8 Elements for a 'Crazy Rich Asians'-Style Home
Curious if some people live like the characters in 'Crazy Rich Asians'? They do. And their homes share these features
Chiquit Brammall
7 September 2018
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
By now you may have seen Kevin Kwan’s book-turned-film, Crazy Rich Asians, and possibly ticked off the iconic structures and sights it captures in Singapore: the Marina Bay Sands development, Sentosa Island, the historical Chijmes complex, and more. You may have even wondered which ivy-covered gate on Tyersall Road bordering the Singapore Botanic Gardens the Young estate was based on. And whether or not you agree that there are Singaporeans who are ‘crazy-rich’ like the characters played by Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding and Gemma Chan, you may be curious if some people really live like that.
They do. When Crazy Rich Asians, the first of Kwan’s trilogy, came out, I was an editor at SPH Magazines, and incidentally worked with The Peak magazine’s Domain special issues. I have been in some of those crazy-rich homes, and interviewed some of the most down-to-earth yet incredibly cultured and travelled homeowners. Here are the eight elements those homes have in common – not only with each other, but also with the movie’s Tyersall Park.
They do. When Crazy Rich Asians, the first of Kwan’s trilogy, came out, I was an editor at SPH Magazines, and incidentally worked with The Peak magazine’s Domain special issues. I have been in some of those crazy-rich homes, and interviewed some of the most down-to-earth yet incredibly cultured and travelled homeowners. Here are the eight elements those homes have in common – not only with each other, but also with the movie’s Tyersall Park.
1. Location
As tiny as Singapore’s little red dot is on the world map – Singapore’s only about 720 square kilometres – there are still pockets of lush, green residential estates where some of the most prestigious type of homes stand, known as ‘good class bungalows’, or conservation homes like Tyersall Park. This contemporary home by Aamer Architects hugs its hilly topography somewhere in the vicinity of Singapore’s Dempsey Hill.
As tiny as Singapore’s little red dot is on the world map – Singapore’s only about 720 square kilometres – there are still pockets of lush, green residential estates where some of the most prestigious type of homes stand, known as ‘good class bungalows’, or conservation homes like Tyersall Park. This contemporary home by Aamer Architects hugs its hilly topography somewhere in the vicinity of Singapore’s Dempsey Hill.
Other similarly coveted addresses include Bukit Timah within the Namly Avenue and Holland Village boundaries, Tanglin Village and Sentosa Cove.
2. Water features
Swimming pools and koi ponds are not only considered luxurious; water features are also good for feng shui (if you’re into that) or creating a resort ambience.
Find a pool and spa professional near you
Swimming pools and koi ponds are not only considered luxurious; water features are also good for feng shui (if you’re into that) or creating a resort ambience.
Find a pool and spa professional near you
3. A grand staircase
Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, a sweeping staircase creates the opportunity for grand entrances at lavish parties.
Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, a sweeping staircase creates the opportunity for grand entrances at lavish parties.
4. Plenty of space for entertaining
Speaking of parties, a generously-sized table for 10 may be more than your family needs, but it won’t be enough for celebrations such as those seen in Crazy Rich Asians. A house like this by Timur Designs has a dining room that opens up to a courtyard where more tables and chairs can easily be set up for a really big party.
Speaking of parties, a generously-sized table for 10 may be more than your family needs, but it won’t be enough for celebrations such as those seen in Crazy Rich Asians. A house like this by Timur Designs has a dining room that opens up to a courtyard where more tables and chairs can easily be set up for a really big party.
5. A garage for your vintage car collection
You need space to park all those luxurious toys!
An Ever-Evolving Architect’s Home in Singapore
You need space to park all those luxurious toys!
An Ever-Evolving Architect’s Home in Singapore
6. Wings
A house that sprawls wide so you can choose not to see other family members for days – at least that’s what glass-half-empty people think of houses with different wings. But wings also serve a positive, uniquely Asian purpose: multiple generations with different style preferences can dwell harmoniously in one place while enjoying their personal spaces.
A house that sprawls wide so you can choose not to see other family members for days – at least that’s what glass-half-empty people think of houses with different wings. But wings also serve a positive, uniquely Asian purpose: multiple generations with different style preferences can dwell harmoniously in one place while enjoying their personal spaces.
7. Asian art
Nothing says ‘cultured’ like a treasure trove of Asian art. Architect TK Quek is renowned in the region for his extensive art collection; he collaborated with son Jonathan and business partner Rene Tan – both of RT+Q Architects – to design a home that showcases the art for everyone’s enjoyment.
90 of the Best Singapore Homes on Houzz
Nothing says ‘cultured’ like a treasure trove of Asian art. Architect TK Quek is renowned in the region for his extensive art collection; he collaborated with son Jonathan and business partner Rene Tan – both of RT+Q Architects – to design a home that showcases the art for everyone’s enjoyment.
90 of the Best Singapore Homes on Houzz
8. Your grandmother’s antiques
Family heirlooms from various dynasties, tastefully mixed with contemporary selections, are proof of old money (like the Young family in the movie), rather than the noveau riche’s all-new, all-designer-labelled furniture.
Tell us
Which Singapore location did you most enjoy from Crazy Rich Asians? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
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Family heirlooms from various dynasties, tastefully mixed with contemporary selections, are proof of old money (like the Young family in the movie), rather than the noveau riche’s all-new, all-designer-labelled furniture.
Tell us
Which Singapore location did you most enjoy from Crazy Rich Asians? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Read more lifestyle stories
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Loved the article. Cant wait to see the film.
wonderful!!