Singapore Apartment Transformed with Art and Bold Colour Blocking

In a striking transformation, a Singapore apartment has been reimagined through bold colour blocking and carefully selected artworks. The owner, a finance professional, sought to infuse her new living space with personality, drawing inspiration from her previous home and her affinity for art.

The journey began with the acquisition of a painting titled Contemplation by Chinese artist Dou Rong Jun. Initially intended for her former residence, the artwork drew concern from her numerologist, who deemed its melancholic depiction of a hunched man unsuitable for a living room. Despite this, the owner maintained her attachment to the piece, stating, “I love it; I like to look at it. Maybe because I’m introspective by nature.”

The painting’s peach-pink hue inspired the design of a striking metal staircase, which serves as a focal point in the apartment. This vibrant choice, along with other bold colours, diverges significantly from her previous home, which featured a more subdued, industrial aesthetic characterized by timber furniture and minimalist design.

The owner credits her partner, a stylist, for her newfound enthusiasm for colour. “I used my favourite colours to demarcate each zone – the master bedroom, kitchen, staircase, and loft,” she explained. In total, the apartment spans 1,200 square feet, and while it is not small, its layout required thoughtful reconfiguration.

To achieve her vision, the owner enlisted Lee Hui Lian, founder of OMG Atelier. Lee first focused on optimizing the apartment’s layout to enhance functionality. The previous design featured three compact bedrooms, leaving the living room feeling cramped. “I could see the tremendous potential if the spaces were re-designed,” said the owner.

The apartment is part of a condominium development named The Crest at Prince Charles, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Toyo Ito. Located in the Tanglin area, it offers proximity to the Central Business District and features distinctive flower-like towers surrounding a lush courtyard and pool. The owner was initially drawn to the unit by its vertical volume and abundance of natural light.

Lee’s design work included creating a loft above the entrance, which now serves as a study nook, and a slim metal staircase that zigzags up the double-height wall where Dou Rong Jun’s painting is prominently displayed. Below the loft, cabinetry was added to maximize space utility.

The kitchen underwent significant changes as well. Originally enclosed, it has been transformed into an open space, painted in calming avocado green and adorned with light-green mosaic tiles. To introduce playfulness into the design, Lee curved the ceiling’s green paint into a semi-circle, complementing the mosaics on the floor.

In the master bedroom, cobalt walls create a striking contrast with the apartment’s other zones. Here, a large mixed-media piece by Thomas Diego Armonia titled Ritratto Di Dama Con Ariete adds an intimate touch. The owner selected this artwork for its warmth and depth, stating, “I didn’t want something cold and inanimate… I wanted something more intimate.”

Another highlight is a sculpture by Scottish artist David Begbie, titled ITUU, located at the end of a corridor leading to the bedroom. The piece, made entirely of steel mesh, captures the musculature of two figures. “This sculpture is such a delight to the eyes,” the owner noted.

Throughout the apartment, Lee has integrated colour thoughtfully, ensuring that each hue complements rather than overwhelms. “It’s not a very big apartment so we thought of how we can create little ‘vistas’ one notices when moving around,” Lee remarked.

The owner’s affinity for art extends beyond mere decoration; her collection represents personal significance and memories. “I bought them many years ago. I’m glad about my choices; they seem quite evergreen,” she reflected.

In this vibrant new home, the artworks serve as companions, each designated a specific place and colour. The owner finds joy in the interplay of different ceiling heights, beams, and colours. “The interplay of the different ceiling heights, beams and colours are a delight to look at,” she expressed, highlighting the contentment she feels in her transformed living space.