IT IS always a good idea to have a couple of accent pieces mixed in with the general design scheme of things when it comes to home decoration, even if it is only to get the conversation going when friends come over for dinner. But with their creeping chandelier that has pendant lights connected to 200m of black electrical wiring, have the Thongs of Serangoon gone too far?

The chandelier is a tentacle-esque construction that hangs from the ceiling of the stairwell in the apartment of Thong Chew Fatt, 33 and his wife Eileen See, 32. Describing the light fixture, Mr Thong likens it to a "living organism" that can extend into most corners of the 1,700 square foot apartment by way of free floating pendant lights that can be anchored to any of the 700 hooks affixed to the ceiling for task or accent lighting. Because they are not fixed permanently, the pendant lights can always return to the main chandelier cluster in the stairwell or as Mr Thong likes to call it, "the Mothership".

The reference to science fiction becomes clearer after Mr Thong reveals he is a fan, especially of Australian comic book artist Ashley Wood. Limited edition figurines by the artist take pride of place in this home and upon closer inspection, it is not difficult to understand why the Mothership needs to always be close by. "I like the tension it creates," he adds.