The entire nation is celebrating SG50 and we are joining in the parade! Get ready to take a walk down memory lane with these 8 quintessentially Singaporean-styled homes that capture the essence and flavour of Singapore living. See if you can remember and spot iconic elements from the 1950s to 1990s, and relive your childhood memories and cherished experiences from the past. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
1. The owner of this apartment has fond memories of the past, as seen from the well-placed antique items that stand quietly dignified. Vintage suitcases, gramophone and tripod camera add further vintage flavour to the living room. Of special note too is the wall collage feature that frames a collection of disparate things that come together – a Michael Jackson LP and a tennis racket (with racket press) from the 1920s. Not forgetting a momento of our favourite childhood joy juice, Kickapoo!
Interior Designer: Interdesign
2. From the pop art of samsui woman and coolie worker to familiar comfort food such as the Ma Ling luncheon meat and Maggi Mee (who eats them now anyway?) cushions and the biscuit tin stools. It’s retro mania with this chic and cheery apartment that recreates the past in all the little details.
Interior Designer: FSI
3. A Peranakan-meets-colonial-inspired space is pulled off with flair in this apartment. Gorgeous Peranakan pattern tiles feature in the dining area along with the old-school telephone in the hallway. Weathered shutter mirror in the bathroom takes its cue from Singapore’s shophouses.
Interior Designer: Linear Space Concepts
4. Who would have guessed that the familiar local kuehs (Chinese snacks) you ate since young have become the main star of attraction for this HDB apartment? Along with the mosaic balcony tiling and the potted greens throughout the home, it reminds us of a time of simple and joyful living in our garden city.
Interior Designer: Hue Concept Interior Design
5. It’s clean, simple, yet contemporary. Back in those days, folks kept fewer things and this apartment exemplifies that ethos of living with less with a frills-free, back-to-basics look. However, a few details remain in a well-curated selection of items: the iconic Singer sewing machine, tiffin carrier and display cabinet are undeniably a blast from the past.
Interior Designer: Liid Studio
6. This recess-themed apartment takes one right back to the primary school days. Our beloved five stones game is brought to life in cushion form, while the chalkboard and light switches are undoubtedly classroom inspired. Other nostalgic items include the red retro film binoculars, green kerosene lamp and white typewriter which jazz up the television cabinet.
Interior Designer: The 80's Studio
7. This open-concept apartment imparts a colonial flavour, reminiscent of our nation’s popular black and white houses. Look no further than the black grille fixtures and white shuttered doors along with a collection of hats and vintage cameras in the hallway. Other vintage finds such as the leather armchair, colourful suitcases and typewriter create a scene straight out of the 1960s.
Interior Designer: Three-D Conceptwerke
8. A little effort goes a long way in this apartment, which has all the nostalgic touches done right. The patterned ventilation block, a common sight in older Singaporean buildings, is a stunning addition while the old school red letterbox and Kopitiam chairs are happy signposts from the past. Another favourite is the side altar constructed from an old sewing machine, which is a perfect mix of vintage and new.
Interior Designer: The 80's Studio
Did any of this iconic elements bring a sense of nostalgia to you? Tell us what you remember best about Singapore and her development over the fifty years below!
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