It was a pleasure for Monocot Studio to remodel this apartment in the early Bali public housing community in early Singapore. His clients are a couple who have just moved from Shanghai who want the place to retain its character and have the same old-world charm as their previous home. The original design consisted of two bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room with two enclosed balconies on either side. Teh has remodelled this, extending the living room and master bedroom to the balcony and transforming the second bedroom into a small study. He also integrated the previously closed kitchen into the living space.

“Because it is one of the oldest mansions in Singapore, we want to preserve as many architectural elements as possible, such as windows, vents, main doors and interior windows,” says the designer. But using these elements (which he says is his favorite part) is more than just preserving them. An internal shutter on the balcony is now located between the living room and the new study, forming a boundary but still making the two spaces feel connected. “We had to send it to be repaired and repainted, giving it a new life almost a century later,” says the designer. He did not clutter up space with shelving structures, but opted for a portico to display the couple's books, vase collections, and antique sewing machines.

The entire apartment has oak floors, which is another tribute to the nostalgic mood of Shanghai. In the bedroom, the lime-painted walls create a serene beauty. “We cherish imperfections in life, and that's exactly what our customers are looking for,” explains the designer. The former bathroom was accessed through the kitchen. However, the new design includes an en suite bathroom while retaining part of the original bathroom as a guest washroom. Using Cole & Son's luxury wildlife wallpaper and asymmetrical mirrors, the makeup room contrasts sharply with the rest of the home, becoming a more luxurious space that leaves a lasting impact.

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