A NATURAL FIT
A serene sanctuary, designed by HYID, captures the beauty of its verdant surroundings
THIS APARTMENT AT FERNVALE CLOSE ENJOYS
unfettered views of the reser voir, which is canopied by thick trees against a backdrop of lush foliage. Evidently, the love of nature is why the couple chose to settle here. The fourbedroom condominium exudes a quiet elegance—its warm, understated interior scheme is a nod to the lush landscape that surrounds it. And putting it together is Elsie Chin, the principal interior designer and co-founder of HYID, who took a short five months to design and renovate the apartment.
Green Inspiration
As the couple wanted an apar tment that celebrates the tranquil beauty of nature, HYID paired dark wood walls and finishes with muted tones to achieve the low-key but elegant look. Sof t furnishings in a monochromatic scheme and warm mood lighting add a touch of cosiness to the space. The designer maintained the home’s tranquil ambience by staying away from bright hues, only introducing pops of red in select spots. One of the obstacles that Chin faced in designing this apartment is its lack of clearly defined spaces in the common areas. It features a linear layout from the entrance, where the living and dining rooms appear to be connected side by side. The interior also suffered from tight corners and narrow aisles. To provide the illusion of space, the designer cladded the walls in the dining area with full-length mirrors—tinted grey to match the black wood walls. Not only does this visually remove small, awkward nooks, it also brightens and doubles the footprint of the space.
The apartment exudes a quiet elegance— its warm, understated interior scheme is a nod to the lush landscape that surrounds it
Wood Works
Chin designed a bespoke dining table to anchor and differentiate the dining area from the living room. Made from a slab of South American solid wood, the stunning statement piece boasts undulating edges that reflect the raw elegance of nature. Placed right at the entrance of the apartment, the work of art is an instant talking point whenever there are guests. While it offers a touch of drama, it isn’t excessively extravagant, thus keeping to the modest style of the apartment. This singular design is further echoed with subtler curves in the accompanying wooden dining bench as well as the coffee table in the living area. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light and access to the gorgeous view in the common areas and the master bedroom. The master bed frame is custom designed so it doesn’t obscure the landscape, drawing the eye to the delightful view of the reservoir and beyond.
Artful Symbiosis
Adornments come in the form of indoor plants, housed in petite pots and tall sculptural vases. The couple also owns a small collection of art, which the designer incorporated seamlessly into the interiors to create various points of visual interest. An abstract diptych hangs above the master bed, while a piece of landscape artwork in oil is displayed in the living room. A Chinese calligraphy painting takes pride of place at the private lift lobby, bringing an air of refinement to the abode. There’s also a framed display of a vintage floral kimono in the dry kitchen— set against a neutral backdrop, the spotlight is focused on the artwork, which adds a dynamic touch to the culinary space.