining area.
Designed as a gallery-like backdrop, this architectural element provides a dedicated space for displaying some of the homeowner’s most cherished artworks. Integrated LED lighting enhances the visual impact of the collection while creating a sense of lightness and depth.
The curved wall was carefully designed to complement the round dining table, allowing both elements to work together spatially while maximizing flexibility and functionality.
Art as an Emotional Experience
For this homeowner, art is far more than decoration. It is a source of inspiration, emotion and personal expression.
Throughout the apartment, artworks have been positioned intentionally to create emotional connections within each space. The prominent green artwork at the centre of the home reinforces feelings of calmness and optimism, while curated sculptures and decorative objects add layers of personality and storytelling.
Lighting, shelving and display elements were selected with the same philosophy in mind. Soft curves, organised compositions and thoughtful placements allow the artwork to remain the hero of every space without visual competition.
Meanwhile, custom carpentry solutions were designed to provide practical storage while remaining discreet and unobtrusive.
The Challenges Behind the Design
One of the greatest challenges was selecting the right combination of colours, materials, furniture and accessories.
Every design decision had to support the overall concept while complementing the homeowner’s existing collection. Finding pieces with the appropriate colour, form and emotional resonance required extensive research and exploration.
Fortunately, the homeowner embraced the collaborative process wholeheartedly. Together, we visited furniture showrooms, lighting boutiques and supplier factories across Singapore, carefully evaluating each selection before making a decision.
How We Brought the Vision to Life
The success of this project ultimately came from understanding the client on a deeper level.
We invested significant time learning about her lifestyle, emotional needs and aspirations for the home. Through continuous collaboration, shared discoveries and ongoing conversations, we were able to develop a design that truly reflected her personality.
Research into colour psychology, emotional design and the stories behind iconic furniture pieces also played an important role in shaping the final outcome.
The result is a home that feels deeply personal—a place where art, colour and space work together to create harmony, flexibility and emotional well-being.
This Bukit Timah condominium renovation demonstrates how thoughtful interior design can transform not only a physical space but also the way people feel and live within it. For us, that is the true power of design.