Down-to-earth

Right from the start Ravin Sinan and Maha Lakshmi had an idea of how their three-storey cluster terrace home off Braddell Road should look.

"We decided on an earthy theme to it, because we wanted warmth for the home," says Mr Sinan, a financial services director. "So none of that black-and-white look, nor too much glass in the home."

Finding an interior designer, however, proved to be a challenge. The couple spoke with 50 designers before they met Nikki Hunt from Design Intervention who understood what they wanted. This despite the couple picking out photographs of homes they liked.

"The other designers did not understand what we want, and would try and impose their ideas on us, which often lacked warmth. Or they were too expensive. " says Ms Lakshmi, a financial planner.

"We were so thankful that after four months of searching, we finally found the right designer." Renovations were completed in a quick 30 days.

The couple loved the idea of cluster housing, as it is a combination of "living in a landed home but with the facilities of a condominium", says Mr Sinan.

There are only nine families living together in this compound, who look out for one another.

Ms Lakshmi adds: "We love the kampung spirit here."

The interior design was a different story. Despite the home being newly built, a fair bit of work was required to suit the family's needs.

Since the couple is in the restaurant business, it was natural for the kitchen to be the main focus. They decided to sacrifice some hall space to expand the cooking area.

"We entertain a lot so there is lots of cooking involved," says Ms Lakshmi.

As with most homes, they have a wet and dry kitchen.

The cabinets in the dry kitchen that were provided by the developer were taken out, and new ones in light beige were put in to go with the couple's preference for an earthy theme.

Some of the cabinets come with glass doors, where Mr Sinan can display his collection of unusual drinking glasses, including some that have a tilted design.

What was once the yard has since been turned into a wet kitchen. The couple are avid cooks - they do a lot of Indian and Nonya cooking, so having the cooking area outdoors is necessary. Their outdoor kitchen has two stoves - a traditional one, and one that is similar to those found in zi char stalls.

"The second stove is really hot, you can get the wok hei fragrance when cooking on it," says Ms Lakshmi.

Her husband uses that when he is making his specialty - char kway teow. Ms Hunt not only designed the interiors but also had the chairs, curtains and carpets custom-made to fit in with the theme.

For the dining room, she designed a ceiling lamp made out of a geometric metal frame - it has very simple lines, but is interesting enough to be a talking point.

A cabinet by a wall hides the family altar. Textured wallpaper on the walls provide a touch of luxury.

For the living area, Ms Hunt custom-designed a feature wall plus TV console, after Mr Sinan told her specifically what he did not want.

"Not another one of those black and white, boxy consoles," he says. The console must also be able to hide electronic equipment.

What he got was a faux stone wall that the TV is mounted on. The cable TV unit and other devices are kept in a cabinet under the TV. The cabinet doors have a lattice netting on them so that the family can still operate the equipment even when the doors are closed.

Running along the sides of the feature wall are niches, not something that the couple had requested but which they now fully appreciate.

"It was clever of Nikki to build these niches, because they are just right to display our collection of vases," says Mr Sinan.

The couple's choice of artworks complements the earthy tones.

Most of the pieces were bought during their travels to Kathmandu. Among them is a gold leaf painting of Ganesh which has a 3D effect. Ganesh is widely revered as the Lord of Beginnings and the Lord of Obstacles.

Another significant piece is that of a white thanka which symbolises longevity, health and prosperity.

"These are the needs for a family," says Ms Lakshmi.

Even though their son Dayal Nitai is only five, his room is more befitting of a older child. "I wanted a room that Dayal would not outgrow," says his mum.

Still Ms Hunt managed to add some fun to it. She selected several wallpaper samples that she felt would suit a growing child.

The couple picked a white-coloured wallpaper with prints of the seven wonders of the world.

"I point out the different wonders and hope he would be inspired to see them when he is older." says Ms Lakshmi.

The wallpaper print is made out of line drawings and any child would be tempted to colour within the lines. But not Dayal.

"We have told him the wallpaper is meant for admiring not for colouring," says his dad.

To make the couple's bedroom more conducive for sleep, soothing shades of blues and greys were used.

Ms Hunt also added in a large walk-in wardrobe for the couple which Ms Lakshmi fully appreciates. "It is spacious and a breeze getting dressed in the mornings," she says.

Friends who have visited rave about the design and Mr Sinan adds many of them even want to stay over. Fortunately, there is is a guest room available.

Despite all the compliments, Mr Sinan says: "We really just wanted a comfortable family home".

taysc@sph.com.sg

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