Past Perfect

WHEN DECORATING THEIR NEW HOME, most homeowners would invariably want a complete change from where they've been living before. But when Cell Lim went to meet his interior designer Raymond Seow, it was to see how he could make his new home look exactly like his old one.

The 37-year-old counsellor, who has been living in the same ground floor Tiong Bahru flat since he was born, wanted a nostalgic look for his new "weekend" home in Sin Ming. He even invited Mr Seow - of Free Space Intent - home so he could get some inspiration.

More used to sleek, contemporary styling, Mr Seow was apprehensive about recreating an old look, but getting a feel of the pre-war structure and the surrounding neighbourhood gave him a better understanding.