One For The Family
A 106sqm 4-bedder at The Brownstone @ Canberra Drive, completed in 2018
Photo by Memena Lee, Progress Photo by Komorebi, Text by Ong Miaw Hui
There were a few requirements from this client who revealed his appreciation for natural materials and layered styles. He wanted his home to feel like a resort and with a family of five, storage space was of utmost importance.
Instead of going all out on a resort design concept, the proposal was a resort-inspired contemporary home. The executive condominium unit is on the first floor. Hence, it is blessed with greenery all around and it only seem natural to adopt a resort-esque sense of style. Outdoor rattan furniture was selected for the dining space and living area to further emphasise on the resort vibe.
To fulfill the client’s liking for natural materials, a stone wall feature was created. It occupies the entire length of the long foyer and stretches to the living area, as if leading one to the main hosting space. This large-scale installation is softened by ambient lighting that gently shines down from an external layer which frames the stone wall. Curves are also integrated into the design to bestow a sense of softness.
Fitting the dining and sofa set together in the living area was tricky due to space constraint. For the sake of comfort, the dining set was shifted out to the large balcony to take advantage of the vastness of the area.
Other than stone, wood grains are also incorporated. These materials are juxtaposed against white laminate to lighten up the harshness of wood and stone. The study room was where the storage cabinets are extensively built to cater to the needs of the family. A retractable table that is included in the carpentry allows for flexibility in the utilizing of the room. When pushed in, more floor space is created for the children to play.
Distinctive curve detailing and ambient lighting in the master bedroom are reminiscent of the living area, keeping the consistency. However, the curves are dramatized in the bedroom to create a cosy cocooned space to have a good night’s rest in.
In Mark's words:
"Like most new homeowners, we were excited and thrilled at the thought of moving into a new house. We wanted to provide our three growing children with ample space, without compromising on the aesthetic appeal and comfort of our home. We began exploring ideas for the theme of our new home by researching online and consulting with interior designers. We visited several designers who had received rave reviews online, but disappointingly, their first question after asking when we needed to move in was, “What is your budget?” Their approach felt more akin to that of my retired uncle, who worked as a renovation contractor, rather than that of professionals in interior design.
Then, Jacob and Emily from Komorebi came into the picture, recommended by a friend who was highly satisfied with their professionalism. During our initial meeting, unlike other designers, they didn’t ask about our budget right away. Instead, they simply conversed with my wife and me, understanding our preferences, favorite colors, and showing us various well-decorated themes from different houses. That was the end of our first meeting—no budget discussion took place.
In the second meeting, Jacob, the chief designer, presented us with more pictures to choose from and offered his analysis on what would work best for us. It wasn’t until we were satisfied with his recommendations that Emily asked about our budget for the renovation.
During the third meeting, Jacob showed us the first draft of his design. While it was well thought out and nicely done, he sensed that I (being a regular super ngeow Singaporean who wants a star when given a moon) wasn’t entirely satisfied with the initial proposal. Within a month, he presented a second design, which was refreshing and far from the template designs produced by other "so-called" designers. We were pleased with the design and proceeded to discuss the work and contract. A few weeks later, Emily informed us that Jacob had made some tweaks to the agreed design. When they presented the final design at the fourth meeting, we were astounded—it wasn’t just minor adjustments but a complete overhaul, leaving me with nothing to critique. We showed the design to our children, who were as thrilled as we were.
Jacob and Emily then conducted extensive research on furniture and fittings, accompanying us on shopping trips. We wouldn’t make any purchases without their approval, as we wanted to preserve the perfection of our intended home.
During the renovation process, I visited the worksite. The walls and floors were covered with high-quality foam for optimal protection. While speaking to the electrician running the cables, I noticed the high-quality cable covers and questioned their necessity since they would be hidden by the false ceiling. He explained that Jacob and Emily demanded high standards for work quality, insisting on using only the best products for durability and safety. I observed signs and posters in my house warning workers not to smoke or use our toilets. When I asked the workers, they reiterated that it was company policy to protect the best interests of the homeowners. I left my house feeling happy and reassured, knowing it was in good hands with Jacob and Emily.
On the day of completion, my wife and I visited our house, feeling like excited children as we explored and admired the meticulous craftsmanship. Friends who visited were full of admiration and praise.
It has been 15 months since we moved in, and to this day, we still thank God for sending us the right people. Jacob and Emily take immense pride in their work, refusing to cover up even the slightest flaw in hopes that we wouldn’t notice. They rectify any issues, even those we hadn’t realized were there. That level of professionalism and respect is evident in their masterpiece. They are true artists in their field, as I always tell people. I once asked Jacob and Emily why they don’t reuse designs from satisfied projects. Their response was, “Every homeowner has their preferences and deserves a place to call home after a long day at work.” Respect."
