How We Styled a Luxurious 16,650 Sqft GCB in 5 Days
Moving into a new home can be an exhilarating yet daunting task, especially when it involves moving into a sprawling 16,650 sqft Good Class Bungalow (GCB) in Singapore.
The homeowners of this stunning property reached out to us just days before their move-in date, giving us full creative freedom with space and furniture planning.
And as you know - with great power comes great responsibility, so the pressure was on.
With a tight deadline and tons of planning to do, here's how we styled this expansive property into a modern, livable space within just five days.
The initial consultation and proposal
The homeowners found out about our Interior Styling Services (ISS) through the Castlery website and were keen to engage me as their stylist.
Their appreciation for our furniture and their need for expert advice on space planning and furniture pairing for such a big house led them to engage in our services.
We had a short 15-minute call on the 26th of December which was pivotal in understanding their vision and requirements - they needed their new home ready as soon as possible.
Within two days, I sent them a styling pack and after their review, some adjustments were made to better suit their preferences.
By the last day of December, they had finalised their furniture choices and made the purchase. The quick decision-making process was crucial in allowing us to meet their tight deadline and helped shape our approach to the project, ensuring we moved swiftly yet thoughtfully.
The design vision
For this grand 16,650 sqft GCB, the vision was clear from the outset: to infuse the home with a modern luxe aesthetic that would enhance and complement its existing architectural elegance.
This GCB in the central area of Singapore sits on 16,650 square feet of land - boasting multiple rooms and floors.
The 2nd floor of the master bedroom boasts an expansive space with four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
The house already boasted impressive structural elements and an abundance of natural light. Coupled with the expansive square footage, this foundation provided an excellent canvas for our design, marrying contemporary design elements with luxurious touches.
This was the mood board I shared with the homeowners, focusing heavily on organic curves, natural materials, and a neutral colour palette to achieve a modern and luxurious aesthetic. Credits: Pinterest
The symmetrical design in the living hall
One of the home’s most striking features was the tall ceilings in the living room. The double-volume height of the main living hall presented an opportunity to create a dramatic focal point - and I knew that symmetry would be a powerful tool in achieving this.
Symmetry in interior design often conveys a sense of balance and harmony, and in a space as grand as this living hall, it creates a visual impact that is both impressive and inviting.
Here’s what the living room looked like:
The expansive space of the main living room gave me lots of freedom to be creative with the space.
The floor-to-ceiling glass panels allowed lots of natural light into the space, creating a brighter and spacious living hall.
To achieve this arrangement in the living room, I proposed using identical sectional sofas, coffee tables, and armchairs from our collections. To complement the symmetrical sofa arrangement, matching sideboards and rugs were added to the mix.
This mirrored setup enhanced the sense of cohesion and order, making the space feel thoughtfully designed and meticulously planned.
The Auburn Performance Fabric Curve L-Shape Sectional Sofa, Solange Performance Bouclé Chair, Sloane Square Coffee Table, Sloane Sideboard, and Lorenzo Wool Area Rugs were arranged to create a mirror-effect in the main living area.
This arrangement also allowed for ample seating, making the space perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying family gatherings.
These furniture pieces were used as they embodied the modern luxe aesthetic we aimed to achieve throughout the home, underscoring the theme of understated luxury. The addition of plush area rugs also added texture and warmth, making the large living room feel cosy and inviting.
The cosy informal living room
The informal living room, an extension of the main living hall, offers a more intimate and relaxed setting. With lower ceilings, this space presented an opportunity to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
Here’s what the informal living room looked like:
The informal living room had much lower ceilings compared to the main living hall.
Thankfully, ample natural light still entered the space. So, even with low ceilings, the informal living room didn’t seem cramped.
While the informal living room needed to stand on its own as a cosy space, it was essential that it also complemented the main living hall. That’s why we picked the Dawson Sofa and Dawson Swivel Armchairs to create a seamless transition from the grand main living hall to the intimacy of the informal space.
The consistent theme tied both areas together, ensuring a harmonious flow throughout the living area.
We chose the Dawson 3-seater Sofa and two Dawson Swivel Armchairs for their sleek design and comfort, offering ample seating without overwhelming the space.
The Peri Coffee Table served as the perfect centrepiece for this informal space, while the Ventura Jute Area Rug helped to anchor the seating arrangement. Also pictured: The Faro Sculptural Floor Lamp.
We also chose to incorporate some texture with a wooden coffee table and a playful sculptural floor lamp. The natural texture of the jute rug added warmth and a touch of charm, enhancing the cosy feel of the room.
The inviting guest bedroom
The guest bedroom in this luxurious GCB was designed to offer the perfect blend of comfort and style, ensuring that guests feel welcome and at home.
Situated on the first floor, this guest bedroom boasts ample space, allowing me to create a distinct seating area, perfect for guests to unwind and enjoy some quiet time.
The spaciousness of the room gave me the freedom to create distinct sleeping and lounging areas to create a luxurious, hotel-like ambiance for guests.
I chose the Remi 3 Seater Sofa and Cupid Coffee Table as they complemented the dark parquet flooring of the guest bedroom. The Tessa Cotton Area Rug not only anchored the seating arrangement but created some contrast in the guest bedroom.
The functional and aesthetic study
The study room was meticulously designed to be both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. By combining practicality with style, I created a space that not only facilitates productivity but also provides a comfortable and inspiring environment.
Here’s what the study looked like:
Once again, the spacious study gave me creative freedom.
The study was thoughtfully outfitted to support productivity. I selected a sleek office desk and shelf, offering ample surface space for working while providing necessary storage for office essentials.
Recognising the importance of having a comfortable spot for reading or taking breaks, I also created a separate seating area within the study.
I picked the Sloane Desk, Leather Chair, and Shelf from the same collection to create a cohesive study area. The organic shape of the lamp also added a beautiful touch to the dark wood of the desk.
I crafted the seating area with a darker and luxe theme in mind - that’s why I chose the Jonathan Leather Sofa, Arden Performance Fabric Swivel Armchair, Andre Coffee Table, Odessa Jute Area Rug, and Faro Sculptural Floor Lamp.
Given that the study was mainly used by the male homeowner, I incorporated darker tones and luxe materials for a masculine ambiance. The grey oak finish of the furniture and the rich leather upholstery contribute to a refined, stately look.
The black rug was used to accentuate and frame the seating zone. It not only provided a visual anchor but also added texture and warmth, enhancing the cosy yet sophisticated feel of the study.
Recommended read: 7 Tips to Create a Hybrid Office Guest Bedroom
The serene pool deck
The homeowners wanted to create a relaxing space on the pool deck as they had a large space and lush greenery that surrounded the home. With the homeowners seeking a space to unwind and entertain, we carefully selected furniture that balances comfort, style, and functionality.
The deck overlooked the large swimming pool and beautiful, lush greenery that surrounded the estate.
I created a lounge area with the Malta Outdoor Lounge Chair Set for relaxation, and opted for the Rio Teak Outdoor Dining Set for dining and entertaining.
Central to the pool deck's design is the Malta Lounge Set, chosen for its blend of comfort and modern aesthetics. This set includes plush seating options that invite relaxation, making it ideal for lazy afternoons by the pool.
To accommodate outdoor dining, we incorporated the Rio Teak Dining Set to offer a stylish and functional space for meals. The dining area was positioned to take full advantage of the beautiful poolside views, allowing the homeowners and their guests to enjoy their meals in a serene, natural setting.
Bring modern luxury to life
Styling a 16,650 sqft GCB in just five days was no small feat. Each space within the GCB was thoughtfully designed to reflect the modern luxe aesthetic while enhancing the unique features of the home.
With careful planning and a clear vision, we transformed this house into a luxurious home that perfectly balances elegance and comfort.
We are proud to have been a part of this incredible transformation and look forward to continue creating stunning, functional spaces that enhance the lives of our customers!
Having worked on multiple projects locally, Sin Yi understands the unique aspects of styling various housing types in Singapore
