SPOTLIGHT ON - In Persuit of Singapore's Black & White Bungalow ultimate decoration scheme

For some time now, we have been contemplating the idea of writing about these wonderful, old-charm Black & White colonial residences to be found in Singapore. Not only were we inspired by their ingrained heritage & history but also because they provide an excellent medium to decorate them with antiques.

Indeed back in the 19th century, Peranakan, Chinese and even Art Deco elements were already being incorporated into these interiors by their residents. Still to-date, interior spaces in these lovely monochromatic abodes & even in the newly renovated ones, continue to point out to diverse accents of a long gone past era.

A few years back we were exceptionally fortuitous to live in one of such black and white two-story bungalows. We remember how the aesthetic contrast between the black & white color palette of the structure and the lush green lawn that bordered the property, made up spontaneously for a classic & refined setting.

Already back then, we enjoyed grounding our European antique furniture and placing them against a few of our clean line, more stark contemporary pieces. For instance, the beyond popular, glossy black, Ghost armchairs from Philippe Stark stood against an oval shaped English Regency dinning table that would surprisingly open to an extraordinary length of 2.70m. This assortment of contrasting pieces became clearly noticeable over some unique, original retro looking black & white floor tiles and the occasional antique Turkish Kilm.

Our trait (color) palette was mostly in the whites and neutrals, punctuated by loose furniture in exotic woods and the obvious traditional walnut colored antique pieces so reminiscent of the English and French antique furniture appearance. This synergie allowed us to juxtapose styles and periods without losing continuity from room to room.

Inarguably, we staged every available flat surface we could find with a large collection of antique decorative objects, crystal decanters, silver trays and frames and more for our viewing pleasure. These groups of antique objects and sparkling reflections entranced and captivated the atmosphere, specially at night which was a delight as frequent dinner parties were organized among friends, hence providing a perfect setting for some memorable get-together time.

The result was fresh but warm, classic but elegant, time-honored but welcoming, distinct but current. Needless to say, every guest who visited was greatly delighted.

The homes featured in today's posting were expressly chosen to emulate the lovely & gracious spaces that can be found in like fashion in these Black & White bungalows & to contemplate the passions and history of its owners, enabling them to issue, without a doubt, a warm welcome and a sense of a well lived life. By showcasing distinct collections of antique furnitures & objects from different periods and mix provenance, these homes make the most of life's simple pleasures.

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