In Focus: Patria’s interior design projects

PATRIA RAMADHA talks to us about her journey to founding her business Patria Home & Decor, and leads us through one of her latest interior design projects.

Where are you from originally, and how long have you been here?

I’m originally from Jakarta – I moved to Singapore in 2015 and it’s been an amazing home for me and my family!

Tell us a bit about your background and the launch of your interior design studio.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in interior design, and I began my career in the luxury lifestyle and fashion industry. During that time, I gained valuable insights into the importance of attention to detail and the delivery of premium, high-end service. That experience shaped my design approach – combining creativity with a strong emphasis on quality and professionalism.

After relocating to Singapore, I shifted my focus more deeply into interior design, starting as a freelance interior stylist at a design firm. In the COVID period, I recognised a growing demand for interior styling services, especially with more people spending time at home. That’s when I founded Patria Home & Decor.

What began as a styling-focused business has since grown into a full-service interior design studio. In addition to home styling, we now work on full scale residential renovations and have expanded into commercial projects, including office spaces and restaurants design.

What work did you do on this four-storey detached home in Bukit Timah?

The client engaged us early on, before construction and renovation began, to ensure our styling, interior design and decor ideas would align with their architectural and interior design concepts. They provided us with the plans of their home, allowing us to integrate our vision from the start – always ideal for achieving a cohesive outcome. Their brief was clear: they wanted a modern farmhouse style that felt sleek, bright and clean, yet still warm and inviting.

We began by creating mood boards to capture the intended atmosphere of each room, followed by detailed furniture layout planning. Once the overall concept was approved, we proceeded with sourcing furniture, artwork and carpets. For the finishing touches, we hand-selected and curated all accessories from the Patria Home & Decor collection, ensuring everything came together beautifully on installation day. In essence, we were involved from the ground up – from initial concept to final styling – to bring the homeowner’s vision to life.

What was the most challenging or rewarding aspect of this interior design project?

As with many of our projects, one challenging aspect was sourcing the perfect furniture for each room. There are many factors to consider – the right dimensions, colour, material and overall feel – to ensure each piece not only works individually but also contributes to a cohesive design throughout the home.

In this project, the challenge was even greater because we were working in parallel with the client’s ongoing architectural and interior design planning. This meant that we had to stay flexible, often making adjustments to our selections in response to changes in layout, colour tones or materials.

At the same time, it was incredibly rewarding. The client was collaborating with a highly reputable architecture firm in Singapore, and I felt truly honoured that they chose us to work alongside them. It was a privilege to help complete and complement such a beautifully designed space. Seeing our vision come to life – and, most importantly, ending the project with a very happy client – made all the challenges worthwhile.

Was the homeowner involved in the process?

Yes, they were involved throughout the process. We followed a structured approach that included their approval at each stage, especially when it came to selecting key items like furniture, artwork and accessories. This ensured that every choice aligned with their vision and preferences.

What are some key features of the transformation that you’re most pleased with?

One is the furniture and accessories in the living and dining areas. The layout we designed, combined with a natural colour palette, complements the open-space concept beautifully. It works especially well with the home’s high ceilings and material finishes. The contrast between the soft neutral and white tones and the darker finishes – like the kitchen cabinetry and black-framed glass doors – adds a striking yet balanced visual appeal. Choosing neutral colours can be tricky, as they sometimes lean too minimalist and lack warmth. That’s why selecting the right tones, textures and materials was essential in achieving the bright yet cosy atmosphere of a modern farmhouse home.

How would you describe your style?

I’ve always been drawn to blending different styles. Growing up, I admired Art Deco and tropical design, and over time, I developed a deep appreciation for contemporary aesthetics. As a result, my style has evolved into what I would describe as “contemporary eclectic” – a mix of influences, brought together in a clean, cohesive way.

This approach gives me the flexibility to explore and combine various styles in my projects, creating spaces that feel warm and layered without being cluttered or overwhelming. It allows each space to feel both personal and balanced, which is something I always strive for in my work.

What other interior design projects are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on several landed house renovation and styling projects, as well as assisting clients who are relocating to Singapore with setting up their new homes. I’m also leading the full renovation and interior design work for a restaurant and bar, a co-working space, and a whiskey bar – each with its own unique concept and design direction.

What’s the best thing about having your interior design studio?

It allows me to express and continually sharpen my creativity. Staying true to my own taste and instincts has often led to the best outcomes. But beyond aesthetics, what’s most fulfilling is knowing that our design and hard work genuinely improve our clients’ daily lives. Good design isn’t just about how a space looks – it’s about how well it works for the people living in it.

What I find most interesting about being an interior designer is the importance of being a good listener. Every day, I’m listening closely – not just to what clients say, but also to what they don’t say. Understanding their vision, even sometimes without a fully detailed brief, is a critical part of the process. It’s a skill that’s helped me grow not only as a designer, but also personally.

The Patria Home & Decor showroom is at 201 Joo Chiat Road, #02-05. 8040 5274 | patriahomeanddecor.com

This article on interior design decor ideas appeared in the August 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

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