The perennial challenge with big houses lies in making them feel cosy; the expanse of space can quickly make a home feel cold and uninviting if not handled well.
One might think simply adding furniture would make things work, but that can all too quickly devolve into a cluttered mess. The trick, we've learned, is strategic use of colour.
Just take a look at this duplex penthouse in Dalvey Haus. The 9,600 sq ft six-bedroom unit was the final unit sold in the development, going for just under $40 million, EdgeProp Singapore reported on May 20.
The unit is undeniably spacious — it has separate living, dining and wine rooms, and each bedroom has an attached bathroom; the master bedroom even has a sitting room, a private study or home office, and separate his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes. Yet it retains a sense of comfort, thanks to the extensive use of warm tones throughout.
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Cabinets, wardrobes and flooring, for instance, are rendered in wood of various tones, for a variety of tans, browns and beiges that add visual interest in the house, while maintaining a consistent texture that ties everything together.
One of the bedrooms, which has been converted into a home spa, even features unique wood-panel walls that add a second layer of texture; the visual buzz naturally makes the room feel more active and alive.
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Of course, colour is nothing without light; proper use of natural and artificial light makes all the difference when it comes to turning a house into a home. Here, double-glazed full-height windows allow the sun to enter during the day, for a bright and airy space; at night, warm yellow lights turn the penthouse into a warm, inviting abode.
