Houzz Tour: Monochromatic Luxury in a Split-Level Apartment
The lack of colour emphasises the quality finishes and vast spaces in this family home
When Udara Karunathilaka from Atelier X was approached to design this condominium in Bukit Timah, he was excited to work with a limited palette of black and white.
“My client was very specific that she wanted lots of black and white in her house,” explains Karunathilaka. He welcomed the opportunity to work in monochrome: “I’m always fascinated and inspired to work with a monochromatic palette. It gives me freedom to explore and enhance the space with abstract meaning.”
“I explained to her the importance of incorporating contemporary design aesthetics that would create an eclectic, chic and modern elegance.”
“My client was very specific that she wanted lots of black and white in her house,” explains Karunathilaka. He welcomed the opportunity to work in monochrome: “I’m always fascinated and inspired to work with a monochromatic palette. It gives me freedom to explore and enhance the space with abstract meaning.”
“I explained to her the importance of incorporating contemporary design aesthetics that would create an eclectic, chic and modern elegance.”
The Mount Sinai condo is surrounded by greenery and is spread out over three floors with a huge double-volume living space, and an open dining room and kitchen area.
“I re-used some of the existing furniture and fixtures that the client had collected over the years which held sentimental value,” explains Karunathilaka.
“I also managed to blend the existing furniture that had a modern look with the design brief with was a contemporary one.”
“I also managed to blend the existing furniture that had a modern look with the design brief with was a contemporary one.”
The living area is defined by a large L-shaped modular sofa from Belgian brand Sur & Plus and a stunning 5-tiered light, the Crown Major by Nemo Cassina. It hangs by a red cord, the only colour to punctuate the monochromatic palette.
“Additional luxurious features like Volakas marble from Greece, a Jacaranda Atlantic Blue carpet from London, Kent and Pristine drapes from Belgium and graphite paintings by Mahen Perera all helped to create the overall ambience which my client is very happy with,” says Karunathilaka.
The elegant furniture creates bedrooms that feel like luxury hotel rooms.
Flooring: Stones Selection; furniture: Marquis Furniture Gallery; lighting: Sol Luminaire
Flooring: Stones Selection; furniture: Marquis Furniture Gallery; lighting: Sol Luminaire
The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom, as do the two guest bedrooms.
“All the interior fabrication and the installation work was a collaboration between Atelier X and Homeworks Consultancy in Singapore,” says Karunathilaka, whose projects take him from Singapore to Sri Lanka, Indonesia and China.
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What did you find most striking about this home? And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Who lives here: Family with two young boys
Location: Mount Sinai Lane
Type of property: Condominium
Size: 3,600 square feet (334 square metres)
Project duration: 19 weeks
The overall concept for the space was to create a timeless sensibility by using the “intensity of light, the dynamics of the spaces and finely-crafted detailing”.