Historic Singapore Shophouse

Eclectic Living in a Character-Filled Singapore Home

Our French-Australian executive clients approached Havana Interiors after moving from a smaller condominium into a beautiful 3,500 sq ft historic Singapore shophouse.

Spread across three generous levels and featuring both front and rear courtyards, the property offered an entirely different style of living from their previous apartment. With its distinctive architecture, generous proportions and wonderful connection to the outdoors, the shophouse provided a character-filled backdrop for the family's next chapter in Singapore.

The clients already owned an eclectic collection of furniture, including several high-end designer pieces, and the brief was not to replace what they had, but to thoughtfully build upon it.

Our approach was therefore one of curation rather than reinvention.

Existing furniture was carefully considered in relation to the proportions, architecture and flow of the new home. Key pieces were repositioned and given space to become focal points, while new furniture, rugs, lighting, artwork and accessories were introduced where required to complete each room and create greater cohesion throughout the residence.

Rather than attempting to make every piece match, we embraced the clients' eclectic aesthetic. Contemporary and designer furniture was layered with more relaxed pieces, natural materials and tactile finishes, creating an interior that feels collected, sophisticated and personal.

The architecture of the shophouse also played an important role in the design. Across all three levels, furniture placement was carefully considered to work with the property's unique proportions while allowing its historic character to remain visible.

The front and rear courtyards became natural extensions of the interior spaces, bringing greenery, light and a sense of openness into the home. These outdoor areas added another dimension to family life and helped create the relaxed indoor–outdoor atmosphere that is so distinctive to tropical living in Singapore.

The completed residence feels intentionally layered rather than overly coordinated - a home where treasured existing pieces, contemporary additions and historic architecture sit comfortably alongside one another.

For Havana Interiors, this project was about recognising that a beautiful interior does not always begin with a blank canvas. Sometimes the most successful result comes from understanding what a client already owns and loves, and then curating the additional elements that allow those pieces to feel completely at home within a new environment.

The result is a sophisticated yet relaxed family residence filled with personality — a home that celebrates both the clients' individual style and the distinctive character of one of Singapore's most iconic property types.

A historic Singapore shophouse where eclectic design, treasured pieces and contemporary family living come together.a