Heart and Soul
UNDER THE SKILFUL EYE OF ARCHITECTURAL INTERIOR DESIGNER MASHA KAYA OF SKETCH THE SPACE, A PENTHOUSE BECOMES A COSY SANCTUARY THAT REVELS IN ITS GREEN SURROUNDINGS
The fresh, earthy scent of wood has always left an indelible impression on Masha Kaya, architectural interior designer and founder of Sketch The Space. “I remember the smell of wood from my childhood years. Back then, my father worked on the restoration of antique furniture, and often took me with him to his workshop,” shares the designer. “After his work was finished, I collected materials from the leftovers of wood cuts and sawdust, and was able to play with them to create small objects that are still kept at my father’s house.” For this penthouse project, she wanted to celebrate this particular woody aroma, while conveying elements of the cosy, “provincial style” ambience that the owners wanted within their penthouse. “The task with this project was to do something contemporary with a provincial touch,” she explains. The apartment already benefited from ample daylight as well as the stellar views of the city and its lush surroundings—these were integrated into the design to make the apartment truly a home sweet home.
INTO THE WOODS
The designer sought to impart a rustic touch to the home through the material palette and upholstery she had selected. “Compared to oak, teak is not a usual choice of wood for the provincial style,” she observes. “It was chosen due to the humidity levels in Singapore, as teak is more durable in this climate.” These include a multi-functional dining table made of solid teak, which can be easily converted into a pool table during social gatherings. The table is from US furniture brand James Perse, and was delivered from Los Angeles to Singapore. A mix of natural fabrics such as Belgian linen made up the home’s upholstery. These add a tactile dimension to the home, while embracing the slightly rustic feel of its interiors. In lieu of floral patterns typical of the provincial style, the designer chose to celebrate the botanical theme through the use of fresh and dried flowers, such as lavender. These natural blooms are featured throughout the apartment, adding a botanical flourish to its interiors.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Much attention has been paid to the terraces, as the owners wished to enjoy the feeling of being outdoors. “When planning the outdoor area, I thought about the beautiful views that this apartment provides,” shares the designer. “I thought about how to expand it even more while working around the tall white walls that surround both terraces, to make them not as obvious.” As a solution, the designer used made-t0-order mirrors by local company Teak and Mahogany to maximise the views at the outdoor areas. “I try to think about every corner of the home, to make it a usable and enjoyable space to live in,” she adds. Thus the ample outdoor seating is the perfect setting for meals outdoors, with an expansive view of the cityscape. The striking sight also
inspired the use of mirrors at the patio, which reflect the greenery that surrounds the apartment. Additionally, candles help set the mood, creating a cosy atmosphere in the evenings. The Monkey lamp from Italian furniture brand Seletti adds a playful touch to the outdoor area, drawing reference to the wildlife that lives within the tropical forest. For the designer, there’s nothing better than having the satisfaction of crafting a living space that the family loves—and a slice of Provençal style, while being at the heart of the city. “The family enjoys the space, and loves spending evenings outside on the terraces,” shares the designer. “There’s this feeling of being close to the sea, because of the smell of wood and the natural breeze.”