The Chic Home: Bachelor’s self-designed cave of crystals and other collectibles

SINGAPORE – While Mr David Ng’s job as associate director in a facade consulting firm in China is not directly related to interior design, he knew enough about construction and space planning to want to design his own home.

“I have a lot of stuff to display, so I thought it best that I design the home myself because I know my needs best,” says the 50-year-old bachelor, who shares his 1,603 sq ft executive maisonette in Pasir Ris with his parents.

Although he personally planned the layout and carpentry of the two-storey apartment – and picked the furniture, materials and palette – he brought in home-grown interior design firm Rezt+Relax to fine-tune the design.

Besides advising Mr Ng on the feasibility of his design, the firm helped with shop drawings and 3D renderings, and executed the renovation works.

It is immediately apparent to any who steps into the home that Mr Ng is an avid collector.

Amethyst crystals of all shapes and sizes are displayed on an L-shaped shelf facing the main entrance. Apart from showcasing his collection, the shelf also screens the rest of the unit from view.

The rest of his extensive collection – comprising more amethyst crystals, rare stone figurines, stamps and Absolut Vodka bottles – is displayed on shelves, in glass-enclosed cabinets, above the television console, on the ledge behind the bed and on the floor.

Mr Ng moved the balcony door to expand the living room so it could accommodate a four-seater sofa.

“I love this space as it has a view of many other parts of the home,” he says.

A nature lover, Mr Ng enjoys relaxing in the double-volume balcony, which has an artificial vertical green wall that extends up to the second storey, a timber-look ceiling and flooring, and a resin counter table featuring a beach and seascape.

The dining area was extended to fit a dining table that can be converted into a pool or table-tennis table.

The kitchen next to the dining room is the domain of Mr Ng’s mother, so he left the colour and material selection to her. A peninsula island offers an alternative spot for a light meal or a quick breakfast, and doubles as a bar counter.

Mr Ng’s parents occupy the original master bedroom, which is decked out in a gold-and-bronze theme, with an attached bathroom.

The remaining two bedrooms and the common bathroom on the second storey have been reconfigured into Mr Ng’s bedroom, attached bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and study.

Its dark wood palette, dark grey marble bathroom wall with dramatic gold veins, a freestanding bathtub and integrated track lighting in the walk-in wardrobe exude the ambience of a luxury hotel suite.

An elevated platform bed offers additional storage below, while a projection screen with a Harmon Kardon sound system creates a cinematic experience.

Mr Ng and his parents moved into the home in November 2023. The entire interior of the 36-year-old flat was redone over 18 months to the tune of $350,000 – a princely sum which its owner considers well spent.

“The home is for my retirement, as I have no intention of moving. This is why I designed it to accommodate all my needs, and why I was willing to spend this amount on the renovation and invest in durable materials and finishes,” he says.