House Tour: Posh Victorian style 5-room Hougang HDB has a huge glass chandelier!

This blog post showcases a 5-room HDB flat in Tampines Street 33 that has been transformed into a spacious, contemporary Victorian-style retirement home for a retired couple. The homeowners sought out Chuah Peilin from The Interior Lab to create an English country cottage-inspired environment, prioritizing a clutter-free and expansive living space to accommodate guests during their retirement. The total size of the home is 1506 square feet. The interior design features a predominantly white color scheme with elegant gold accents, contributing to a bright and luxurious ambiance. The living room walls incorporate wainscoting details and wall beading, establishing a classic Victorian aesthetic. Marble tiles at the foyer entrance, along with a shoe cabinet adorned with a simple golden knob, reinforce the regal feel. Gold elements in plant holders, table centerpieces, and wall lights are consistently used throughout the space to tie the modern regal look together. To enhance the sense of spaciousness, several structural modifications were made. A solid wall in the foyer was removed, and wooden beams were installed, offering a visual connection to the kitchen and dining area and adding depth. The former study room adjacent to the kitchen was also reconfigured, creating an open-concept kitchen. This area features a six-seater round dining table with a marbled top and a functional kitchen island. Light grey hues in the furnishings complement the contemporary Victorian kitchen design, while hanging pendant lights and tabletop ornaments provide visual interest. The kitchen cabinetry is detailed with wainscoting and finished in light grey, harmonizing with the overall color palette. Golden knobs and handles maintain the consistent luxurious theme. The design also integrates both display cabinets and concealed storage solutions to accommodate the couple's extensive collection of crockery, drinkware, and kitchen accessories. The master bedroom includes a large built-in wardrobe and a concealed bathroom door, which was a creative suggestion from the interior designer, Peilin. The master bathroom is outfitted with a standing vanity counter, further adding to the home's luxurious feel. Accent pieces such as golden table ornaments, doorknobs, neutral-toned carpets, and lace are used to complete the elegant look. The daughter's room is designed with practicality and personal preference in mind, featuring a walk-in wardrobe for ample storage to prevent clutter, and a tall shelf to maximize vertical space for books. The daughter was actively involved in the design process, choosing a marble wallpaper for her bedroom's feature wall and a matching grey, textured finish for the bay window area. This bay window was specifically designed to replicate a cherished resting spot from her previous home, intended for both relaxation and work. #HDB #InteriorDesign #Tampines #VictorianStyle #RetirementHome #HomeRenovation #OpenConcept #Wainscoting #GoldAccents

Binh and Thomas Allen, a couple with no prior property development experience, embarked on an ambitious three-year renovation of an untouched Victorian terrace in West Dulwich, South London. They discovered a property built in the early 1900s with many original features still intact, a rarity in today's market, and were captivated by its inherent charm. Their vision for the home was to blend its historical Victorian elements with modern mid-century furniture and contemporary furnishings, a reflection of their diverse backgrounds—Binh from Vietnam and Thomas from Switzerland. The renovation was not without significant challenges. The couple chose to live in the house throughout the process, even enduring a period where their roof was removed for a loft conversion. This meant sharing their living space with builders six days a week and contending with constant dust and exposure to the elements, including birds flying into their bedroom through the open roof. Despite these difficulties, their belief in their dream home never wavered. They meticulously managed the project themselves, from sourcing all materials and furnishings to keeping a strict handle on the budget, a task at which Thomas excelled with his detailed spreadsheets. A key motivation for purchasing a "doer-upper" was to maximize their investment. They began with essential upgrades, such as installing a new boiler and removing outdated carpeting. The renovation was phased over three years due to budget constraints. In the second year, they tackled bathroom renovations, and by the third year, they undertook the two most significant projects: the loft conversion and the kitchen remodeling. They gathered ideas by attending local open house sales, which also helped them understand the precedents for loft conversions and extensions in their area, aiding in the planning permission process. For the loft conversion, they hired a builder with the understanding that they would procure all materials themselves. This hands-on approach resulted in a 20 percent saving on the overall cost, and they learned to negotiate prices effectively. Although the work fell under permitted development, they enlisted an architect specializing in period properties to creatively maximize the space and ensure a premium finish. The architect designed a master suite without compromising ceiling height by strengthening existing joists and adding new ones, avoiding the need for steel beams that would have reduced headroom. They also used the opportunity of scaffolding to repaint windows, repoint, install solar panels, and repair exterior damage. The kitchen renovation involved removing a chimney breast to create space for units, taking out the back wall, and installing Crittall doors. They opted for long and wide timber floorboards to enhance the sense of space and a Shaker-style kitchen with brass details for an urban country aesthetic. Cost savings were achieved by selecting a marble-inspired matte worktop made from natural, recyclable materials, with an offcut used to create a feature shelf. Their patio design was inspired by travertine tiles seen on holiday in Israel, chosen for their creamy, warm appearance and minimalist, Mediterranean feel. They also installed a home office/cinema room in the garden, a multifunctional retreat surrounded by greenery. Inside, they maintained a consistent blue and white color palette, restored original Victorian cornices and ceiling roses, and chose a mix of modern and antique furnishings to create a unique character without being overly traditional. The entrance hall's original Victorian tiles were preserved, with broken ones replaced by matching imitation tiles, and the front door's frosted glass was replaced with stained glass inspired by the floor tiles. The bathroom features reclaimed period tiles from Spain, contrasted with white wall tiles and paint, accommodating a large shower and freestanding bath. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #LoftConversion #KitchenRemodel #InteriorDesign #DIYProject #PeriodProperty #HomeImprovement #LondonRealEstate

This blog post showcases a classical Victorian-style renovation of a 5-room HDB flat located in the Pinnacle @ Duxton, achieved on a budget of $45,000. The homeowners, a couple with two young children, desired a lively and vibrant living space. They collaborated with interior designer Raymond Zhang from Vegas Interior Design to achieve a modern Baroque aesthetic that blends classical elements with bold, contemporary colors. The interior design successfully integrates traditional Baroque features, such as Chippendale legs on furniture, with modern touches like silver and black accents to prevent the design from appearing outdated. A prominent black chandelier serves as a focal point in the entryway, sourced by the designer at half its retail price of $6,000, demonstrating savvy budgeting. A key aspect of the home's design is the strategic use of bold colors. Flamingo pink and rich plum shades are used to distinctly define the living and dining areas, injecting an energetic and flamboyant atmosphere into the home. The living room also features a unique display of the wife's designer Barbie doll collection, which doubles as creative storage for books and magazines, adding a playful and personalized touch to the space. The master bedroom continues the theme, leaning into a more traditional Baroque style with an ornate vanity set and headboard in classic gold and ivory tones. However, the consistent integration of vivid colors is maintained through the use of red velvet upholstery for the stool, ensuring continuity with the home's overall vibrant aesthetic. This renovation masterfully combines classical architectural details, such as ornate furniture, with modern elements like the black chandelier, achieving a balanced and cohesive look. The deliberate incorporation of bright color pops throughout the flat—from the flamingo pink living room and plum dining area to the red and gold accents in the bedroom—infuses the classical style HDB with a youthful and energetic vibe. Ultimately, the design creates a unique living space that skillfully merges traditional Baroque elegance with contemporary edginess. The home stands as a testament to design versatility, where vintage details, modern touches, and bold colors come together to create an environment that is both sophisticated and full of life, leaving a lasting impression on visitors with its impeccable and vibrant style. #FiveRoom #Baroque #BoldColours #HomeTour #PinnacleDuxton #HDBFlat #InteriorDesign #ClassicalStyle #Renovation

This article details the transformation of an HDB maisonette in Hougang into a colonial-styled home, achieved through a $70,000 renovation (excluding furnishings). The homeowners, Subashini and Prakash, sought to combine their appreciation for bold, statement interior designs with the monochromatic and elegant elements characteristic of black and white colonial houses. They enlisted the DISTINCTidENTITY design team, who completed the renovation in eight weeks, with the family moving in during July 2021. The design process focused on creating a spacious and integrated living environment. The previously closed and dark kitchen was converted into an open-concept space, serving as a central hub. A key feature of the kitchen is a vibrant blue accent wall, chosen to complement a specific painting the homeowners wanted to display, and echoed in a custom dining table from De Woodscape. The kitchen also incorporates a waterfall island counter, fulfilling Subashini's request for a baking space and offering additional counter area, storage for appliances, and a family-friendly spot for children to assist with chores. Functionality was also a priority in the kitchen's redesign. The original entrance to the powder room from the kitchen was sealed, and a new access point was created from the passageway. This strategic change not only ensured guest privacy by making the powder room accessible from the living area but also carved out essential space for a dedicated laundry area, complete with a sink, washing machine, and dryer. An otherwise unused area at the foot of the stairs was creatively transformed into a bar area, designed to serve as a foyer. This space features a standing bar and two rattan chairs, which were specifically chosen to complement the living room's wooden elements and provide additional seating for entertaining guests. The home's furniture and decor were entirely new purchases, aligning with the black and white colonial theme, with some pieces sourced from secondhand stores to enhance the aesthetic. The exterior terrace was meticulously designed to integrate with the colonial theme. Checkered tiles, laid diagonally, were chosen for the balcony to add visual depth. Horizontal invisible grilles were installed for safety without obstructing the view or the home's natural light and breeze. The homeowners opted not to cover the east-west facing terrace, instead decorating it with large potted plants suited to rain and sunshine, highlighting their preference for natural elements. The bathrooms were also given careful consideration; the powder room and children’s bathroom were designed with an 'infinity' tiling layout to create an illusion of greater space, while the master bathroom adopted a sophisticated black and white tile scheme with gold trimmings. #HDBMaisonette #ColonialStyle #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #OpenConceptKitchen #MonochromaticPalette #TerraceDesign #SingaporeHomes

This article highlights the renovation of an executive mansionette in Lorong Ah Soo, showcasing a unique 5.5-meter tall, curved home library designed by The Local INN.terior. The renovation drew inspiration from industrial-style cafes and the fantastical aesthetics of the Harry Potter series, transforming an empty curved space into a functional and aesthetic library ideal for quiet reflection, reading, and relaxation. The owner's primary desire was to create a family-centric home that could comfortably accommodate everyone and frequently host guests. This project by The Local INN.terior successfully converted a previously 'over-renovated,' closed-off, and congested space into an open-concept dwelling, a significant achievement given the initial state of the residence, which was not the family's first choice. The design emphasizes communal living while maintaining clear distinctions between private and collective areas. The interior features minimal furniture, shelves, and overhead fixtures to enhance the sense of openness. To cleverly conceal less attractive but essential home equipment, such as washing machines, the design incorporates half-height partitions and black-framed windows, which also serve to maximize natural light throughout the home. The material palette includes a sophisticated mix of darker and lighter wood elements, complemented by black handles, frames, and railings. This combination contributes to an overall aesthetic of sophistication and minimalism, with subtle contemporary avant-garde touches evident in the master bedroom and bathroom. The transformation reflects a successful integration of innovative design with practical family needs, creating a harmonious and stylish living environment. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #HDBMansionette #HomeLibrary #CurvedDesign #IndustrialStyle #OpenConceptLiving #TheLocalINNTerior

This article showcases a 2016 HDB BTO flat that has been transformed by designer Chong Su Min of M3 Studio into a living space inspired by colonial black and white houses and Peranakan design. The design approach begins with minimalism, utilizing concrete screed floors and white painted walls as a neutral backdrop to emphasize the furniture and decor. A key element of the transformation involves spatial reimagination through BTO room hacking, specifically removing one bedroom to expand the living and dining areas, creating a more open and fluid environment. A built-in storage daybed under the windows serves both functional and decorative purposes, aligning with the vintage aesthetic of the home. The entrance features colorful patterned mosaic tiles from An Huat Trading, seamlessly integrated into the concrete screed flooring, establishing an immediate visual impact. A wooden table from the International Furniture Fair Singapore is enhanced with a stone tabletop that includes a mother-of-pearl inlay, reflecting a careful selection of unique design elements. The living area is adorned with decorative platters and plates collected from Spain and Arab Street. A notable design innovation in this space is the use of ventilation blocks in a back-lit feature wall behind the TV, blending traditional and contemporary design elements. Vintage decor is carefully curated throughout the flat. A wooden cabinet with sliced agate handles serves as a focal point for displaying collected items, while framed Peranakan tiles, sourced from the Sungei Road flea market, add historical and cultural layers to the white walls. The kitchen maintains the vintage-inspired aesthetic with jade green subway tiles and terracotta-look floor tiles from Hafary, complemented by cabinet doors with paneling details and Ikea handles. Even small details, such as light switches sourced from Penang, Malaysia, contribute to the cohesive design narrative. Peranakan influences are evident in various parts of the home, including the master bedroom, which features a second-hand, dark-stained wooden bed frame with a woven cane headboard from Expat Auctions, blending vintage charm with contemporary sensibilities. In the bathrooms, new patterns and solid colors overlay existing tiles, and shower screens with black frames are incorporated to maintain clean lines and a refined aesthetic. Each design decision is intentional, aiming to create a cohesive and well-thought-out living space. The article concludes by highlighting how this HDB BTO flat serves as an example of thoughtful design, demonstrating that a compact living space can be transformed into a story-rich home that celebrates Singapore’s architectural and cultural heritage through creative curation and a deep understanding of design history. #HomeTour #ColonialDesign #PeranakanInspired #HDBBTO #InteriorDesign #VintageDecor #SpatialReimagination #M3Studio #SingaporeanHeritage

The NR House, located in Hyderabad's upscale Jubilee Hills, is a sprawling 9,023-square-foot residence that exemplifies a seamless blend of luxury and sustainability. Designed and owned by Niroop Kumar Reddy, principal architect of NA Architects, the home reflects the personalities and lifestyles of its inhabitants through its thoughtfully conceptualized design. From the outset, the home makes a stunning impression with its expansive scale, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant natural light that define its facade. A key design philosophy behind NR House is sustainability, evident in the natural material palette and the incorporation of semiprecious and natural stone accents throughout. The architect emphasizes the use of renewable elements such as stone, wood, organic fabrics, metal, and brass, juxtaposed to create harmonious interiors. The project aimed to demonstrate that sustainable living can coexist with luxury, allowing for experimental design choices due to it being the architect's personal residence. Sustainable features are integrated throughout the property, including a terrace utilized for organic vegetation and solar panels that supply electricity. Notably, natural stone found on the site has been repurposed as a design element, both within the interior and in the landscape. Exposed concrete ceilings with various embedded designs add intriguing textures, while marble, brass inlays, and metallic accents contribute to the overall sophistication of the spaces. The design prioritizes maximizing the perception of space. Cavity doors blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas, facilitating air circulation. Strategically placed clerestory windows allow natural light to flood the interiors, and frameless windows and apertures offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding courtyards, further expanding the visual space. The grand entrance features a 20-foot-high main door and a monolithic stone-clad wall, creating a dramatic welcome. The family living room, an extension of the formal double-height living room, incorporates a rustic stone-clad wall as a backdrop for the sofa, with a fireplace integrated into the TV unit. Unique boulder-shaped steps lead to the lobby, adding a touch of natural artistry. The living room seamlessly opens onto a lap pool that spans the entire length of the ground floor, visually connecting all lower-level spaces. The ground floor is designed for both indoor and outdoor entertainment, offering picturesque views of the pool deck and lush foliage. The dining room provides a tranquil setting with neutral tones and views of the east garden, complemented by an exposed concrete ceiling and a distinctive tubular glass light fixture. The master bedroom maintains an elegant, minimalistic ambiance with neutral tones and a striking graffiti wall behind the bed. A highlight of this private sanctuary is the terrace, complete with a garden, outdoor jacuzzi, and expansive city views. The son's room is a split-level design, featuring a lounge and study area on the lower level and a sleeping area with a bathroom on the upper level. The daughter's room exudes feminine elegance with a modern classical white theme, adorned with handmade porcelain flowers and a playful artwork. The semi-basement houses a bar, with an original 1920 Lambretta scooter ingeniously repurposed as the bar counter, serving as a focal point for relaxation and entertainment. Finally, the home theatre, characterized by black-clad walls and a rippled concrete ceiling, provides an authentic movie-viewing experience, further enhanced by a fabric-embroidered zebra artwork. #HyderabadHome #SustainableLuxury #NAArchitects #ModernArchitecture #EcoFriendlyDesign #NaturalMaterials #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #GreenBuilding

This blog post showcases an executive maisonette in Singapore that has undergone a remarkable transformation, adopting the aesthetics of an upper-class Japanese ryokan. The renovation, executed by Right Angle Studio, skillfully integrates Japanese minimalism and traditional design elements into an HDB flat, creating a sophisticated and tranquil living space. The design prioritizes the beauty of nature and simplicity, resulting in a timeless and elegant home. A key feature of this transformation is the extensive use of wood throughout the maisonette. Inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, the home incorporates numerous wood-clad surfaces, including ceilings and an oak-wood bar counter that also functions as an accent wall. Shoji screens are prominently featured on every window, enhancing the authentic Japanese ambiance and providing a sense of privacy and diffused light. These elements collectively contribute to a warm and natural interior. The staircase area is another focal point, showcasing innovative design. Large wooden feature steps extend beyond the traditional staircase, serving as a versatile seating platform or a decorative ledge for displaying artwork and other items. This thoughtful addition provides visual and textural depth to an otherwise conventional part of the house. Furthermore, an artificial skylight illuminates the stairwell, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. A unique built-in planter at the base of the staircase houses a Japanese maple tree, introducing a natural element indoors. The wood-clad balustrade on the staircase directs attention upwards, framing the wooden windows on the second floor and adding to the architectural interest. One of the most captivating aspects of the renovation is the mini zen garden balcony. Sliding full-length shoji screens separate the living area from this tranquil outdoor space. The balcony is meticulously designed with a mini shishi-odoshi, a traditional Japanese water fountain, a pebble feature, and an everfresh tree, all contributing to an authentic Japanese garden feel. The living area itself includes a faux fireplace, which further enhances the feeling of being in a serene, natural setting reminiscent of a Japanese retreat. The bedroom continues the Japanese theme with a modern interpretation. It features a platform tatami bed, creating a low-profile sleeping area characteristic of Japanese design. Slightly elevated side tables with integrated storage maintain the minimalist aesthetic while offering practical functionality. A half-wall curved wood feature in the bedroom adds a touch of architectural elegance, evoking the sophisticated atmosphere of a suite in a high-end Japanese hotel. Overall, the HDB maisonette successfully merges Japanese design principles with contemporary living, offering a refined and immersive experience that transports residents to a holiday-like setting in Japan. #HDBMaisonette #JapaneseInteriorDesign #RyokanAesthetic #ZenGarden #ShojiScreens #WoodCladInteriors #SingaporeHome #RightAngleStudio #HomeRenovation

Hallie Meyers-Shyer, a director known for her work in film, brings her cinematic eye to her Benedict Canyon home, a 1954 one-story hacienda that blends mid-century Spanish style with modern charm. Her design philosophy, honed through her film projects like "Home Again," emphasizes creating lived-in spaces that reflect character and personal stories. The article highlights how Meyers-Shyer's approach to home design is deeply influenced by her professional experience in filmmaking, where every detail contributes to the overall narrative and aesthetic. In her directorial debut, "Home Again," starring Reese Witherspoon, Meyers-Shyer meticulously crafted the interiors of the main character's home to convey a California bohemian feel, incorporating vibrant colors, patterns, and authentic details. This hands-on approach extended to her own residence, which she shares with tech entrepreneur Ophir Tanz and their dog, Indy. After a year-long search, they discovered the hacienda, drawn to its unique layout, mystical vibe, and echoes of homes from her childhood and those admired, like Georgia O’Keeffe’s desert abode. The challenge was to merge her earthy, cozy style with Tanz's preference for mid-century modern, resulting in a refined-meets-rustic aesthetic. The couple's home features exposed wood beams, skylights, textured stucco walls, and a soft, neutral color palette, drawing inspiration from designers such as Axel Vervoordt, Atelier AM, and Rose Uniacke. They preserved the hacienda’s original architectural elements, such as dramatic arches, hidden nooks, and a double-sided fireplace, while undertaking modern renovations in the bathrooms and kitchen. The kitchen, for instance, retained its adobe walls but was updated with handmade white square tiles and ceramic pendant lamps, reflecting Meyers-Shyer's preference for combining neutrals with rustic architecture and collecting black pottery. Family friend and designer Mark D. Sikes provided a decor blueprint, assisting with spatial planning for the home's unique layout. Furnishings and accessories were sourced from favored stores like Nickey Kehoe, Garde, deKor & Co., and John Derian. Custom pieces, such as the wood dining room table with an iron base by Chad Hagerman, were also incorporated. The decor is further enriched by an eclectic mix of objects and textiles collected during their travels, including a suzani wall hanging and Moroccan rugs. Meyers-Shyer prioritizes vintage pieces and lived-in elements, valuing the stories they tell over brand-new items. Personal touches abound, including items from her film sets, such as a Meridith Baer foyer table and an abstract painting by Catherine Booker Jones. Her parents, who live nearby, contributed vintage lamps, upholstered French Deco chairs, and various art pieces, adding to the home’s sentimental value. Meyers-Shyer reflects on the importance of patience in creating a home, understanding that it's a process that unfolds over time. She offers three key cues for creating a "picture-perfect home": visualizing the space through tools like Pinterest, embracing cinematic design principles with rich textures and colors for visual impact, and focusing on the warmth and relatability that make a home inviting and reflective of its inhabitants. #HomeTour #MidCenturyDesign #HaciendaStyle #InteriorDesign #HallieMeyersShyer #BenedictCanyon #ModernCharm #FilmMakingInfluence #RusticModern

In early 2020, Julie Chung and Kent Yu, cofounders of the hair-tool brand T3, and their three children faced increasing space constraints in their 4,000-square-foot Spanish-style home in the Pacific Palisades due to the pandemic's stay-at-home era. Despite having no initial plans to move, a nearby 11,000-square-foot spec house, previously deemed too large, began to look appealing. They purchased the newly completed property and enlisted interior designer Sierra Fox of Studio Mtn to personalize it and counteract its 'spec house' feel. The primary goal was to 'de-spec' the home and introduce warmth, as the house was originally painted entirely in white. Fox aimed to make the expansive spaces feel inviting rather than cavernous, addressing common issues with non-custom homes where certain areas might go unused. One significant change involved removing a prominent bar between two living spaces on the first floor, which, though central, did not align with the family's lifestyle. It was replaced with a piano, played by all three children. The formal living room was transformed with vintage Kagan sofas, providing comfortable seating that encouraged use, a departure from their previous home's rigid furniture. The design ethos was inspired by nature, but with a refined, old-world element, while maintaining practicality, ensuring the house wasn't a 'museum.' A standout feature is an 18-foot oak-leaf chandelier crafted by Cox London, conceived by Chung as a 'giant upside-down tree' in place of a traditional crystal foyer chandelier. This piece involved a nine-month design and construction process, including extensive sampling for leaf colors and a life-size paper mockup to ensure precise placement along the staircase. Attention to detail extended to more subtle elements, such as a faint hand-painted mural in the dining room, which took an artist three weeks to complete. This abstract and subtle mural reveals its depth upon closer inspection. Bathroom design was also crucial for the couple, given their background with T3. A previously all-white bathroom with black details was warmed up with brass fixtures, a vintage mirror, wallpaper, and a rose marble vanity. The office space, where Yu spends considerable time, was designed to be more engaging than just a desk and computer. The family's favorite spot, however, is the finished basement, which is not visible from the main living areas. Initially an empty white shell, it was transformed into a cozy library, wine cellar, and movie room. Inspired by a photo of a black bookcase, the space was designed with dark, chocolate brown tones, curved furniture, and rich textures. The basement also includes sofas that convert into twin-size beds, ideal for sleepovers. Chung initially had reservations about the dark color palette but was convinced once the wallpaper was installed, appreciating the distinct ambiance it created, making it feel like an escape within their own home. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHome #PacificPalisades #Chandelier #CustomDesign #FamilyHome #SierraFox #SpecHouseRenovation

Victoria and David Beckham's Cotswolds home, a converted barn well-documented in the documentary 'Beckham' and on social media, features a unique and ornate chandelier that adds a delicate touch to the robust space. The high-ceilinged sitting room, with its wooden panels, is made chic by the intricate details of this lighting fixture, illustrating a successful contrast between hard materials and dainty design elements. Experts emphasize the importance of appropriate lighting in rooms with high ceilings to ensure even light distribution, making larger fixtures like chandeliers ideal for such expansive areas. Interior designer Zoe Newson, an advisor to Vinterior, highlights that while high ceilings are characteristic of Victorian properties, unlike Georgian homes, they may not always have large windows, necessitating well-distributed lighting to maintain a bright and welcoming ambiance in spaces like hallways or stairwells. However, Newson cautions against relying solely on one chandelier for illumination. She suggests augmenting the feature chandelier with a mix of table and standing lamps to reach corners that overhead light might miss, a practice observed in the Beckhams' home where a table lamp provides an additional light source. The Beckhams have chosen a more traditional, antique-inspired chandelier, yet Newson points out that high ceilings offer considerable versatility for various lighting fixtures. Individuals preferring contemporary styles can seamlessly integrate modern pieces into restored homes. The unique architectural features of high-ceilinged rooms, including their often distinct shapes, encourage creative experimentation with lighting. This includes mixing and matching vintage and modern fixtures and playing with diverse textures and colors, such as patterned lampshades or metal anglepoise wall lights. This approach allows homeowners to infuse personal style while effectively lighting their spaces. The article concludes by showcasing examples of chandeliers suitable for historic or restored properties with high ceilings, including options like the Lockhart Forged Iron Chandelier, an Art Deco Crystal Chandelier, and the Gemma Crystal Round Chandelier, suggesting these pieces can enhance the aesthetic and functionality of such environments. #CelebrityHomes #InteriorDesign #LightingIdeas #Chandelier #HighCeilings #HomeDecor #CotswoldsHome #AntiqueInspired #ModernLighting

Mr. Chow, an entrepreneur in Jinhua City, China’s Zhejiang Province, acquired a spacious 5,381-square-foot four-level home, which, despite its ample balconies and courtyard, suffered from a significant lack of natural light. To address this, he commissioned Liang Architecture Studio for a comprehensive renovation, completed in December 2019. The core of the renovation involved transforming the home’s central space. The design team removed the second and third-level floor slabs in the foyer, creating a dramatic, voluminous atrium that extends from the basement to the roof. This open core now serves as the central focal point of the residence, significantly improving light penetration. Structural beams within this soaring space were deliberately retained to honor the building’s history, while footbridges on the second and third levels connect the two sides of the building, maintaining continuity and flow across the expanded void. To maximize natural light and introduce dynamic visual effects, the entire interior volume was crowned with a perforated aluminum panel situated beneath a glass roof. This innovative addition allows for a captivating interplay of natural light and shadow throughout the day, constantly shifting and animating the interior spaces. Furthermore, new perimeter window openings were strategically added to further enhance light distribution throughout the home. The layout of the home was reconfigured to optimize functionality and foster a more convivial atmosphere for the family. The main floor now accommodates the living spaces and a bedroom, providing a central hub for daily activities. The second floor is dedicated to the children’s bedroom and bath, a secondary living room, and a study, offering private and communal spaces for the younger residents. The third floor features an expansive master suite, an additional study/bedroom suite, and a terrace, providing luxurious and private retreats. The basement was transformed into a recreational area, equipped with a home theater, gym, tearoom, and a sunken courtyard at the base of the new atrium, offering diverse options for relaxation and entertainment. Mr. Chow's primary objective for the remodel was to cultivate a more casual and interactive environment for his family, facilitating both shared moments and individual pursuits. The renovation successfully achieved this goal, with Chow noting that the family now has more opportunities to engage in activities together, such as cooking, watching movies, and enjoying tea. The architectural changes have dramatically improved the home's connection to natural light, transforming it from a dimly lit dwelling to one filled with dynamic, dappled light throughout the day and year. This constant interaction of light and shadow creates an ever-evolving visual experience for the occupants. The successful integration of light and space has profoundly impacted the family's lifestyle, fostering a newfound appreciation for their home and encouraging more time spent together within its revitalized walls. #homeRenovation #architecturalDesign #naturalLight #atrium #perforatedRoof #JinhuaCity #LiangArchitectureStudio #modernHome #interiorDesign

The article presents a curated collection of 25 grand foyers, all characterized by their high ceilings, designed to inspire elegance and drama in an entryway. Each example showcases a distinct style, ranging from classic to contemporary, and highlights various design elements that contribute to a luxurious and inviting first impression. The featured foyers incorporate diverse architectural and decorative details such as striking chandeliers, elegant staircases, and beautiful flooring. They demonstrate how different materials, color palettes, and stylistic choices can transform a functional space into a captivating area. Several examples illustrate the concept of captivating luxury, featuring oversized chandeliers as central focal points within spacious entryways. High contrast designs are explored through elements like bright white spiral staircases against dark navy walls, creating visual interest and dynamism. The inclusion of historic homes, such as one in San Francisco's Pacific Heights Neighborhood, demonstrates the integration of wood paneling and traditional chandeliers to maintain historic charm while achieving grandeur. Light and bright foyers are presented with white walls and crystal chandeliers complemented by dark wood accents and soft carpeting, emphasizing an airy and welcoming atmosphere. Glamorous entryways are detailed with custom railings, plaster walls, and marble flooring, designed to leave guests captivated upon arrival. The fusion of classic and contemporary styles is shown through black and white tiled floors in modern spaces. Modern luxury is further exemplified by shining white floors, waterfall chandeliers, and grand pianos, creating a lavish environment. The article also includes examples that integrate a splash of color, such as dark woods paired with bright blue accents in a stylish penthouse foyer. Designs focusing on striking beauty highlight crystal empire chandeliers as focal points, adding sophistication to grand foyers. Bright neutral palettes are demonstrated through light wood paneled ceilings and brown and beige flooring tiles, creating a stylish and subdued elegance. Grand elegance is achieved with gold accents, unique furniture pieces like Lalique cactus tables, and imperial staircases. Modern earth tones are showcased in foyers featuring custom staircases and large steel windows, providing a natural yet contemporary feel. Crisp white aesthetics are featured with custom designed handrails and all-white interiors, emphasizing cleanliness and sophistication. Bright and spacious entryways are illustrated by airy foyers in estates, designed to maximize light and openness. Gorgeous grays are presented in entryway hallways with tall, modern, and sophisticated gray walls. Farmhouse-style interiors with double-height foyers and wood-beamed ceilings offer a rustic yet grand appeal. Modern style foyers incorporate statement wallcoverings, intriguing lighting displays, and floating wooden staircases. Traditional beauty is conveyed through columns and barrel-vaulted ceilings, lending a classic touch to the space. Contemporary charm is captured in designs featuring modern aesthetics in picturesque locations like Aspen, Colorado. Chic and captivating foyers draw attention with black and white gallery walls and eye-catching chandeliers. The article also touches upon midcentury retreats with floor-to-ceiling windows, red hot interiors with bold carpeting, neutral gray schemes, and spaces that mix and match materials and finishes for elevated design, concluding with traditional palace designs featuring intricate murals, gold accents, and classic columns. #FoyerDesign #HighCeilings #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDecor #EntrywayIdeas #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #StaircaseDesign #ChandelierLighting

Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and Princess Diana's younger brother, provided a rare glimpse into a part of his historic residence, Althorp House, which is not frequently seen by the public. Althorp House was Princess Diana's childhood home. The revelation came through several photos posted on Instagram, showcasing the preparations for the upcoming Althorp Literary Festival. One particular image highlighted the 'State Dining Room,' an area that has seldom been featured in Spencer's previous social media updates. The 'State Dining Room' is depicted with a striking navy patterned wallpaper and a ceiling adorned with multiple exquisite chandeliers, creating a breathtaking and grand atmosphere. This room is set to serve as one of the auditoriums for the literary festival. Spencer detailed the purpose of the elaborate setup, noting that the Althorp Literary Festival was scheduled to take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The event promised a lineup of notable authors and personalities, including David Mitchell, Harlan Coben, Clare Balding, and Dame Harriet Walker. In addition to the dining room, Spencer shared a new photograph of the house's extensive library, which is another impressive space within the 90-room estate, spanning 13,000 acres. The library is known to house approximately 10,000 books and is characterized by its mahogany furniture pieces and a deep red leather armchair, contributing to a rustic yet elegant ambiance. A large chandelier also hangs prominently in the library, mirroring the opulence found in the dining room. A previous Instagram post by Spencer included a picture of a lurcher dog comfortably resting on one of the library chairs, bathed in natural sunlight. Spencer also previously clarified the history of the library, revealing that it traditionally served as the family sitting room. He noted that the collection includes remnants of a private library amassed by the Second Earl, which was once considered among the finest globally. The article underscores Spencer's ongoing efforts to share insights into the historical and architectural grandeur of Althorp House with his followers, often incorporating historical facts about the property and its contents. #CharlesSpencer #AlthorpHouse #RoyalHomes #PrincessDiana #HistoricEstate #LuxuryInteriors #AlthorpLiteraryFestival #Chandeliers #HomeDecor

This article details the renovation of a 925 sq ft, 4-room HDB resale flat at Balam Road for a homeowner who is a music and plant enthusiast and enjoys hosting guests. The interior design, executed by Threehaus Works and led by Thi Yi, focused on creating unique spaces that reflect the homeowner's passions, featuring angled walls and a raw, industrial aesthetic. The renovation cost approximately $85,000 and took about four-and-a-half months to complete, concluding in June 2024. One of the primary design objectives was to create an indoor balcony for entertaining. This was achieved by demolishing an existing wall between the living room and an adjacent bedroom and erecting a new diagonal wall, resulting in a trapezoidal balcony space. The entrance foyer features terracotta tiles in a triangulated section, mirroring the diagonal balcony wall, to signify the transition from outside to inside. This is further emphasized by the main floor being a step up from the foyer, and the contrast between the terracotta and the cement screed in the living and dining areas, eliminating the need for physical partitions. The living room is centered around a custom-built concrete television console designed to house the homeowner's turntable, speakers, and vinyl collection, also serving as a bench for guests. Its angled form complements the other diagonal elements in the home, ensuring cohesive design language and improving circulation towards the kitchen. The living room's raw finishes and grungy aesthetic align with the homeowner's personal style, and a "blank canvas" area above the console provides space to display travel souvenirs and concert posters. The balcony area is specifically designed for the homeowner's extensive plant collection, featuring ample shelving and provisions for hanging plants. A sliding door separates the balcony from the living room, maintaining air-conditioning efficiency, while glass blocks allow natural light to diffuse into the living space. Terracotta floor tiles in the balcony further enhance the illusion of an outdoor area within the enclosed space. In the dining room, a custom-made window grille, reminiscent of classic HDB designs, acts as a nostalgic backdrop for the homeowner's memorabilia and board games. Deliberately mismatched dining chairs add an eclectic touch to the area. The kitchen initially had patterned tiles that the interior designer considered salvaging but were mostly lost during removal. A few pieces were rescued and repurposed as coasters, serving as a memento of the original flat. A bright orange pipe in the kitchen, along with a similar one in the common bathroom, was intentionally retained and highlighted with color rather than concealed. The master bedroom adopts a minimalist approach to foster a calm and restful environment, with no built-in carpentry and an open wardrobe system reinforcing this style. The master bathroom was expanded by repositioning a wall to incorporate a vanity area. A half-height parapet wall separates the shower and includes a niche for toiletries. Finally, a dedicated home office nook was created as a natural outcome of the diagonal wall in the living space, providing a focused area for work. The renovation involved extensive demolition and reconfiguring of internal walls, contributing to the total duration and cost, partly due to the flat's age requiring additional structural and infrastructure assessments. #HomeTour #HDBResale #FourRoomFlat #InteriorDesign #Renovation #ThreehausWorks #BalamRoad #MusicLoverHome #PlantLoverHome

This blog post offers a virtual tour of a unique five-bedroom Victorian home located in Canonbury, London, distinguished by its quirky octagonal tower. The property, currently on the market for £5.5 million through Savills, combines a detached house built around 1855 with a two-storey 16th-century tower, originally a garden room for Canonbury House. The interior showcases original period features meticulously restored by the current owners. The exterior of the property reveals a harmonious blend of the Victorian structure and the historical octagonal tower, creating an intriguing architectural presence. Upon entering, the galley kitchen, while compact for the house's overall size, is presented as a stylish and functional space. It features an all-white design accented by a vibrant blue paint application on shelves, offering a splash of color without overwhelming the clean aesthetic. The living room is highlighted for its preserved period details, including an elegant marble fireplace and intricate ceiling cornices, which underscore the home's historical charm. The dining room, uniquely situated within the octagonal tower, provides a distinctive dining experience. Its neutral decor allows the architectural uniqueness of the tower to be the focal point. The bedroom presented in the tour features a calming pink color scheme and innovative use of a 'zoning wall' for storage. This design choice helps define distinct areas within the large bedroom, separating sleeping quarters from other living spaces. The property also includes a garden room, a conservatory located off the kitchen at the rear of the house. This space is designed for relaxation, offering views of nature and a tranquil environment. Completing the tour is a glimpse of the garden, which complements the grandeur of the home. The current sale of the property is being managed by the daughter of its late owner, Evan Hercules, a renowned television and film production designer and art director known for his work on productions like 'Midnight Express'. The article concludes by inviting readers to consider the advantages and challenges of owning a home with such unusual architectural dimensions, particularly concerning furniture placement. #VictorianHome #LondonProperty #OctagonalTower #PeriodFeatures #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #RealEstate #Canonbury #ArchitecturalUniqueness