Showroom Spotlight:
Join us as we step inside the new design space of CHLÖE ELKERTON, founder of E&A Interiors.
An interior designer’s world
Tucked away amongst the shophouses of Tiong Bahru is E&A Interiors’ new studio. A heritage door, painted in a fresh greeny-blue (loved by Instagrammers!) is opened and I’m invited into a designer’s world.
The first thing that I notice is the huge array of fabrics neatly arranged by colour in custom bookcase shelving along one wall and hanging above a cane sofa on an array of brass hooks on the other wall. Chlöe grabs a pile and shows me the material. “One of the things that makes us unique is the exclusive fabrics we stock. Over the years, we’ve built up an amazing library of artisanal suppliers from Europe, the UK, Australia and North America.”
The studio is cosy and filled with elegant Vaughan Designs lighting, carefully selected furniture, wallpaper and the fabrics. Chlöe and I head along a stylish wallpapered corridor with more hanging fabrics and brass wall lights to the meeting room, which at the moment is made to look like a plush and luxurious five- star hotel bedroom; “Sorry, we had a shoot in here this morning!” she explains.
How does E&A Interiors go about designing a client’s home?
“It’s really important we work with our clients to develop a style of home they’re proud of. I really enjoy going back after we have finished. Listening to clients say how much they love their new home and how it has changed the way they live is very special.” Since the design process can take three months, and onsite renovations the same time or more, E&A ensures that its planning process is extensive and detailed. “We find that the more we plan, the easier it is when we get on site.” Chlöe pulls out a jam-packed folder and takes me through examples of all the plans they create for each project – from floor plans (if there is any demolition and rebuilding to be done, for example) and lighting plans, to furniture layouts and carpentry plans. They’re all drawn up and agreed to by the client before any work starts. My interest is particularly drawn by Chlöe’s mood boards. “These give the client a more emotive look of what their space will feel like once we’ve finished,” she tells me. Each page is filled with inspiration images, and examples of the look and feel, and the colours, finishes and fabrics. I’m then shown a comparison to the finished product; while not an exact copy, the images have the same design qualities and are definitely a faithful indication to the client of how the end result will look and feel. As we wander back through the studio, Chlöe tells me that E&A works with each client’s particular needs. “There’s never a cookiecutter approach – budgets, timelines, spaces and personalities are always different. I think that’s why I love my job so much!”
59 Eng Hoon Street, #01-75 6702 4850 | eandainteriors.com