Step Inside a Stylish Singapore Condo Bursting with Personality
Step inside the stylish home of Singapore based photographer, Clare Barker Wells. Better known for her beautiful family photography, here Clare is showing a lesser known talent - her ability to style a modern apartment with effortless eclectic style.
Located in Sentosa, the apartment has been filled with a clever mix of furniture and homeware items. It is a home bursting with personality - nothing feels over thought and there is an ease and comfort to the styling. A home that combines a high-low strategy for interior styling (combining one-off more expensive items with affordable pieces) always feel interesting and Clare has pulled this interior styling strategy off with success, sourcing beautiful vintage items to add character and charm to the home.
LIVING ROOM
In the living room a mid century Danish side table sits next to an Ikea Stocksund sofa which has been recovered in pink linen to give it a high-end feel. Rather than play it safe with the cushions, Clare has opted for deep golden yellow velvet, patterned floral and geometric navy cushions. On paper this might sound like a chaotic combination but the effect is authentic and stylish.
ENTRANCE AND HALLWAY
Clare has used the entrance and hallway area to showcase some of her photography alongside stacks of her favourite novels. It fills the space with colour and the book stacks almost feel sculptural in nature.
*Tip: If displaying books like this, keep each stack the same height and space them out evenly so that it feels purposeful rather than cluttered
DINING AREA
The open plan dining area features a vintage map of the region. The dining table is mid-century teak and Clare has used a contemporary standing lamp to fill the corner of the space. Facing the dining area is a beautiful upright piano, complete with stickers on the notes for little hands still learning.
Clare and her husband have sourced a variety of art for their home often picked up from second hand shops - some of which have proven to be excellent junk shop finds now worth far more than they paid. I strongly believe that great art can come from anywhere and price should not be an indicator of whether the art is right for you and your home - if you love it, buy it. Whether it comes from a junk shop or a high-end gallery.
MASTER BEDROOM
The master bedroom is calm and cosy with a pastel colour palette as its base. A pair of vintage teak chest of drawers add an element of masculine to the otherwise feminine space and I particularly love the mis-matched bedside lamps which add interest and personality. Clare has a collection of blue and white ceramic ginger jars resting on the window sill and a small desk in the corner where she can grab some time away from her little ones to work from home.
KIDS BEDROOMS
Clare’s sense of style carries through to her children’s bedrooms. Her daughter’s room has a vintage feel and I love the use of the deep red oriental rug - it is an unexpected choice for a girls room and I love how it anchors the space and lends weight to the whimsical elements.
Her son’s room is perfectly age appropriate with colourful elements and a simple design for a little one who is still sleeping in a cot. The beautiful hand-beaten gold quote art is an eye catching element to the room.
STYLE TIPS TO BORROW FROM CLARE’S HOME
Mix pattern and colour to create interest and personality
Re-upholster affordable sofas in beautiful fabric to give them a luxe feel
Spend and splurge - combine affordable pieces with a couple of high-end or one-off pieces to give your home a sense of personality
Use books and art work to add colour to your space
Combine styles of furniture
Shop for a variety of art by looking in second hand shops
Let some of your art rest against pieces of furniture - not everything needs to be put up on a wall
SHOP THE LOOK
A little about Clare…
Clare is an award winning photographer based in Singapore. She specialises in family portraiture and hosts workshops around the world teaching others how to achieve beautiful portraiture photography. This year, she has been invited to present at a prestigious photography conference in the U.S. In Singapore she hosts beginner photography workshops via The Assembly Hall.
If you would like to learn more about Clare and her photography business head to her website. For bookings to attend one of her workshops at The Assembly Hall, click here.
