Useful and functional home design ideas you can learn from these show units

Investing in a home that one has not yet physically stepped into is a weighted decision for homeowners. “The interior design of a show unit is important as it helps potential homeowners visualise the possibilities of the space and how a comfortable lifestyle can be realised with good designs,” said Edmund Ng who runs his eponymous architecture firm.

These days, show unit design is not just about embellishing an empty space; it’s also about providing unique and practical ideas on spatial planning related to different demographics and lifestyles. . Post-pandemic, the definition of luxury has also changed, influencing how the show units of high-end properties are designed. Architectural designer and founder of Superfat Designs Lin Weizhang said: “Instead of just expensive materials or shiny surfaces, luxury is now defined by spaces that are calm, where time slows down, where comfort takes over and where you leverage to build on existing relationships.”

We ask four architects and interior designers to share their thoughts as well as ideas on how to create elegant, inviting, and functional homes, using exquisitely designed show units as case studies.

3 Orchard By-The-Park by Superfat Design

Developed by YTL Land and designed by Antonio Citterio, 3 Orchard By-The-Park is one of the most coveted addresses in Singapore’s real estate market. Exclusivity comes in the form of 77 units housed across three 25-storey towers that were envisioned by the Italian architect and designer as “villas in the sky”.

In designing an in-situ, 3,200-sq-ft, four-bedroom duplex show unit for the development, Lin Weizhang attempted to capture the essence of Citterio’s architecture with “a space that resonates with the well-heeled global citizen seeking a residence in Singapore.”

He added: “It reflects a greater awareness of spatial planning, and how that affects the way inhabitants move and use the spaces. We also believe that a space can serve a duality of purposes – to wow and yet comfortable enough to spend an extended amount of time in.”

He removed the common dry kitchen for a more capacious living area and framed the lush greenery outside the window with timber screens. “The external landscape and colours also informed the furniture selection and materiality,” Lin highlighted. Citterio’s furniture designs such as his classic Dives modular sofa were chosen to pay homage to the architect’s vision for living.

As the dining area is in a double-volume space and visible from Orchard Boulevard, drama is created with a cascading fluted pendent. It draws focus to the lofty space as one exits via the private lift into the dining area. Commissioned textured artwork in a series of landscaped abstracts mirror the lush greenery.

Lin advises homeowners to let their lifestyle dictate the home’s style and not the other way around. “A home has to reflect you, the inhabitant,” he said. Another advice is to use screens as layers to create depth and perspective like in this show unit. They draw one’s eye to the spaces outside the unit while providing privacy for the occupants. Together with muted colours and textures, this creates “visual interest in a quiet, understated way”.

Corals at Keppel Bay by Edmund Ng Architects

Edmund Ng was engaged to design this two-storey, 4,700-sq-ft penthouse in-situ show unit in Corals at Keppel Bay, a development designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind. “The client’s vision was to create a luxurious and cosy home, perfectly suited for busy business owners or professionals who want a move in-ready residence. These discerning buyers have a global aesthetic sense and frequently host guests, Ng explained.

The generous living area, adorned by two sofa settings from Giorgetti and Minotti, is ideal for entertaining. On the second storey, Lin created a dedicated movie room that “offers a cosy retreat for entertainment and relaxation while enhancing the overall functionality of the penthouse.” It leads to an outdoor dining area – yet another entertainment space. The “outdoor oasis” boasts ample seating, which makes it ideal for alfresco dining, barbecues or as an alternative breakfast spot.

Bedrooms were designed to exude comfort and warmth. The aim was to create an atmosphere of understated luxury that does not follow fleeting trends. “Today’s homeowners of luxury homes seek timelessness and sophistication beyond brand names. A high-end home sets itself apart through its ability to stand the test of time, combining elements of impeccable design, superior craftsmanship, and a harmonious blend of form and function,” Ng expressed, adding that such homeowners see the home as a “sanctuary” reflecting their individual personalities.

Which is why it is a good idea is to incorporate art and objects that are personal to the homeowners to tell a unique story, evoke emotion, as well as add character and depth to a home. Another tip Ng offers is to create multifunctional spaces to adapt to the evolving needs of today’s homeowners. “It is especially relevant for today’s flexible work and lifestyle arrangements. For instance, this show unit’s dual living room settings cater to both relaxation and entertaining.”

Grange 1866 by Sujonohun

Located along Orchard Boulevard, Grange 1866 is designed by P&T Consultants. It offers 60 units in the famous shopping district and is slated for completion in 2024. In 2022, developer Heeton Group engaged Sujonohun to design two show units.

“The brief was to inject fresh ideas to cater to a new generation of post-pandemic buyers who are more hopeful, celebrate life, travelling and spending. Thus, our design for the units is upscale through the choice of materials and a distinctive design language,” said director Sujono Lim who founded the interior design studio with his wife Molina Hun.

The project comprises a one-bedroom, 517-sq-ft unit and another two-bedroom, 700-sq-ft unit. “They are considered small compared to average private development unit sizes. But the prime location provides an opportunity for buyers who seek the convenience and luxury of an enclave with lower quantum. Considering that the next generation is more independent, travels well and settles down later in life, Grange 1866 becomes a niche gateway to own a property in a prestigious address,” said Lim.

In designing the show units, he envisioned successful singles, travellers and medical tourists that use their properties as convenient holiday homes. Hence, the interior design is inspired by hospitality spaces, characterised by a sense of luxury and cosmopolitan elegance.

This is embodied in screens, as well as reflective surfaces, such as the ceiling feature, glass partition and feature wall. “The reflective surfaces enlarge and extend the spaces optically while reflecting natural light deep into the units,” Lim commented.

To make neutral spaces interesting, Lim added subtle cultural references, such as a bed headboard in the one-bedroom unit inspired by Japanese byobu folded panels, and another bed headboard in the two-bedroom unit with a French-winged style but updated with polished stainless-steel framing and cognac leather.

In designing compact apartments, Lim suggests using a consistent material palette throughout “to avoid clutter and further segment the space into smaller zones [visually].” Strategically placed features such as a wall light, a loose console or even a small but unique object also help create focal points.

Many homeowners tend to leave walls and the ceiling empty for fear of making compact spaces feel claustrophobic. However, Lim recommends using accents such as wallpaper, patterns and the reflective features seen here to create a “cohesive and complete look, as well as a sense of individuality and character, which is essentially what makes a home a home and not just a shelter.”

3 Orchard-By-The-Park by 2nd Edition

This is another in-situ show unit project in the Antonio Citterio-designed development. It takes a minimal approach that appeals to homeowners who prefer a more austere aesthetic. In designing the two-bedroom duplex show unit, interior design studio 2nd Edition’s director Hilary Loh and her team envisioned a well-travelled cosmopolitan couple that “value global experiences, sustainability, with a discerning taste for unique and authentic experiences.”

She washed the home with neutral colours and consistent materials to provide a seamless flow between the common spaces and bedrooms. Interestingly, the private lift opens to the generous, double-storey terrace, presenting a panoramic view upon arrival. Loh designed this space as a “social deck”, adorned with bespoke outdoor elements and furniture that are both functional and inviting. These comprise a shoe cabinet, outdoor dining table and seating, as well as a bench that beckons lounging to soak in the views.

“Entering into the living and dining areas from the terrace is the staging of the 6.5-metre-high double-volume ceiling with a set of oversized wire suspension light pendant in a playful pink against black-framed glass panels,” Loh highlighted. This accentuates the drama of the volumetric space.

A backdrop of cream, grey, taupe and chocolate shades make this home a tranquil respite. A smoked ash veneer wall panel spans the length of the living, dining and staircase is a harmonising element, while a long, custom-designed dining table and curated furniture selection help elevate the unit’s existing spatial qualities. 

In the master bedroom upstairs, operable glass panels overlook the double-volume common areas and terrace, creating the effect of looking into a courtyard. “This blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living, allowing natural light and fresh air to flow into the interior spaces. The bright and airy atmosphere is conducive for relaxation and a general sense of wellbeing,” Loh explained.