A Homebody's Hosting Haven

You were renovating your apartment when the fourth season of Emily in Paris was airing on Netflix. Did that inspire the modern French theme?

Actually, I was inspired by another program called The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties. It’s a French reality show about a family that sells luxury real estate to the rich and famous in France. I got to see a lot of French houses through the show, and they all looked very simple yet elegant, which really inspired me. I’ve always liked French houses becausewhile they’re carefully planned, they look effortlessly chic.

When I met up with Christine from Loft.9 Design Studio, I told her that’s exactly what I wanted, but with a bit of local flair since we’re in Singapore, after all. So, we incorporated some Peranakan influences at the entrance, from the floor tiles to the glass on the arched doorway. At that time, reeded glass doors were very popular, but we opted for a floral pattern to emulate Peranakan motifs.

What do you do to relax at home?

I watch TV! I’ve been following this Chinese drama on Netflix, but it got boring after a while, so I’ve started watching more Korean shows now. I think my latest watch is The Judge From Hell on Netflix. Also, I just bought a walking treadmill, so I’ve started walking and exercising while watching my shows.

On weekends, my friends come over to chill and hang out. I often open up my place to different groups of friends for dinner, wine, and just catching up on life. I enjoy that more than going out, so I guess I’m quite a homebody.

Given that you spend most of your time in the living room, how did you make it more comfortable for lounging and hosting?

Apart from the sofa, I have two lounge chairs. One is a rattan chair that looks aesthetically nice but isn’t the most comfortable, as it leans back and is quite low to the ground. Unless you have very strong legs, you might have trouble getting up from it. The other is a 360-degree swivel chair with fabric upholstery.

To make the living room feel more homely, I added a carpet and deliberately avoided bright white lighting. I always have fresh flowers around, too—I find them an inexpensive way to make the space more relaxing.

An arch TV wall design effortlessly transforms your living room into a statement space. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, classic, or eclectic vibe, this architectural feature draws the eye and anchors your design. Style it with textured finishes, built-in shelving, or a pop of colour to create a focal point that’s both functionaland fabulous.

Let’s talk about the heart of the home: the kitchen and service yard. Were there any game-changing appliances that significantly improved your life?

I think the water dispenser is a great addition, especially because I don’t drink from the tap. In the past, I was constantly boiling water and letting it cool. Now, I can just press a button for hot or cold water.

I also have a microwave now. I didn’t have one in my previous apartment, even though everyone kept telling me to buy one. (Instead, I had an oven that was never used in 20 years—the sealed instruction manuals were still inside when I moved!) Reheating food is so much more convenient now.

Another upgrade is the automated laundry rack. In my previous place, I used to dry my clothes on the balcony, but I’d have to bring them in and out depending on the weather. Since there’s no balcony here and I didn’t want to hang my clothes on bamboo sticks, I invested in an automated machine so I can do laundry indoors. It has functions that simulate sunlight and emits hot air, so my clothes dry nicely now.

I used to have a dryer, but I seldom used it, so I don’t miss it. When I have to wash bulky items like bedsheets, I just go to the laundromat. I did get a new washer, though. My previous one had a shortest cycle of at least half an hour, but I wanted one with a 15-minute quick wash. I think that saves time, and it’s sufficient. Since I take Grab to and from work and am always in an air-conditioned office, my clothes aren’t that dirty.

We see that you got a sleek induction hob and hood too. Do you cook when you host?

Sorry to disappoint you, but I seldom cook. We usually order a mini buffet or have a potluck party. I’d say the appliance that comes in handy when I host is the wine fridge, which is half the size of my refrigerator.

I probably only use my induction hob to cook instant noodles or boil hot water for drip coffee, because the water from the dispenser isn’t hot enough. It’s good enough for tea, but for my Bacha coffee, I don’t get the aroma I like. It’s a bit troublesome, and since I have to be in the office by 6 a.m. every day, I don’t really have time for it. But things have changed since I received my Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio S. It’s my first coffee machine, and I’m genuinely excited to start my mornings right. Now, making a good cup of coffee feels quick and effortless—definitely something to look forward to each day

An arch double door with glass and French influences brings timeless elegance to any space. With its delicate glass panes and graceful curves, this design choice invites natural light while adding a sophisticated touch. Whether leading to a garden, a balcony, or a cosy indoor nook, it’s a classic feature that elevates both style and ambiance.

You’ve sacrificed quite a bit of bedroom space to enlarge the living and dining rooms. Tell us how you maximised what’s left of it.

Initially, we wanted to have another arched door, just like the one facing the main entrance, leading to the bedroom, but the air-con piping was in the way. We were brainstorming ways to salvage the situation when we landed on these double-leaf doors, which are designed to blend into the wall.

Another French detail is the half-wall behind the bed. I initially wanted blue because I see a lot of it in French homes, but Christine suggested this shade of green, and it started growing on me. I find it quite calming. This is important because my bedroom is purely for sleeping, which is why I don’t have a TV or any form of entertainment in it.

The only appliance you’ll find here is my air dehumidifier. I got one because I was worried the room would become damp, and these days, I use the water it collects to water my plants.

On the other side of the bedroom is the vanity and walk-in wardrobe. I didn’t have a vanity in my previous home and had to stand in the bathroom to do my skincare. Now, I have a place where I can take my time and get ready for the day. Frankly, the wardrobe is smaller than what I’m used to—my previous one was gigantic— but it’s good in that it forced me to toss out many things I had accumulated over the years but didn’t need. Since moving here, I've become more mindful of clutter. If I want to buy something new, an old one has to go.

What home maintenance tips do you have for people who are living alone?

I think my main tip would be: Don’t be afraid of technology. We have to embrace AI sometimes. Having grown up without AI, I used to think hightech appliances had to be constantly upgraded and would never do things as well as a human could. But since moving here, I’ve been proven wrong. My Ecovacs robot vacuum, for example, is really good—I usually set it to mop and vacuum at the same time.

Technology is a good investment because it takes away some of your household chores. You’re not always doing housework. You actually have time to sit down for a cup of coffee.