ABOVE THE FOLD
Edgy accents and bold furniture define this luxury apartment designed by ELLIOT JAMES
NESTLED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE
is a 4 ,000sqft apar tment unlike any other. As structurally unique as its owner’s inimitable style, it marries understated luxur y with a bold and edg y appeal in the form of bespoke, statement furniture. It ’s a space that invites innovation and the pushing of boundaries—something that Elliot James Barratt, the founder of Elliot James, accomplished with masterful ease. “The client was extremely open with his brief, but specified that comfort and socialising was paramount,” Barratt shares. Against a simple backdrop of monochrome hues, the sizable living and dining areas set the stage for large gatherings as well as intimate family nights. Light marble floors elevate the luxur y quotient of the space, and ample sof t furnishings add a soothing cosiness.
Ahead of the Curve
Ever y thing about the living and dining area—the largest room and entr y point to the house—is unusual. For one, it is cur ved. No two walls are perpendicular to each other. It poses a unique challenge to establish a seamless design that echoes the grandeur of the space. Yet, it also ser ves as a hallmark of the home’s distinctive interior scheme. Sunlight pours in from ever y angle through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that surrounds the room. In the living area, two over-sized sofas that stretch five metres dominate the space. Facing each other, they are separated by a handful of ottomans and side tables, arranged informally like a mass of clouds. Not only does this accommodate many guests, the substitution of a traditional cof fee table for a plusher option allows for a more laidback setting.
Offbeat Twist
On the opposite end of the room is a dining area with a threemetre 10-seater table. It is paired with tan leather chairs from Jimmie Martin, a London-based studio known for its customised furniture. Spray painted with the homeowner’s favourite quotes in white, these personalised chairs lends a spunky attitude that defines the look of the apartment. Hanging above, a bespoke three-tiered ring pendant lighting adds to the drama of the dining area with its massive size. The simple silhouette and subtle metallic finishing , however, ensures it doesn’t steal the spotlight. Outside, the balcony doubles as an extra dining space for those big blowouts.
Tailor-made
“We wanted to create a home that the family could grow into,” says the veteran British designer. For instance, the daughter ’s bedroom features a neutral base that can be customised with ar tworks and accessories. The son’s bedroom provides storage for his gaming consoles, as well as a ledge to display ar tworks that celebrate his passion for the Star Wars film franchise. For the study, Barratt created a rotating solid wood desk by the window ledge that can be stowed away to make room for a spare bed. Likewise, the other wise unused window sill in the master bedroom was converted into a built-in daybed, piled generously with cushions. Despite the lack of face-to-face communication with the client (who was residing overseas), Barratt pulled the project off to perfection, producing a home that matched the family’s lifestyle and reflected the owner’s distinct personality.