Let’s face it; a 3000 sq. ft. residence is not what commonly referred to as bungalow. But Monica Wong of PDI Design begs to differ, as she has proved with her recent project in Sri Hartamas that it is possible to have five bedrooms, a spacious kitchen and a music room built on a 3000 sq. ft. built-in area.
The homeowner, who prefers to remain anonymous, prides herself in her stunning residence. She seems contented whenever Wong, the interior designer from PDI Design she had hired, refers to her residence as a bungalow.
The quandary over the term 'bungalow', however, has long been debated. It is said that the term ‘bungalow’ derives from the Gujarati word of baṅgalo (Hindi word baṅglā), which used elliptically for a house in the Bengal style - traditionally a small, one-storey house with a wide veranda.
The term was first used in English vocabulary in 1696 to describe "bungales or hovells" in India for English sailors. And thanks to the British navy, the term had since travelled around the world and interpreted differently.
As a result, exceptional difference in the modern use of the term ‘bungalow’ can be found across the globe. In Malaysia and Singapore, for instance, bungalow refers to a detached, family house that is usually of two to three storeys with its own compound. If we were to agree with this definition, then yes, the homeowner and her designer have every right to call this beautiful, modern classic house, a bungalow.
The Concept: Modern Classic
Music room overlooking the pool deck, serves as the gathering spot for the family.
“To suit my client’s fancy, I have chosen a classic modern concept for this bungalow,” says Wong, the interior designer. According to Wong, her client is a stylish woman who lives with three daughters.
Wong insists that one of the biggest challenges in conceptualising the bungalow is to find the common ground between the ladies in the family.
“Each and every one of them has different tastes towards designs. What you are looking at right now is a tailored interior to satisfy everyone!”she says.
What was agreed by the family members is a modern classic design, a style that conforms to the modern luxury standard without going overboard with the obligatory stark feel. It was not that kind of sophistication the family was aiming for. To the contrary, the family wanted something classically modern, a design concept that is easy to understand, warm yet contemporary.
Classic element such as wood is set against modern furniture and lightings. Such mixture is best illustrated by the living room, where a set of hardwood ceiling panel is put in contrast against the uber modern centerpiece, which is a crafted acrylic layered on a coloured mirror.
The designer masterpiece, which also functions as a space divider, forms a harmonious blend of modern and classic design that complements to the timeless concept of the house.
The modern feel is further highlighted by the colourful furniture and large window walls decorated with free falling drapes. The juxtaposition of all these elements creates a staggeringly opulent look.
The Optimum Use of Space A swimming pool is an exquisite addition to any home.
The swimming pool of this home is located at the center where the living room, dining room and the music room open out to it. What’s interesting about the swimming pool is that there is a connecting pool deck in between from the second floor, from which the water cascades into the pool on the ground floor.
“It is built in such a way so that the family can enjoy the tranquil spaces while appreciating the calming effect of the water that falls into the pool,” says Wong.
The music room that overlooks the pool, too, displays modern classic design. Wooden floor and a grand piano represent the classic touch, while contemporary furniture, quirky table lamp and chandelier, plus avant-garde wallpaper on one side of the wall give a modern finish to the room.
Another interesting feature in the house is the kitchen, which is stylishly designed in sleek white. The careful coordination of colour starts from the tiles, the cabinets and the island.
Nothing finishes a clever design better than a smart combination of artificial and natural lightings, and Monica Wong knows exactly how to do this.
“To control the contrast between classic and modern elements, it is crucial to create an ambiance that suits both concepts. The key to it is the usage of downy sheers, which filters partial sunlight without blocking it entirely,” she explains.
As Wong and the homeowner put it, there is no stopping you from calling your home a bungalow when brilliant spacing strategy and smart lighting concept are applied. By Ellen Tang
The homeowner, who prefers to remain anonymous, prides herself in her stunning residence. She seems contented whenever Wong, the interior designer from PDI Design she had hired, refers to her residence as a bungalow.
The quandary over the term 'bungalow', however, has long been debated. It is said that the term ‘bungalow’ derives from the Gujarati word of baṅgalo (Hindi word baṅglā), which used elliptically for a house in the Bengal style - traditionally a small, one-storey house with a wide veranda.
The term was first used in English vocabulary in 1696 to describe "bungales or hovells" in India for English sailors. And thanks to the British navy, the term had since travelled around the world and interpreted differently.
As a result, exceptional difference in the modern use of the term ‘bungalow’ can be found across the globe. In Malaysia and Singapore, for instance, bungalow refers to a detached, family house that is usually of two to three storeys with its own compound. If we were to agree with this definition, then yes, the homeowner and her designer have every right to call this beautiful, modern classic house, a bungalow.
The Concept: Modern Classic
Music room overlooking the pool deck, serves as the gathering spot for the family.
“To suit my client’s fancy, I have chosen a classic modern concept for this bungalow,” says Wong, the interior designer. According to Wong, her client is a stylish woman who lives with three daughters.
Wong insists that one of the biggest challenges in conceptualising the bungalow is to find the common ground between the ladies in the family.
“Each and every one of them has different tastes towards designs. What you are looking at right now is a tailored interior to satisfy everyone!”she says.
What was agreed by the family members is a modern classic design, a style that conforms to the modern luxury standard without going overboard with the obligatory stark feel. It was not that kind of sophistication the family was aiming for. To the contrary, the family wanted something classically modern, a design concept that is easy to understand, warm yet contemporary.
Classic element such as wood is set against modern furniture and lightings. Such mixture is best illustrated by the living room, where a set of hardwood ceiling panel is put in contrast against the uber modern centerpiece, which is a crafted acrylic layered on a coloured mirror.
The designer masterpiece, which also functions as a space divider, forms a harmonious blend of modern and classic design that complements to the timeless concept of the house.
The modern feel is further highlighted by the colourful furniture and large window walls decorated with free falling drapes. The juxtaposition of all these elements creates a staggeringly opulent look.
The Optimum Use of Space A swimming pool is an exquisite addition to any home.
The swimming pool of this home is located at the center where the living room, dining room and the music room open out to it. What’s interesting about the swimming pool is that there is a connecting pool deck in between from the second floor, from which the water cascades into the pool on the ground floor.
“It is built in such a way so that the family can enjoy the tranquil spaces while appreciating the calming effect of the water that falls into the pool,” says Wong.
The music room that overlooks the pool, too, displays modern classic design. Wooden floor and a grand piano represent the classic touch, while contemporary furniture, quirky table lamp and chandelier, plus avant-garde wallpaper on one side of the wall give a modern finish to the room.
Another interesting feature in the house is the kitchen, which is stylishly designed in sleek white. The careful coordination of colour starts from the tiles, the cabinets and the island.
Nothing finishes a clever design better than a smart combination of artificial and natural lightings, and Monica Wong knows exactly how to do this.
“To control the contrast between classic and modern elements, it is crucial to create an ambiance that suits both concepts. The key to it is the usage of downy sheers, which filters partial sunlight without blocking it entirely,” she explains.
As Wong and the homeowner put it, there is no stopping you from calling your home a bungalow when brilliant spacing strategy and smart lighting concept are applied. By Ellen Tang
