The Good Life
KGID imbued this airy home with opulent touches that give its interior a polished look
When the developer of this bungalow in Holland Road sought an interior design firm to work with crafting a luxurious yet liveable abode, KGID emerged as the easy choice. The homegrown practice has steadily carved a niche for itself crafting stylish apartments, show units and landed properties that evoke a sense of grandeur, yet are highly functional to suit the needs of present-day living.
This project marked the first collaboration between KGID and the developer, boutique real estate firm Link (THM) Group; the latter was impressed by the awardwinning interior practice’s portfolio. Working with architectural company Universal Akitek, the firms conceptualised a stylish, five-bedroom urban sanctuary that epitomises modern luxury. The home’s interior was so impressive that it recently sold for a “record price” to a healthcare professional in early 2022, says KGID co-founder Kelvin Gan with pride.
The brief from the developer was to create a home that was “luxurious and long-lasting”, says Gan, who helms KGID with his wife, Karen. The design firm envisioned the 5,600 sq ft, four-storey property as a contemporary, clean-lined sanctuary dotted with upscale furnishings, fittings and details for a sumptuous look and feel. KGID also had a hand in the home’s landscaping, which it worked on together with local horticultural firm Nyee Phoe Group.
The voluminous living room is awash in natural light that streams in through expansive glass doors; motorised curtains from J&S Design ensure privacy when needed. The abundance of illumination and space in this zone is a veritable remedy for the stressors of modern life and the daily grind; it immediately evokes a sense of calm and sets frazzled minds at ease. The light-hued flooring, which comprises bookmatched Bianco Carrara marble slabs from Italy that extend to the dining room and the dry kitchen, also helps to visually expand the dimensions of the living area.
Grounding the neutral-hued living room is a plush sofa set in cream from Sur & Plus. Its subdued
tones are a perfect match for the rich chocolatey and bronzed shades of the twin Gurian leather armchairs and the Billy Keramik coffee tables from Cattelan Italia. Dominating this tableau is an imposing feature wall made up of bookmatched white-veined black marble slabs that holds the gaze and instantly adds an elegant aesthetic to the space. Flanking it are a pair of backlit wooden display shelves that provide concealed storage and house various tomes as well as miscellaneous decorative objects.
The light-filled dining zone is presided over by the sculptural Lederam Manta S2 pendant light from Catellani & Smith, which casts a soft glow on the Cattelan Italia dining table and dining chairs from Andreu World. The adjoining dry kitchen features an island counter clad in pale grey quartz slabs from Stone Italia, curvaceous BCN bar stools from Kristalia, and sleek
Miele appliances set flush with the dark-wood cabinetry, which all lend a modern feel to the space.
“The initial floor plan did not include a dry kitchen, so we replanned the space to accommodate one,” says Gan.
“The dry kitchen is right beside the dining area and outdoor lap pool, so the owners and their guests can eat and drink at the island counter
while watching the kids play in the pool.”
KGID also gave the home a unique customised wine cellar, which is located under the basement staircase and houses 500 bottles. This stylish feature in dark wood and glass sports backlit storage shelves and was designed to present a “wow factor when people step down into the basement”, adds Gan.
Luxury and functionality are the guiding principles even in the home’s more intimate spaces. A darker scheme graces the master bedroom, offset by honey-coloured parquet flooring underfoot. The bed, which stands in the middle of the room, is separated from the sizeable wardrobe space behind it by a timber-slatted headboard; the twin bedside tables feature reading lamps and night lights for a hotel-like feel. KGID gave the home’s bathrooms classy flourishes in the form of bookmatched Nero Marquina marble wall slabs, Adana Grigio marble walls and flooring, and bathroom fittings from Villeroy & Boch, Hansgrohe and Axor.
Located in the attic is the junior suite, which sports a light timber
veneer to distinguish it from the master bedroom and also features an ensuite bathroom, study and wardrobe area. Also on this level is a sheltered outdoor terrace fitted with furniture from King; overlooking the verdant views of the nearby park, it is the ideal spot for entertaining and barbecue sessions.
The 20-month project was successfully completed last November, after experiencing various delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “The client loves the living, dining and dry kitchen areas the most, as they are perfect for hosting guests,” shares Gan. “We also enjoyed working with the developer and the other consultants. Although the project took longer than usual (due to the Covid situation) to finish, we managed to complete it with excellent results.”