Houzz Tour: This Monochromatic Condo Shines With Elegance
Sharp lines, glossy materials and precision come together in this Arcadia Road apartment
Created by a designer who cites the monumental Grand Central Terminal in New York as inspiration, this condominium on Arcadia Road is a clean, sharp mix of contemporary luxe materials in open spaces filled with light.
Designer Lawrence Puah of Akihaus Design Studio has a background in architecture that can clearly be seen in the way he works with space. Puah says he has always believed that understanding the client’s perception of space is a key focus in his work.
Precision is another architectural trait that Puah brought to the design of this condo by ensuring that functional components were finished to the highest level possible so that even a cabinet becomes an interior feature.
Designer Lawrence Puah of Akihaus Design Studio has a background in architecture that can clearly be seen in the way he works with space. Puah says he has always believed that understanding the client’s perception of space is a key focus in his work.
Precision is another architectural trait that Puah brought to the design of this condo by ensuring that functional components were finished to the highest level possible so that even a cabinet becomes an interior feature.
Leathered black granite is mixed with a variety of tiles in faux marble textures to create a luxurious look that is easy to maintain.
Tiles: Rice Fields
Tiles: Rice Fields
The lower floor of the unit is dedicated to eating and living, with the kitchen, dining and living areas all flowing into one another. Large windows on the two ends flood the space with daylight.
The colour palette subtly becomes warmer as you move towards the dining with copper pendants and a timber-marble dining table. This then makes the transition to the turfed balcony and condo gardens beyond.
The colour palette subtly becomes warmer as you move towards the dining with copper pendants and a timber-marble dining table. This then makes the transition to the turfed balcony and condo gardens beyond.
The table, which was customised, is topped with timber from a 300-year-old Asam tree from Java.
Originally about three feet too long, the timber was cut to fit the space and the remaining wood repurposed to create the coffee table in the living area.
Table: Zia Concept
Originally about three feet too long, the timber was cut to fit the space and the remaining wood repurposed to create the coffee table in the living area.
Table: Zia Concept
Low-slung furniture hides abundant storage and seating and by keeping the sight lines clear, creates the impression that the main space goes on and on.
The kitchen has been designed to look sharp and modern, but is also highly practical with full-height cabinetry to hide sewage pipes, fridge and a laundry.
The faux marble tiles set off the leathered black granite kitchen island, and contrast with the countertops finished in the white Calacatta Nuvo quartz from Ceasarstone.
Monochrome tones continue in the bedrooms with a softening with charcoal grey, brown and sand. The fabric headboard mirrors the lines of the wardrobe which is covered in a leather-look laminate.
The master bedroom is open to the elements with a concrete pony wall for privacy and cleverly designed switches set into the bedside tables for a luxe hotel experience.
The master bedroom is open to the elements with a concrete pony wall for privacy and cleverly designed switches set into the bedside tables for a luxe hotel experience.
Instead of a static feature wall, the details of the wardrobe were designed to double as decoration.
The double vanity isn’t side-by-side but split to flank the WC and set into the alcoves.
A mix of darker and lighter grey tones adds dimension to the master shower.
Even the children’s bedroom comes in a mix of black, white and grey, but additional pops of colour from furniture brightens up the space.
The main bathroom is contemporary mix of white wall tiles and hexagon floor tiles in black, white and grey.
The only room that doesn’t comply with the glossy monochrome theme is the study with its mix of earthy browns and softer textures. Again, the designer used fine carpentry to create what appears to be a wall of panelling, but is actually a large bank of storage.
TELL US
What do you think is this home’s most striking feature? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
What do you think is this home’s most striking feature? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Who lives here: A professional and his family
Location: Hillcrest Arcadia
Type of property: Two-storey, three-bedroom condominium
Size: 1,770 square feet (164 square metres)
Entering the space, the sharp contrast of black and white is immediately noticed: polished black marble floors and white walls. Touches of deep brown Noir St. Laurent porcelain tiles keep the space from feeling too clinical. The crisp contrast of black and white is repeated throughout the space.