Suite Style
Sujonohun creates a show unit at The Commodore to evoke the soothing elegance of a luxurious hotel
A well-designed suite has an almost magical ability to immerse the inhabitant in a calming and restful environment. So, when local design firm Sujonohun was commissioned to create a cohesive design for a three-bedroom show unit at
The Commodore condominium, the team drew inspiration from contemporary suite designs for their concept.
“We designed this project like a hotel suite where the spaces are open and interconnected, the lights are dim and the materials used blend in seamlessly without causing a jarring contrast in the interior,” says Sujonohun co-founder and design director Molina Hun.
The designers focused on creating a thematically holistic space. To maintain a cohesive flow through the show apartment, a walnut
This page: A petite bar area showcases favourite bottles while offering storage for drinkware; the goldtrimmed Arrmet Strike high stools add to the inviting look of the kitchen island in the dining area
Opposite page: The ample use of dark wood and the retroinfluenced selection of warm colours impart a cosy atmosphere to the show unit; a vibrant art print adds visual interest to the living area wood-tone panelling was chosen as the main material to clad the walls throughout the unit. Even the ceilings are covered with lightertoned panels instead of leaving them bare to reduce the contrast between the walls and ceiling. Special care was taken to choose the exact shade of walnut, Hun adds, to ensure the apartment exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
With this muted palette, the designer could then introduce compelling textures and details to different rooms to create visual interest. For example, vertical slats
“We designed this project like a hotel suite where the spaces are open and interconnected”
form a soothing backdrop for the master dresser, while a statement fluted wall divider separates the living room from the corridor.
Within the cosy living room and dining space, furniture pieces were carefully selected to impart a harmonious aesthetic. A taupe Tacchini Ischia sofa with sensuous curving lines takes pride of place in the living room, providing a visual counterpoint to the marble-base television console, which currently holds a framed graphic artwork.
In the dining area, a sleek island fits neatly into the space but also
serves a purpose by encouraging social activity. Additionally, Arrmet Strike bar stools provide a splash of colour to enliven the monochrome tones of the home.
“We identified that the space is wider than the typical condominium unit, so we emphasise this by incorporating a freestanding island instead of having a conventional dining table tucked against the wall,” adds Hun, commenting on the design of the dining area. “The idea is to create a centrepiece where people can gather intimately around for a meal or a good conversation.”
True to the firm’s design ethos of ensuring every space is oozing with personalised touches, the eagle-eyed observer may notice something different about the built-in furnishings in this unit. Unlike the cookie-cutter apartment where the cabinetry is of a generic, boxy appearance and hue, Hun wanted every piece to look special. “Each piece of custom-made furniture should look like an accent object that stands out against the walnut backdrop,” she explains.
For example, the calming hues in the master bedroom are accented by a specially chosen fabric with a pattern inspired by travertine. In the kitchen corridor, a petite bar counter was installed to maximise the use of space and provide a stylish nook for cocktail hour; it’s also a nod to the project’s hotel-inspired theme. “In most of our projects, besides the kitchen counter, we believe a separate drinks cabinet or counter is necessary,” she says.
To create a chic yet relaxed ambience in the unit, the team paid close attention to setting
up a dramatic lighting scheme throughout the spaces. Key to achieving this effect is the liberal use of pendant lights that cast a golden glow as well as downlights to strategically illuminate specific areas of the show unit.
Looking back on the end result with satisfaction, Hun sums it up best, saying: “This is the kind of project that we are passionate about and we are happy that we were given the freedom for creative expression.”