Room Tour: This Living-Dining Space Is Swinging in Style
A playful addition takes the relaxing vibe of this garden-inspired area to the next level
“One of the starting points of conversation for this living/dining space was that the clients wanted an area to do their gardening in. They were very keen at introducing a ‘garden’ in the form of potted greens in their living space,” says architect Liew Kok Fong of Studio Super Safari.
The owners originally wanted to have a green wall and the design took off from there and evolved into shelves for the potted greens, and even to the extreme of turning one room into a greenhouse. Liew helped them finalise the idea by creating an indoor terraced garden instead, and adding an unexpected element that embraces the bringing-the-outdoors-in concept.
The owners originally wanted to have a green wall and the design took off from there and evolved into shelves for the potted greens, and even to the extreme of turning one room into a greenhouse. Liew helped them finalise the idea by creating an indoor terraced garden instead, and adding an unexpected element that embraces the bringing-the-outdoors-in concept.
Initially, the clients wanted timber flooring of the entire living space, including the study. “However, as the design was explored and as their brief became clearer, the choice of floor material gradually changed to an ‘outdoor’ slate tiling – a response to the primary need of maintenance of soil and water,” says Liew.
Aside from the growing collection of plants, the space also allotted space for the couple’s other pursuit – collecting fish. The aquariums sit in a row on the long TV console.
Aside from the growing collection of plants, the space also allotted space for the couple’s other pursuit – collecting fish. The aquariums sit in a row on the long TV console.
The unique focal point, however, is a ceiling-hung swing next to the potted plants. “The swing was Xiangru’s idea. The couple wanted to have an interesting piece of furniture and it was also in line with the indoor garden concept,” says Liew. It adds a playful touch to the minimally furnished, earth-toned living-dining space.
“In time, we hope for their garden of flora and fauna to take root and expand within this skyrise ‘terrace’, an indoor ‘outdoors’,” says Liew.
Sofa: Artmani Italia; Puppy Chair by Magis: Xtra; coffee table: Taobao; dining table and chairs: Star Living; pendant lights: Light+Form Concepts
“In time, we hope for their garden of flora and fauna to take root and expand within this skyrise ‘terrace’, an indoor ‘outdoors’,” says Liew.
Sofa: Artmani Italia; Puppy Chair by Magis: Xtra; coffee table: Taobao; dining table and chairs: Star Living; pendant lights: Light+Form Concepts
An enclosed bedroom was transformed into a study. Sliding glass doors replaced walls, allowing the owners to peek into their living terrace while working. “The study ‘pavilion’ has contrasting timber floor and backlit wall niches – as if another ‘indoor’ space is set within this ‘indoor terrace’,” says Liew.
Adding to the rustic look in the study is the cork desk from Ikea’s Sinnerlig line. The space is also personalised with the couple’s collection of interesting pottery and cups from their trips to Taiwan and Australia, as well as a fox mask used on their wedding day.
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Who lives here: Wenhui and Xiangru, a couple in their 30s
Location: Yishun
Size of featured area: about 500 square feet (46 square metres)
Designer: Liew Kok Fong of Studio Super Safari
The decision to have an indoor terrace may be a more conservative take on the green idea, but it made more sense. It captures the owners’ favourite activities, while ensuring that the open-concept space remains functional and easy-to-maintain.