IN THE PIPELINE: A TOUCH OF PERANAKAN by Nicole Kow

Along the streets of Katong and Joo Chiat, it is a common sight to see a row of closely packed terrace homes with intricate detailing, colors and a whole lot of heritage. Peranakan homes which till today still exude a certain charm along the streets of modern day Singapore catch the attention and curiosity of passer-bys.

Founded mainly in Melaka before Peranakan settlers made parts of Singapore their home, the distinct traits of the Peranakan home encompass a fusion between the east and west resulting in elaborately detailed cornaces and unusual exterior colours that range from pastels to bold hues.

While a good portion of Singapore has strayed away from the old world charm of colonial and Peranakan styled homes, for a good few, these style homes still continue to captivate and allure when being drawn to the personal taste of what a home should look like.

Located within the east where authentic Peranakan homes still stand, this post-war house needed a new lease on life. An exisiting 2-storey home, the internal shell had retro features from its dated past that while many would scrap, instead made nostalgic focal points to blend into the idea of remaking a modern Peranakan style home. 

The living room -  a quaint corner roomy to accommodate guests yet cozy enough to sip a cup of hot tea on a rainy day. The first half of the floor tiled in original Terazzo flooring polished and restored.

An open concept kitchen located next to the dining allow for easy access to food. The breakfast counter dividing the kitchen and dining nicely doubles up as a buffet hutch for food especially during parties.

A rustic common bath is easily accessible to all parts of the first level. Wooden trim bordering the half walled mosaic-style retro tiling creates a cooling effect with a tropical yet retro charm.

Like most Peranakan style homes, the sizeable length makes for interesting layouts. To the back of the first floor, a private granny’s room comes complete with a calming view of the air well’s garden patch.

Ascending to the second floor, beautifully rich jewel tones are a key trend within the rooms.

A common space that can be converted to a family room or a study is richly painted in an emerald green whilst the connecting bedroom in a sky blue and the adjacent room in royal purple.

The common bathroom however contrasts from the bedrooms with its monochromatic tone that brings modernity to the home.

Headed to the master bedroom, the traditional Peranakan colors of green and pink trends through the room blending in with the wooden parquet floors. The ensuite bathroom displays a traditional styled Peranakan cabinet in wood and stained glass but the charcoal and metallic tiles keeps the bathroom up-to-date.