Sleek and chic

Their smart home is a "home without age barriers".

Wed, Oct 19, 2011
AsiaOne

By Annie Ooi

Switching from a terrace house to their bungalow required a change in mindset as well as an adjustment of lifestyle.

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The Lees, both a youthful 41, said the biggest challenge going from moderate to upscale was learning to adapt to the generous dimensions of space. They described their smart home as a "home without age barriers".

Relying on the expertise of interior design specialist PDI Design & Associates, the couple remained involved at every stage of the design process. The 9,000sq ft built-up area is spread across two-and-a-half storeys.

"PDI conceptualised the design. It was the first time we were living in a bungalow and we knew we needed a designer to help us make the house livable," recalled Lee with a chuckle.

Drawing comparison to their terrace corner house designed on a Balinese theme which was three times smaller, he admitted that his household comprising four children, his mother-in-law and a helper had to re-learn "how to live and enjoy things differently while utilising every corner of the space".

Sleek kitchen

A dry and wet kitchen was incorporated along with a plush island kitchen counter to accommodate a large area for food preparation as well as the enjoyment of meals.

The elongated bar counter where many meals are enjoyed is also the lady of the house's favourite spot. The sleek kitchen combining black and white marble flooring and a generous splash of shiny, silver tiles make a statement of style.

The entire bungalow, equipped with high-speed, wireless and high-definition connectivity, complete with fibre and broadband fittings, demonstrate the wonders of modern technology right down to the sophisticated security system.

At the touch of a switch, you can summon recipes on the huge plasma screen in crystal-clear, high definition quality.

The feature wall juxtaposed against an airy, spacious high ceiling spanning 15 to 17 feet (4.6 to 5.3m) has become a conversation spinner for guests.

Attention to detail is not spared in the three-piece stainless steel lighting fixture designed by PDI. The living space is complemented by full-length glass windows that look out onto a small wading pool where the two children, a girl aged seven, and a boy, nine, enjoy playing in.

The Lees' older sons, aged 12 and 14, love the adjoining feature wall of their bedroom that acts as a showcase panel and storage for their toys and memorabilia.

"I think this is a display of childhood dreams. If I were a boy again, I would want such a display showpiece in my room," said Lee.

The recurring theme of the perforated feature wall in the living space is repeated in the master bedroom.

The passage to the dressing area is designed a la Marilyn Monroe style, commanding instant attention with large light bulbs adding glamour to this private space. A right turn leads to a door opening up to a stretch of wardrobes done in high gloss white finish. This leads to the entrance of the bathroom with its double sliding glass door.

Streaks of Mrs Lee's individuality is not only obvious in the dressing room but in the "rough and raw" materials used, such as in the silver mosaic tiles sparkling on the bar counter of the dry kitchen.

"I love to mix and match materials to make them real.

"Even my plates are mismatched. Every corner of the house is nice, but it's where we spend time with the family that matters most," she said.