REFINED LIVING
These graceful abodes by JOEY KHU INTERIOR DESIGN celebrate the art of modern living with sleek lines, contrasting textures and art-filled spaces
WHAT’S THE KEY TO A WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR
that stands the test of time? If you ask Joey Khu, the answer lies in an almost effortless elegance—one that stems from embracing the beauty of linear forms and the quiet sophistication of minimalist spaces. “My style is to keep things simple,” divulges Khu, founder of Joey Khu Interior Design. “I like things done in a clean and sleek manner. I think that minimalism, if presented stylishly, can convey luxury.” With two decades of experience under his belt, Khu has a discerning eye for design that has shaped abodes into soothing sanctuaries—including his very own—that embody polished grace.
Linear Delights
With a private apartment in Novena, Khu’s love for linear style is apparent right from the entrance. It was a dream project, as the owners gave the designer free reign when it came to the concept proposed for the three-bedroom apartment. “When the homeowners approached me, they were already familiar with the style that I’m known for—a modern, sophisticated look that never goes out of trend. The couple wanted a modern luxe concept for their apartment, without it resembling a showflat that might be devoid of the homely cosiness,” shares the designer. To heighten the spacious feel of the abode, Khu paired its white marble flooring with a light colour scheme while playing with textural contrasts in his choice of materials. Located by the mirrored wall in the living area, the wood strip panels cleverly conceal a shoe cabinet. Steps away, a row of custom-made pendant lights float above the dining table, echoing the linear lines of the space. These angular proportions are paired with curved details on the dining chairs and coffee table, and the soft textures of the Eilersen sofa and a striped carpet. A kitchen counter sections out the culinary area from the dining and living zones. To complete the look, a selection of artworks invigorates the space with bold brushstrokes and graphic shapes. In the bedrooms, dark veneer on the cabinetry heightens the elegant look of these spaces, while adding visual continuity to the material palette. Although the bay windows brought plenty of light into the rooms, these created ledges that were underutilised—a concern that Khu sought to address, with his practical yet stylish solutions. “I want to design details that serve an aesthetic purpose while giving functional space, and storage,” explains Khu. In the study room for instance, a long tapered desk runs along the bay area, creating a cosy nook for reading and contemplation. Beside the desk, the serene blue backing of the adjoining bookcase enhances the calming quality of the space. When the project was completed, its house-proud owners loved the result. “They are very happy with the entire project— and their friends loved the place so much in terms of colour scheme and design that they wanted us to design their homes too,” Khu recalls.
Artful Alcove
Compared to the couple’s apartment in Novena, Khu’s awardwinning bachelor pad takes on a more masculine character. Tucked in a serene nook of eastern Singapore, Khu’s awardwinning abode was honoured at the Design Excellence Awards 2016—he received the Silver Award in the Residential Design category. For this personal project, Khu crafted a simple yet sophisticated sanctuary that makes the most of its petite proportions. “I like the interior to be richly textured but not cluttered. I didn’t want too many elaborate patterns, so I played with textures through the use of wood and leather,” he says. His living room exudes an inviting ambience, to which he applied monochrome hues. “I wanted to reconfigure this space. Others might think that small homes need an open concept layout, but I feel that ’s not necessar y,” explains Khu. “When it comes to small spaces, most people assume that they need predominantly light palettes, in order to simulate
a sense of space. I wanted a more daring approach to colour, so I utilised shades of grey in dif ferent spaces within my apar tment.” He added various ar t pieces to enliven the space—the focal point of the living room is its sculptural floor lamp, a decorative piece that also imbues the space with a warm glow. Meticulous about every detail, Khu opted for window blinds to accentuate the sleek lines of his minimalist sanctuary. A hidden door built into his feature wall leads to the bathroom and bedroom, while mirroring the crisp lines found throughout the home. The shelves above his pull-out desk display personal items and artwork. Dark wood veneer and panelling in a myriad tones on the cabinetr y, walls and flooring accentuate the handsome look of the bedroom. In contrast, his bathroom gets an alluring sheen, while still retaining Khu’s clean and minimalist aesthetic. Lustrous mosaic tiles clad the walls, while a dark wood finish is used on the flooring. Ladder-like shelving adds an unexpected detail to the bathroom, while displaying and compartmentalising the toiletries. Along the corridor, a concealed door leads to the kitchen, seamlessly accentuating the sleek lines of his home. Looking at his labour of love, Khu happily surmises: “I like how this minimalist concept lets me alter my home’s overall look as and when I please.” The home has since become the perfect canvas for an artist who enjoys creating and recreating.
I like how this minimalist concept lets me alter my home’s overall look as and when I please