The open planing living area
Cover The open planing living area

Framework Design Studio’s home in the heart of the city exudes calm and sophisticated design

Combining all the convenience of living in the heart of the city with the charm of a private hideaway, this home in the toney Taman U Thant neighbourhood was designed to exude a sense of calm, peace, and sophistication. 

Framework Design Studio had a clear idea of the effect that they wanted to achieve from the outset, and that was to craft a contemporary space that was luxurious and comfortable.

“We furnished, decorated and enhanced this residential build from the ground up to a curated space where our client can seamlessly integrate her daily social life hosting friends and family to a quiet space for relaxing without any effort,” says Joanne Low, creative director and co-founder of Framework Design Studio.   

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Photo 1 of 2 The foyer sets the tone
Photo 2 of 2 The foyer

The client had expressed a desire for a layout conducive to entertaining this ground-floor condominium unit.

To cater to this, the designers created a sprawling open-plan space stretching from the living to the lounge and a terrace with glass doors connecting the indoor space to the small garden.

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Photo 1 of 3 The living room
Photo 2 of 3 Living room
Photo 3 of 3 A neutral palette exudes calm

“The generous seating area is the perfect place for entertainment, and there are also pockets of cosiness where our homeowner can escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world,” states Low.

This space now has functionality in spades while cultivating a fluid indoor-outdoor dynamic.

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Tactile textures and shapes
Above Tactile textures and shapes
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Well curated shelves
Above Well curated shelves

Before the design process, the lounge area had a standard window as a partition with no functionality to the space.

“We transformed the normal window on the wall to a modern and stylish bar and café style table with a half-moon folding window. This also connects to a study with a window bench and a display cabinet for homeowner’s collectables,” explains Low

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Photo 1 of 4 Patio
Photo 2 of 4 The patio is cosy and chic
Photo 3 of 4 The patio is cosy and chic
Photo 4 of 4 A view from the garden

The home’s open-plan layout further encourages a fluidity and connection between the dining and kitchen.

“Our task was to design the space so that the dining and kitchen, including the living room, has natural light where all areas are linked,” opines Low.

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Photo 1 of 4 Breakfast nook
Photo 2 of 4 Breakfast counter
Photo 3 of 4 Breakfast counter
Photo 4 of 4 Archways soften the space

“Closer to the entrance, we arranged a breakfast counter table as a partition, separate from the kitchen and living room to maintain the interaction between both while keeping its functionality.”  

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Photo 1 of 4 Dining room
Photo 2 of 4 The dining room favours natural materials
Photo 3 of 4 The dining room
Photo 4 of 4 The dining room favours natural materials

Oak timber was the designer’s key material selection for floors, ceiling beams and carpentry, which they employed deftly throughout the space in quantities substantial enough to have an impact yet restrained sufficiently so as not to overwhelm the elegant scheme.

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Photo 1 of 4 Space and light in the kitchen
Photo 2 of 4 Kitchen
Photo 3 of 4 Space and light in the kitchen
Photo 4 of 4 The kitchen continues in the same creamy colour scheme

The light timber on the floor, ceiling and cabinetry is the perfect counterbalance.

At the same time, generous amounts of glass imbue ample natural light, affording the entire area a brightness that enhances the home’s breezy aesthetic.

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Photo 1 of 6 Natural light pierces through the home
Photo 2 of 6 Calm corners
Photo 3 of 6 An oasis of calm
Photo 4 of 6 Open shelving and concelaed storage
Photo 5 of 6 Concealed and open strorage
Photo 6 of 6 Calm corners

Appropriately, the bedroom was painted all-white and radiates calming energy. It has the benefit of natural light even where the bed is placed as the designers created a headboard that leaves a gap for light to filter through.

It also serves as the partition to a cosy nook for the client to wind down and read a book.

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Photo 1 of 5 Natural light enters the bedroom
Photo 2 of 5 The bedroom is a serene oasis
Photo 3 of 5 A quiet nook
Photo 4 of 5 Natural light enters the master bedroom
Photo 5 of 5 A pretty bathroom

The walk-in wardrobe combines a minimalist design with enough room for the client to enjoy the luxury of space.

Also, a sanctuary is a bathroom, which encapsulates all three qualities of the bedroom: the feminity of the bed area, the serenity of the cosy nook and the modernity of the walk-in wardrobe.

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Credits

Photography  

Lawrence Choo

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