by — 20 Apr 2019 08:00
Designed for a young couple and their children, the Sharon residence is a three and a half-storey bungalow, with the total area of 5,688 sqf. It sits in the quiet and reserved neighbourhood of Park Manor, SierraMas.
Inside, Sharon residence flaunts a timeless classic and modern elegant interior featuring marble, brass, and time-honoured wall panels. It’s designed specifically for the well-travelled couple who has an appreciation for French interiors, an aesthetic inspired by their globe-trotting experiences. “Our client has an eye for the finer details, a flair for opulent designs, and elegant furnishings,” describes Lisa Ong, Design Director of Ooi Design & Associates Sdn Bhd.
“Most of the space is furnished with contemporary furniture, textures, and finishes, which contrast beautifully against the classic aesthetics of the cabinetry and the wall panels. Through the design we were able to showcase how classic can be the new modern,” says Lisa.
However, the brief given by the client also included the need to incorporate Feng Shui elements, and these were done to add a warm touch to the overall design concept of a luxurious, modern-classic home.
“The challenge we faced was to figure out how to implement Feng Shui elements into the overall design without compromising the look and feel of the modern-classic setting, as it usually creates an oriental atmosphere,” admits Lisa. The designers overcome this challenge by focusing on the smaller details, from the choice of colours and materials chosen for the deep blue AV room to the walnut wood of the kitchen island. They also selected and placed Feng Shui decoration around the house which includes the 3D wall artwork at the foyer and the subtle oriental table lamp in the living room.
Lisa admits, “The main door played a huge role in bringing in good energy, as its large size, dark colour, and brass frame were all Feng Shui elements. The end result surprised us as we didn’t realise Feng Shui could look so beautiful.”
In achieving the modern-classic design concept, the designers found that it was important to incorporate a good balance of contrast to the space. They likened it to the Ying and Yang concept reflected in the play of dark versus light areas, geometric versus round forms, as well as modern versus classic themed elements, while still maintaining a sleek and modern visual appearance.
Besides the decorative elements, emphasis was also placed on the high-ceilinged ground floor which is one of the unique features of the home. Its beauty is amplified by the feature walls, with vertical designs in the living and dining area which draws the eyes towards the ceiling.
On the first floor, a three-panelled window is replaced with a large-single framed window, allowing the homeowners to take full advantage of breathtaking views of lush greenery. It serves as “live” artwork and a backdrop to the cosy family area. Plenty of natural light streams through the window. “We also added subtle wall lights into the side of the window, an elevated platform, and a suspended ledge for functionality that created a light and floating effect to further emphasise this feature,” explains Lisa.
The team's job as designers was to determine what the client wants in their project. It was also to find a middle ground, coming up with the best solutions while considering all the opinions. “Our end goal is to maintain a good relationship with our clients, as they are like an extended family to us. Without them, our career wouldn’t be interesting,” admits Lisa. The design studio strives to bring a unique touch to all of their projects by creating designs that are timeless and custom-made according to the style and preference of each client.
