Mid-Century Modern at Tiong Bahru

About This Project

This heritage apartment in the iconic Tiong Bahru estate presented a unique challenge: honoring its Art Deco origins while creating a functional modern home. Working closely with conservation guidelines, we preserved the building's distinctive architectural features while introducing carefully curated mid-century modern furniture that feels historically appropriate yet fresh. The original terrazzo flooring was painstakingly restored to its former glory, revealing beautiful aggregate patterns hidden under decades of wear. We maintained the signature curved corners and rounded balconies that define Tiong Bahru's pre-war architecture, painting them in a soft cream that highlights their sculptural quality. Period-appropriate sputnik chandeliers and arc floor lamps provide warm, ambient lighting that complements the vintage aesthetic. The kitchen received a thoughtful modernization with custom cabinetry in teak veneer, paying homage to the era while hiding contemporary appliances behind streamlined facades. In the living area, a vintage Danish rosewood credenza anchors one wall, while a reupholstered Eames lounge chair offers the perfect spot for afternoon reading. The bedroom embraces the space's history with a brass bed frame and vintage-inspired textiles in earthy mustard and terracotta tones.