Entrepreneur Sherry Ang on how her transitional home blends simplicity with chaos

This article first appeared in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, the leading fashion glossy on the best of style, beauty, design, travel and the arts. Go to harpersbazaar.com.sg and follow harpersbazaarsingapore on Facebook and harpersbazaarsg on Instagram and TikTok. The January 2025 issue is out on newsstands now.

SINGAPORE – For Ms Sherry Ang, home is more than just a living space – it reflects her evolving life and serves as a canvas for her creative passions.

Her current home, a luxury penthouse a stone’s throw from Orchard Road, is a transitional space while her dream home is being built over the next few years.

“This is a practical interim place for my family, but I still wanted it to feel special,” says the Singaporean entrepreneur, gesturing to the light-filled living room framed by clean lines and curated pieces.

Stepping out of the private lift into the airy 3,300 sq ft apartment, one is greeted by sweeping high ceilings that draw the eye upwards. Then, an arresting sculpture commands attention – The Veiled Bust Of Rome Deified O-T1 by renowned American visual artist Daniel Arsham.

“My husband picked this piece,” Ms Ang says with a smile. “He’s fascinated by how it reimagines classical art. I think it’s such a distinctive way to set the tone for our home.”

Beyond the sculpture, expansive floor-to-ceiling tinted sliding doors frame a stunning view of the Newton neighbourhood, allowing natural light to illuminate the space while maintaining privacy.

The penthouse, designed by HG Group, strikes a balance between calm grandeur and personal warmth. The soaring ceiling is accentuated by a crystal chandelier that cascades down, lending the space an opulent yet inviting feel.

“I like my home to feel open and welcoming, but it must also reflect our personalities,” says Ms Ang, who is in her late 30s.

HG Group is also behind the design and construction of their future home – a project Ms Ang describes as deeply personal. She adds: “I’ve always loved the process of designing and creating spaces.”

In the living room, a plush cream boucle sofa takes centre stage. “I know... it is a brave choice. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had it cleaned,” she says, acknowledging the challenge of maintaining such a pristine colour with three children. 

In front of it sits a Louis Vuitton trunk, cleverly repurposed as a coffee table – a nod to her jet-setting lifestyle.

“It’s such a functional yet stylish piece. I love how it ties in travel with everyday living,” she says. Nearby, a petal pink Moooi Hortensia armchair – more sculpture than chair – adds an artistic flair.

“My daughter loves to lie on it, but it’s definitely more for display than use,” she says with a laugh.

Having recently returned to Singapore after seven years in Jakarta, Ms Ang and her Chinese-Indonesian entrepreneur husband chose this space as their temporary home while their dream house is being built.

“We decided to move back for our children’s schooling,” she says. In Jakarta, the kids attended an international school and “sometimes their friends leave to go back home and it is quite sad for them”.

“I think it is important for them to grow roots and have stability, especially my eldest, who’s now in primary school,” she adds. She has two daughters and a son, who has just turned one, adding to the lively dynamic that permeates the home.

Neutral shades undergird the apartment’s aesthetic, forming a soothing backdrop for vibrant artworks and bespoke furniture, each with its own story of travel, passion or family memory.

“I like simple colours as a foundation – black, white, cool tones – but I always add pops of colour to liven up the space,” she says.

Her chandelier, sourced from an Italian designer during her time in Jakarta, casts a warm glow over the room, while the kids’ toys occasionally sneak into her carefully curated displays.

However, not every detail reflects her taste. “The brown accents that you see – they’re really not me,” she adds. “They came with the condo and I can’t change them.”

A sleek eight-seater marble-top table with white chairs anchors the dining area. “It’s another brave choice,” she says.

Standing tall beside it is the playful Giraffe In Love chandelier by Qeebo, which comprises a giraffe holding a chandelier from its mouth.

“It’s not your typical chandelier,” Ms Ang says. “Good thing we have a high ceiling for the giraffe. I bought it when we were in Jakarta and I couldn’t leave it behind. It always grabs attention.”

Artworks punch up the clean lines of her interiors. Flanking the island that separates the dining area from the pantry are two striking pieces.

On one side is a custom painting by Alec Monopoly, a street artist from New York, featuring his signature motifs of fashion and luxury.

The second artwork, a dynamic mixed-media piece by South Korean artist Hwang Sae-jin, features vibrant colours and intricate textures.

“I found this at the Jakarta Art Fair,” Ms Ang says. “It uses fabric combined with paint, and I love how the colours pop against the neutral tones in our home. It’s one of those pieces that feel alive and bring energy to the space.”

Ms Ang’s love for the unusual extends to her travels. Her most recent adventure took her to Saudi Arabia with watch brand Richard Mille. There, she joined a group of women for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip.

“The whole trip was amazing. It was like a road trip rally for the girls,” she says, her face lighting up at the memory.

Driving through the dramatic sandstone landscapes of Al Ula to the Red Sea, she experienced a surreal mix of ancient heritage and modern luxury. “People would come to take photos with us. They were so excited to see women driving these cute jeeps. It was like we were celebrities,” she adds.

The trip also stood out for its unique architecture. “There were these futuristic stainless-steel pods,” she says. “They reflected the sky and sea perfectly – it was like stepping into a sci-fi movie.”

The weather, too, left an impression. “I came back several shades darker. I was practically camouflaged with the desert,” she says. The experience encapsulated everything she loves about travel – the beauty of new landscapes, the joy of discovery and the sense of adventure.

This philosophy is particularly evident in her wardrobes. Tucked away in the master bedroom are two walk-in wardrobes.

To the right lies her accessories wardrobe, secured by a face-recognition digital lock.

Inside is her carefully displayed collection of Hermes and Chanel bags, including her most prized piece – a Himalaya Birkin 25 with diamonds.

“I didn’t have a Himalaya before and I wasn’t looking for one – until this bag came along,” she says. “The diamond details make it perfect. For me, this is the ultimate Birkin.”

She loves arranging her accessories, ensuring she knows the location of every piece. “It’s not just about being organised, but it’s also about creating a space that inspires me,” she says.

Alongside her bags are jewellery and watches from Chanel High Jewellery and Richard Mille, each displayed precisely to complement the sleek aesthetic.

On the left, the second wardrobe houses her daily wear, dominated by Chanel and Louis Vuitton. “Seventy per cent of my wardrobe is Chanel,” she says. “Its tweed pieces and skirts are delicate, so I fold them carefully to keep them in the best condition.”

Indeed, her true passion lies in her wardrobe.

“I’m really obsessed with clothes,” she says. “Because, if you think about it, clothes are not that expensive compared with jewellery, so you can buy a lot.”

It is a sentiment that reflects her playful approach to indulgence and her eye for practicality. And it is this balance of practicality and indulgence, humour and elegance, that defines her world – a life where careful edits meet a touch of “girl math”, all wrapped in her signature style.