With British-India–inspired touches, this home layers timber, rattan and soft textiles into a calm refuge—made for daily living and gracious hosting.
Text by Olha Romaniuk
This 2,400-square-foot apartment for a retired mother and her two adult daughters embraces British Colonial influences, with d’Phenomenal marrying heritage charm and modern practicality for everyday living and the family’s weekly Christian gatherings.
Drawing on the elegance of the British-India era, the team translates those cues for a contemporary Singapore home: earthy tones, dark timber, rattan textures and soft fabrics set a warm, atmospheric mood, while thoughtful planning keeps the spaces easy to use day to day.
The living room anchors the home as a central gathering space—comfortable for daily downtime yet sized for larger groups. “We integrated built-in storage to keep the room open and spacious,” says Kef Tan, creative director at d’Phenomenal. “It stays uncluttered, so hosting never feels compromised.”
Conversation-friendly lounge seating sets the tone, accented by colonial-style ceiling fans overhead. Dark timber lends gravitas, and light walls with woven textures bring warmth.
The dining area continues the British India theme with a long wooden table, accompanied by cane-backed chairs. Layered details reinforce the narrative: framed botanical prints, vintage-inspired lantern lighting, and greenery accentuate the space, making it feel refined yet inviting. The dining area becomes more than a place to eat – it is a zone for sharing and fellowship.
The kitchen has been cleverly designed to balance presentation with function. The dry zone, positioned at the forefront, features clean counters and display shelving, maintaining a polished, guest-facing appearance. Behind crafted carpentry panels, the wet zone is concealed yet easily accessible.
The cooking area maintains stylistic continuity while the clear separation ensures that heavy cooking activities remain discreet, preserving the home’s atmosphere and supporting the family’s daily needs.
Each bedroom carries its own interpretation of British India style while remaining cohesive with the overall concept. Carved wooden bed frames and airy layouts anchor these spaces, ensuring they feel both fresh and timeless.
“We designed the daughters’ rooms with a deliberate intent to adopt lighter palettes, softened with playful touches and patterned textiles to bring out a youthful energy,” explains Kef. “Meanwhile, for the mother’s room we leaned into deeper tones for comfort and calm.”
Material choices do the heavy lifting. Dark wood brings gravitas and heritage character, while rattan and woven details balance this with lightness. Fabrics in muted tones soften the interiors, ensuring comfort is never compromised.
The overall feel of the home is both functional and deeply atmospheric. It supports the family’s lifestyle of hospitality and community, while also providing a retreat-like environment for daily living. By blending practicality with a British India-inspired aesthetic, the home becomes more than a stylish interior – it’s a reflection of the family’s values of gathering, sharing, and care.
d’Phenomenal
www.dphenomenal.sg
www.facebook.com/DPHENOMENAL1976
www.instagram.com/dphenomenal.sg
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