It’s no surprise that Chloe Elkerton, founder of a homegrown interior decorating firm, lives in trendy Tiong Bahru which was voted by Vogue as one of the hippest neighbourhoods in the world! The fact that she was one of the first expats to discover and nest in the area over seven years ago, is further testament to her fantastic eye for style. Curious as we were, we couldn’t help but explore her humble home.
Her apartment is light and calm with hints of playfulness and bohemia, and the perfect showcase of E&A Interiors’ gorgeous artisanal prints and fabrics. Chloe reveals that she prefers to live with a more neutral palette, whilst bringing in luxury elements such as brass, marble and velvets, as well as the use of natural linens. This is the kind of home that instantly makes you feel happy, inspired, comfortable… and desperate to move to Tiong Bahru. We grab some insights from the brilliant interior designer herself.
Tell us a bit about your background and what you’re doing now.
I started my career 18 years ago after completing a Textile Fine Art degree at Goldsmiths University, London. I knew interiors was what I wanted to do and was focused at a young age. From there, I went straight into the magazine world as a stylist working for interior design titles such as Elle Decoration and Living, as well as styling for interior campaigns and TV.
When the recession hit London in 2008, I saw it as an opportunity to venture out of my comfort zone and roll the dice! Suitcase packed, London flat rented, I headed to the tropics and very quickly set up my own styling company working for agencies and editorial in Singapore. I also worked for a well-known interior design firm in Singapore before meeting my business partner Elizabeth Acland, and launched E&A Interiors in the Summer of 2013.
How would you describe your house?
It’s an old 1930s block in Tiong Bahru – it’s not one of the ‘done-up’ heritage blocks and it is definitely a little rough around the edges, which also gives it its charm and the feeling of living in Asia. The ceilings are high, good-sized rooms with no wasted space, and what really won me over was the incredible mosaic-tiled pink and red floor.
There had been 10 tenants living here before me, and it was pretty ugly when the agent showed it to me seven years ago. But I knew that with a bit of cosmetic work, I could make it an interesting, unique space and create a much-loved home in the best area of Singapore.
How would you describe your style?
I guess it follows my fashion. I see your home as an extension of yourself. Fresh, contemporary, chic, yet paired down understated luxe. Not too serious, but not trend-following either. I love to combine textures with not too much colour and I’m also a sucker for a bit of moorish and bohemian design, which comes from many holidays and growing up on the Greek islands. I can’t live with interiors that are cluttered or overworked and try to do too much in one space.
What’s your favourite thing about your house?
The mosaic floor!
What’s your most treasured item in your home?
I couldn’t pick one thing. My antique convex Girandole mirror was inherited from my grandmother – it’s wonderful, when you are so far from home, to have a few pieces that are special and evoke nostalgia and happy memories. The dining table is another one; I designed and had it custom-made in Singapore. And the sofa is also custom-designed and based on a vintage piece, and is unbelievably comfortable; if I want to change the look, I can just re-upholster it too.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt when it comes to interior design in Singapore?
When working here, I had to really understand apartment design. It was different from beautiful period properties in London where you have all the wonderful details of skirting, fireplaces and windows. Apartments here can be very bland and soulless: marble floors, white walls and a very open plan. Wall finishes are key, and even just a white grasscloth wallpaper or texture can add real warmth and depth to a room. The humidity is another key factor to consider; it’s why we like to decorate using just natural linens and cloths, and why we decided to bring in an amazing library of artisanal printed linens to Singapore – we felt these were really missing here.
Which neighbourhood would you live in if you didn’t live in Tiong Bahru?
I’d only really consider moving to Duxton and Everton Park areas. I occasionally have moments where I get fed up with the four flights of stairs when back from a trip, and no outdoor space. Sometimes, I find myself daydreaming about a snazzy seafront apartment in Sentosa. But I know I’d miss Tiong Bahru too much!
A slider with the ID of 514 doesn't exist.What’s your favourite…
Bar in Singapore?
I have a few for different reasons; Potato Head on Keong Saik Road for its atmosphere, the National Gallery Aura rooftop bar for its amazing views, and Manhattan Bar at St. Regis for their amazing cocktails.
Restaurant in Singapore?
Kilo is always a firm favourite of mine and PS Chop Suey in Dempsey is delicious too!
Shop in Singapore?
Asiatique Collections in Dempsey for beautiful Interiors, and I also love edit lifestyle for last minute holiday buys.
Thing to do in Singapore?
I never tire of the Botanic Gardens, which have recently been given a UNESCO award. I love getting away from the built up city and being surrounded by beautiful nature. I also like to head to Sentosa at the weekends and spend time on the beach.
Best kept secret in Singapore?
Bincho: cool yakitori in Tiong Bahru. It makes me a little sad when yet another kopitiam gives way to another hipster café though! But this place manages to retain the old whilst injecting fresh vibes into the same place. The bar is awesome, wrapped in copper, and serves great cocktails!
Place in Singapore that gives you home envy?
We’ve just started to renovate an old property – it’s a ground floor apartment in Bukit Timah and the space is great with a real indoor / outdoor feel. We have gutted it, and the client has chosen an amazing herringbone bathroom floor and striking marble bar. I am going to have serious bathroom and bar envy once this one is done!
Book an appointment to see Chloe in E&A’s studio on: 46 Kim Yam Road, #04-24 Singapore, 239351.