HL Residence Residential Interior Design

RUPERT OOI SAY YUNG

Interview about HL Residence Residential Interior Design, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2024

About the Project

Minimalist modern interior design focuses on simplicity and functionality, stripping away unnecessary elements and clutter. The emphasis on functionality in minimalist modern interior design ensures that every piece of furniture and every element serves a purpose. This approach enhances the efficiency and practicality of the space, contributing to a sense of order and tranquility. The minimalist aesthetic promotes mindfulness and encourages people to focus on the present moment.

Design Details
  • Designer:
    RUPERT OOI SAY YUNG
  • Design Name:
    HL Residence Residential Interior Design
  • Designed For:
    Matteness Interior Design
  • Award Category:
    A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award
  • Award Year:
    2024
  • Last Updated:
    November 25, 2024
Learn More About This Design

View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.

View Design Details
Your innovative use of dark stained wood, natural marble, and titanium-coated stainless steel in HL Residence Residential Interior Design creates a striking balance - could you elaborate on how these material choices contribute to achieving your vision of muted luxury?

Incorporating a mixture of materials such as dark stained wood, natural marble, and titanium-coated stainless steel results in a striking collage effect, where each material brings its distinctive character while seamlessly harmonizing with the others. This interplay of textures, tones, and finishes not only highlights the inherent beauty of each material but also amplifies their collective impact on the overall aesthetic.The dark stained wood, with its rich and grounding warmth, serves as the foundation, providing a sense of depth and timelessness. Natural marble, with its organic veining and polished surface, introduces a refined elegance and visual movement, acting as a focal point that elevates the composition. Meanwhile, the titanium-coated stainless steel offers a sleek, contemporary edge, its subtle reflectivity adding a modern sophistication and lightness to balance the other materials.This thoughtful layering forms a multidimensional design narrative, central to achieving the vision of understated luxury.

The minimalist aesthetic of HL Residence Residential Interior Design appears to prioritize both tranquility and functionality - what inspired your approach to creating this peaceful urban retreat, and how did you balance these dual objectives?

The minimalist aesthetic of the HL Residence was inspired by the desire to create a serene urban retreat that balances tranquility and functionality. We focused on simplicity, allowing the surrounding environment to take center stage. Instead of overloading the space with intricate fixtures, we emphasized open layouts and large windows to frame outdoor views and invite natural light, seamlessly connecting the interiors to the outside world.To enhance wellness and comfort, we prioritized loose furniture over built-in or ornate fixtures. These carefully selected pieces, with their ergonomic designs and organic shapes, promote relaxation while maintaining flexibility in the space. Materials and finishes were chosen to align with wellness principles, such as breathable fabrics and tactile surfaces, ensuring every element contributes to a calming atmosphere.The muted material palette of dark stained wood, natural marble, and titanium-coated stainless steel adds warmth, texture, and subtle sophistication. These materials, paired with clean lines and neutral tones, create a harmonious backdrop that enhances the sense of peace without overwhelming the senses. Functionality is embedded in the design through intuitive layouts and multi-functional furniture, ensuring the space feels open yet purposeful.This approach delivers a home that fosters well-being and mindfulness while meeting practical needs. By emphasizing simplicity, wellness, and a strong connection to the surroundings, the HL Residence becomes more than a living space, it is also a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city.

In developing HL Residence Residential Interior Design, you took an unconventional approach by selecting furniture during the drafting stage - could you share how this reverse design process influenced the final spatial composition?

In designing the HL Residence, selecting furniture during the drafting stage was a deliberate choice that placed the human experience at the heart of the design. This unconventional approach allowed us to shape the interior fixture around the furniture, ensuring that each space was tailored to its purpose and felt cohesive from the start.By prioritizing furniture early, we treated it as a framework for the spatial composition. Functional and wellness-focused pieces, such as ergonomic seating and modular sofas, informed the layout and flow of each room. This ensured the spaces felt open, adaptable, and purpose-driven, with furniture dictating proportions and enhancing usability.This process also established a strong visual and material cohesion. By choosing furniture aligned with the muted luxury theme, we could harmonize textures, tones, and materials across the entire residence. This seamless integration between architecture and furnishings resulted in spaces that feel balanced and un-cluttered, while supporting both tranquility and functionality.Ultimately, this reverse design process created a home where every detail—down to the placement and purpose of each furniture piece—was intentional. The result is a serene, human-centered space that combines aesthetic refinement with everyday practicality, offering both comfort and timeless elegance.

The integration of natural daylight seems central to HL Residence Residential Interior Design - how did this focus shape your decisions about layout, materials, and the overall flow of the space?

The integration of natural daylight was central to the design of HL Residence, influencing the layout, material choices, and overall spatial flow. Daylight became a guiding element, helping us define the focal areas of the home and enhancing its sense of serenity and openness.Key spaces, such as living and dining areas, were positioned to take full advantage of the best light, ensuring these zones became vibrant and inviting focal points. Open-plan layouts allowed daylight to flow freely between spaces, creating a seamless connection and a sense of continuity throughout the residence.Materials were carefully chosen to amplify the impact of natural light. Reflective surfaces like polished marble and titanium-coated stainless steel enhanced brightness and added a sense of spaciousness, while darker materials like stained wood provided contrast and warmth, balancing the overall ambiance.By prioritizing natural daylight, we created a home where light defines the character of each space, enriching its functionality and aesthetic appeal. This thoughtful use of light fosters a harmonious and uplifting living experience, blending beauty, comfort, and a connection to the surrounding environment.

Your work on HL Residence Residential Interior Design earned Bronze recognition at the A' Design Award - how did the challenge of creating calm within an urban environment lead to innovative solutions in your design approach?

The challenge of creating calm within an urban environment led to innovative design solutions that focus on enhancing both tranquility and luxury in the HL Residence. As more discerning buyers seek homes that function as personal sanctuaries—spaces dedicated to nurturing their well-being—our approach emphasized creating a peaceful atmosphere without compromising on opulence. This vision aligns with the growing trend of designing spaces that are as restorative as they are luxurious.One of the key innovations we introduced was the use of double-glazed windows. These windows not only maximize natural light but also act as a barrier to external noise, reducing the usual hustle and bustle of city life. The noise-reducing properties of the double glazing ensured that the home remained quiet and serene, allowing the residents to enjoy a peaceful retreat despite being in the heart of an urban environment.Additionally, luxurious curtains with noise-absorbing functions were incorporated throughout the residence. These curtains not only provided a soft, elegant aesthetic but also contributed to the calming ambiance by further reducing sound infiltration. Their lush texture added a layer of warmth and sophistication, enhancing the sense of comfort and luxury within the space.Together, these elements helped create a sanctuary that felt tranquil and restorative, blending opulence with mindfulness. The combination of thoughtful acoustic solutions, high-end materials, and design features that support wellness allowed the residence to provide a perfect balance of luxury and calm in an urban setting.

The cool tones and clean lines throughout HL Residence Residential Interior Design create a distinct atmosphere - could you discuss how these elements work together to achieve your goal of muted luxury while maintaining warmth and livability?

The cool tones and clean lines in HL Residence were carefully chosen to create a serene, sophisticated atmosphere of muted luxury that remains livable and welcoming. Soft greys, blues, and whites were used to evoke a sense of calm without feeling cold, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban environment outside.The minimalist approach with clean lines ensures the design remains simple and uncluttered, creating a sense of order and space. This allows the materials and furniture to stand out without overwhelming the overall aesthetic, resulting in a harmonious and open layout.Material selection was key to maintaining livability. Natural materials like stained wood and marble were incorporated to add warmth and texture, ensuring the space feels inviting and grounded, while avoiding a sterile or overly sleek environment. These materials subtly enhance the design, supporting the goal of muted luxury.Luxury is introduced through small, muted details, such as titanium-coated accents and refined marble surfaces, which add sophistication without overpowering the space. These carefully chosen elements contribute to the overall elegance while preserving the calm, minimalist vibe, creating a perfect balance of luxury and comfort.

In designing HL Residence Residential Interior Design, how did you address the specific challenges of urban living such as noise reduction and privacy while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic?

In designing HL Residence, we specifically addressed the challenges of city living, such as noise reduction and privacy, while staying true to the minimalist aesthetic. Urban environments often bring external noise and privacy concerns, so we implemented solutions that enhanced comfort while maintaining the clean, sleek lines of the design.To reduce noise, we used double-glazed windows throughout the residence. These windows provide excellent sound insulation, helping to block out street noise and create a quieter, more peaceful indoor environment. This was crucial for maintaining a serene atmosphere within the home, even in a busy urban setting.Additionally, we incorporated luxurious curtains in key areas, not only for their softness and elegance but also for their practical function in enhancing privacy. These curtains have sound-absorbing qualities, further reducing noise while allowing residents to control their privacy when needed. This solution supports the minimalist approach by providing a simple, refined way to address both noise and privacy without disrupting the design’s openness or clean lines.Together, the double-glazed windows and elegant curtains allow the residence to remain peaceful and private, offering a calm urban retreat that balances the demands of city life with the desire for tranquility and personal space, all while preserving a minimalist aesthetic.

The furniture selection in HL Residence Residential Interior Design follows a notably streamlined approach - could you elaborate on your strategy for choosing pieces that enhance both the functionality and visual serenity of the space?

In HL Residence, the furniture selection follows a streamlined approach designed to enhance both functionality and visual tranquility. We carefully chose cloud-shaped loose furniture to complement the high-floor setting, reflecting the soft, organic forms that resonate with the surrounding urban landscape. These pieces bring a sense of lightness and fluidity to the space, creating a calm, harmonious atmosphere that aligns with the elevated view and serene environment.Additionally, we focused on selecting simple, modern furniture that is both comfortable and versatile. The living hall was designed not just for traditional activities like TV watching, but primarily for wellness and relaxation. With this in mind, we chose flexible seating options, such as modular sofas and movable chairs, which can be arranged in different configurations to support activities like meditation, social gatherings, or simply unwinding in a peaceful setting.This approach ensures that the furniture serves both practical needs and contributes to the overall peaceful ambiance of the home, fostering a lifestyle centered on well-being, mindfulness, and relaxation.

Looking at the evolution of HL Residence Residential Interior Design from concept to completion, what unexpected discoveries or insights emerged that might influence your future projects?

The evolution of HL Residence from concept to completion revealed some unexpected discoveries that will undoubtedly influence future projects. One of the key insights was that clients often discover their desired lifestyle during the design process, as they engage more deeply with the choices being made about space, materials, and layout. This discovery process allowed us to fine-tune the design to align more closely with their evolving preferences, ensuring the final space was not only functional but truly reflective of their ideal living environment.This experience highlighted the importance of flexibility and adaptive design. In future projects, we will place even greater emphasis on understanding the client's lifestyle aspirations early on, and remain open to adjusting the design as those aspirations become clearer throughout the process. The ability to incorporate these evolving desires leads to a more personalized, meaningful outcome that resonates deeply with clients and their long-term goals.

Given the success of HL Residence Residential Interior Design in creating a peaceful urban sanctuary, how do you envision this approach to minimalist luxury influencing the future of residential interior design in busy city environments?

The success of HL Residence in creating a peaceful urban sanctuary suggests a shift in how residential interior design may evolve in busy city environments. We foresee that future homeowners will place increased value on loose furnishings, not only for their comfort but also for their role in fostering an expressive lifestyle. As people increasingly seek personalized, adaptable spaces that meet their evolving needs, the loose furnishings sector will likely gain greater recognition as a key contributor to both functional and visually appealing designs.This approach to minimalist luxury, where every element serves a purpose while maintaining a sense of tranquility, could influence future trends in residential design. Homeowners will prioritize pieces that balance comfort, versatility, and elegance, resulting in spaces that are both serene and sophisticated. This shift may lead to a broader movement toward interior designs that focus on well-being, mindfulness, and personal expression, particularly in urban environments where creating peaceful retreats is increasingly valued.

Explore Our Special Features

Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.