Home Showcase:
A penthouse with Bali resort vibes
When Indi and Nush Tandon arrived back in Singapore following a year-and-a-half stint in Shanghai, they knew they wanted to settle in a large loft or penthouse apartment. For shipbroker Indi, the space had to accommodate his love of socialising and entertaining. For Fintech professional Nush, also a certified meditation and sound healing practitioner, it needed to work alongside her love for meditative practice and reading.
Travel was a driving inspiration for their home style. Indonesian-Singaporean Nush hails from Bali – it’s also their favourite holiday destination and where the couple married. Their love of travel, and in particular Bali, needed to be reflected in their home. “It had to be conducive to our different personalities and interests and, more significantly, incorporate elements of being in our favourite holiday destination.”
Why did you settle in Siglap, and this condo in particular?
Siglap has a laid-back atmosphere, and there’s a certain charm to it. It’s a great social hub with its strips of restaurants, cafés and bars, so there’s really a perfect balance. The proximity to the beach is perfect, and there are plenty of green spaces; it’s closer to the sea than the concrete jungle, but still quick enough to get to the CBD.
We chose the Villa Marina condo because it exudes an “old school”, peaceful, resort-type ambience. The first time we walked into the condo, we really felt that ambience – in its cobblestone path, abundant greenery and low-rise units. It made us feel at ease.
Our driving desire was for a penthouse or loft apartment; we wanted a spacious place and felt this apartment made smart use of the space available. We fell in love with the spiral staircase and fine timber in some of the flooring, which we have maintained. It also boasts a lot of natural light.
Why did you choose Studio Igg as your interior design firm?
We’d already met with a few interior designers but hadn’t settled with anyone as yet. We had been searching online for home designs to get some inspiration, and came across Studio Igg, so we decided to take a risk and explore a little further.
The first time we spoke to Nishi and her team, she seemed to instantly sync with us and articulate what we wanted. There was a great balance of her giving her expert input whilst also listening to ours. Ultimately, we felt she could not only understand what we wanted but elevate it as well.
She seemed to have a broad view of things – some out-of-the-box perspectives. And her team had a profound understanding of space beyond aesthetics. Separately, her personality stood out to us, too – she was extremely humble. Since we knew we’d be closely involved, this was a real plus point.
How did you find the whole renovation process?
We were closely involved throughout the project, providing our input on the design of each space, and the selection process of materials, furniture and décor. Nush coined the whole process a “labour of love”. It was time-consuming, but ultimately fulfilling.
Some parts of the process were relatively daunting, particularly initially when we saw the whole place torn down! Some parts were also really enjoyable, including selecting the design and style of the new space.
What are your favourite parts of the home, and why?
Indi: The bar lounge area, definitely! That’s on the second floor. It’s mainly filled with my whiskey assortment, from single malt to blended scotch. For me, it’s the whole ambience – wood tones, leather day-bed, and some coastal colours in the décor; it feels luxe and laid-back.
Overall, the flow of our home ensures comfortable living as well as hassle-free entertainment. It encourages us to unwind and appreciate all the good things life has to offer.
Nush: It’s so hard for me to select favourites because I like it all! The three bathrooms are lovely; each has its own unique, well-considered design, but still follows a consistent underlying minimalist style. My two particular favourites are the second-floor tropical-styled bathroom, and the master, with its mix of marble and wood tones.
I also love the main living room just beside the cosy balcony; the area is spacious and calm with neutral tones. And I like the second-floor Bali-inspired room, and the master bedroom bay window area! These are actually the three areas I would use for my meditation or for reading time.
The kitchen is also a fantastic space; it has a little bit of fun and a pop of colour in the aesthetics. I especially love the writing board that Nishi incorporated there; I like to leave motivational quotes on it.
What tips would you pass on to our readers considering a renovation?
Indi: It’s important to know what you want – or at least have a good idea! Take it slow, don’t rush into it, and manage your expectations around budget. Nush: When it comes to your home space, I believe it’s important that it encapsulates what you love, and what brings out the best in you. However, you also need to think about the practicality of your day-today life. Also, try and make the process an enjoyable journey and memory!
It’s important that your home space encapsulates what you love and what brings out the best in you.