My living room – before and after!

So you’ve found the apartment or house you like, you’ve bought some pieces you love and it should all be good. But what do you do if it’s just not hanging together well? An interior designer or a home stylist can help – even if it’s just to get the living room looking ‘groomed’!

We talk to Indonesian expat INTAN REYNIERS about living in Singapore and how she got her living room at D’Grove Villas looking just the way she wants it – with a little help from Priya Naik at Interior Design Journey.

How long have you been in Singapore?

In total, we’ve been here for 10 years. This is our second stint and we’ve been back for three and a half years. We love it!

How long have you lived in this apartment and why did you choose it?

The apartment was the last one we viewed after a manic 18 viewings over a two-day period and we just fell in love with it. It’s an old build, which means it has space, and it’s in a great location.

What made you call on an interior designer?

I love muted tones; it shows in how I dress and how I decorate. I also love seeing pops of colour, but I’ve never felt brave enough to try them out. So, I figured a chat with an interior designer wouldn’t hurt. I wanted to keep to my own aesthetic choices, but I also needed a push to introduce more colour into our lives.

How was it working with the designer? Was anything easier or more difficult than you’d imagined?

I definitely didn’t want to be pushed into doing something I wasn’t comfortable with. Priya was great because she listened, didn’t laugh at my predominantly grey/blue home and pushed just enough. It was wonderful working with her.

Which rooms did Interior Design Journey work on and what did they do?

Just the living room, and we worked with the pieces that were already there. After the first meeting, Priya shared her vision, approximate cost and timeline. Everything was very clear and efficient from the get-go.

If you were to recommend Priya to a friend what would you say?

She is talented, creative and puts you at ease almost immediately.

How do you feel now when you walk in to the house compared to before?

It’s always been our home… it just looks better now!

A word from the interior designer

Priya tells us about the flow of the project, and what her work involved.

#1 We first ensured that some of key existing pieces were worked into the makeover in order to keep within the budget.

#2 Intan had a few art pieces that she hadn’t displayed as she was a little unsure how to do so in amongst the built-in cabinets and a huge mirrored wall. So, we made the best use of one wall where art could be displayed and made that into a focal point of the room. We added in a new carved detail sideboard, lamp and accessories to complete that area or “nook”.

#3 We also introduced a new navy sofa as the existing blue sofa didn’t proportionally work in the space or with the other furniture.

#4 We had some gorgeous custom cushions made from Jim Thompson and European fabric to add a much-needed pop of colour and some lovely patterns and textures.

#5 We added a teal side table next to the existing grey Chesterfield sofa with a fabulous lamp from Taylor B adding another interesting finish to the space.

#6 The existing rug was dominating the room so we replaced it with one with a more subtle pattern that also had some colour in it.

#7 We added a runner behind the sofa and kitchen counter to soften the area leading to the dining space.

#8 Intan requested minimal accessories, so we only added a few new pieces and styled them along with some of her existing things.

#9 In the lift lobby, we added a new sideboard with a runner. We also styled Intan’s existing artwork and accessories, adding a couple of new accessories too. I think the space now feels inviting and personalised.

Project Favourites & Recommendations

Artful House
Just Anthony
Taylor B
Luxe Furnishings

Interior Design Journey
9062 7974 | info@interiordesignjourney.com
interiordesignjourney.com

Want more home inspiration? See our home décor section!

Rebecca Bisset

Heading up Expat Living, Rebecca's the oldest but not necessarily the wisest of the crew! Her original career was in photography and video. A bit of a nomad before Singapore, she loves looking at properties, fashion and home décor.