
Make Room – interior design in Singapore
Barbara Fritschy, founder of Make Room, an interior design firm in Singapore, shares her journey from a career in finance to establishing her design business. Originally from the Netherlands, Fritschy has lived in Singapore for over 13 years, with prior residences in Australia and Switzerland. Her transition into interior design was driven by a desire for a creative outlet, leading her to obtain a diploma in the field. She observed a gap in the market for comprehensive interior styling that makes a house feel personalized and finished, rather than just renovated. This observation formed the foundation of Make Room, which aims to create distinctive and character-filled interiors by integrating styling and design holistically.
The article highlights a recent project by Make Room: a condo in Bedok. Fritschy details the transformation of this condo, noting its unique quality of feeling more like a private landed home despite being a condo unit. A significant design decision involved removing the false ceiling in the living and dining areas, which revealed over two meters of unused vertical space. This structural change dramatically enhanced the sense of openness, addressing a key missing element in the original space. The design phase included a complete rethinking of the floor plan. The kitchen was reconfigured, and a spacious dining area was created. The firm also integrated two distinct home offices and a guest room, ensuring these additions did not compromise the main living space, a crucial aspect for the active young family residing there.
Further enhancements were made to the outdoor areas, specifically the courtyard, which received a major upgrade. This included the addition of a built-in barbecue station and bar, along with ample space for alfresco dining and entertaining. The interior design strategy involved maintaining white walls as a neutral backdrop, allowing vibrant colors, diverse textures, and personal elements to stand out. Details such as patterned tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, and the layering of materials like rattan, reeded glass, wallpaper, and colorful dining booth upholstery were used to infuse character and personality into the home.
Fritschy explains that the condo, while not in terrible condition initially, lacked contrast and felt uninspired. Almost every aspect of the interior was changed, with only one wall between the children’s rooms remaining untouched. She emphasizes the collaborative nature of her studio, involving clients extensively in the design process to ensure the final outcome truly reflects their personality and needs. The most rewarding aspect of this project for Fritschy was witnessing how the home became more functional and personalized for the clients, particularly the custom dining booth that had been a long-held dream for the family. The high ceilings and the strategic use of bifold doors throughout the home—in the courtyard, living room, master bedroom, and a reeded glass door in the dining room—are features she is most proud of, as they collectively enhance the home's aesthetics and functionality, giving each space a distinct personality.
Fritschy describes her personal design style as fluid, varying between clean, earthy minimalism and bold use of color, which she finds fulfilling due to the diverse nature of client projects. She mentions other ongoing projects, including a full turn-key design for a family relocating from Dubai, styling a shophouse, and a renovation project featuring a new kitchen. The ultimate satisfaction in her work comes from that pivotal moment when a space transcends into a living environment that is fresh, thoughtful, and uniquely tailored to its occupants.
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