The Morning Glory
950 sqft ︱ Neutral Oasis x Sculptural Forms
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We had the privilege of collaborating with An Zhen and Amanda, homeowners characterized by their understated charm and unpretentious demeanor. Seeking a designer to enhance their residence with subtlety, they conveyed a shared vision for their first home.
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Cher, our lead designer, recounts her initial interactions with the couple: "It became evident from our first conversation that An Zhen and Amanda's personalities were harmoniously aligned with their expectations for their home's design. Their vision did not entail an extensive overhaul, nor did they seek ostentatious elements to impress. That simply isn't reflective of who they are."
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Transforming their 3-bedroom apartment into a gracefully lived-in space, the design embraced a timeless, earthy, organic palette. Delicate beige marble, naturally weathered stone surfaces, cream-colored finishes through laminates and paint, were complemented by dark wood and black elements, introducing contrast and sophistication.
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Cher, keenly attuned to the couple's subtleties, discovered moments of playfulness and liveliness shared privately between them. "Observing their subtle giggles and clever banter highlighted a dynamic that was uniquely theirs. It was crucial to ensure that, while the overall ambiance exuded calm neutrality, their vibrant personalities found expression through thoughtful styling," remarks Cher.
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The introduction of artful, sculptural elements and eclectic pops of color through careful styling became a hallmark of the design. Cher collaborated closely with the couple, guiding them to invest in custom furnishings that served as artistic centrepieces. Large format artworks, reflecting Amanda's creative background and personal preferences, were strategically placed to infuse character.
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At Studio Metanoia, our design philosophy centers on humanizing interiors, fostering a profound personal connection with the space. We redefine the conventional notion of a "home" by thoroughly understanding our clients' personalities, whether overtly expressive or subtly nuanced.
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The dining table was intentionally set against the only windows in the living room allowing for an almost-alfresco dining experience. This would also be the space where Amanda would enjoy her personal time and space with a good book on a slow afternoon. As she sits by the window close enough to connect to the outside world at her own terms, she basks in the gentle warmth of the sunlight and glows elegantly in the moment of calm and stilness.
While composing the setup of the living room, a deliberate juxtapose of edgy materials such as stainless steel and soft, luscious fabrics were selected to elevate visual interest while each individual element retained their sculptural curved form for overall consistency. Without an extensive renovation, personal collectibles, curated decor pieces, and custom furnishing and art pieces were meticulously organised to bring-forth the personalities of the homeowners.
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The master bedroom is a restful retreat with multiple ambient lighting options to suit one's varying moods.
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"I love the bathroom," Amanda gushes with pride as she shares how this organic-luxe bathroom inspired by Aesop is now an oasis of calm for the couple.
The revamp of the Master Bathroom was one of the main areas that was prioritised. The original bathtub was replaced by a 1.6-metres long vanity area. A custom double integrated sink would now enhance the simple ritual of the couple's everyday life, allowing them to connect with each other even while completing the most mundane of activities. While storage units were a necessity, Cher proposed for custom-made "floating" mirror cabinets to ensure that light could still flow through the entire space.
Cher shares: "This is also one of my favourite bathroom revamps done thus far. While I personally prefer dark and moody interiors, I appreciate the importance of natural light and hoped that with this layout, the couple would get to start their day right every morning, side by side, relishing in each other's presence and the gentle rays of the sunlight coming through into this tranquil bathroom."
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studio metanoia_morning glory_bathroom 01
studio metanoia_morning glory_bathroom before Reno
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Breakfast is a mood too. With a nifty kitchen space to work with, a retractable countertop was proposed to maximise the preparation area.
