Home Tour: Retro vintage semi-detached house in Yio Chu Kang for art gallery owner & his dogs

Art gallery co-owner Kenneth Tan has seamlessly blended his passion for art with his love for dogs in his modern vintage interior design home. Kenneth Tan has had pet dogs all his life, so he knows a thing or two about living with them. He’s an active member of dog forums and social media, gladly dishing out advice to new dog owners. When he was house-hunting last year, Mr Tan – who also owns a communications agency, had the welfare of his furkids in mind. 08

With four furry companions – mongrels Rudy, Bailey, and English Bulldogs Freddy, Paddy which he adopted over the years – Mr. Tan prioritized their well-being when selecting a single-storey semi-detached house off Yio Chu Kang Road.

The semi-detached house off Yio Chu Kang Road, reminiscent of 1980s architecture, resonates with the homeowner’s childhood memories. The large garden and nearby park offer an ideal space for his dogs to frolic. The interior features a mix of modern and vintage furniture, all chosen with his dogs in mind. Sharp-eyed visitors will notice that every piece comes with legs, providing the dogs with personal space to hide.

The thoughtful retro, modern vintage interior design extends to commissioned artwork of his dogs, adorning the walls and reflecting the close bond between man and dog.

3 Dogs in the modern vintage interior design living room of a semi-detached house off Yio Chu Kang Road, reminiscent of 1980s architecture, resonates with the homeowner’s childhood memories.

Semi-Detached House, Yio Chu Kang

Kenneth Tan’s residence stands as a sanctuary for his four beloved dogs, nestled within the tranquil environs of a single-storey semi-detached house off Yio Chu Kang Road.

The spacious abode boasts a generously sized front garden, providing an ideal playground for his furry companions to soak up the sun and revel in their daily adventures.

With a nearby park adding an extra layer of excitement, this canine haven goes beyond conventional living spaces.

Modern vintage interior design

The modern vintage interior design of Kenneth’s semi-detached house reflects a seamless fusion of modern aesthetics and vintage charm, a carefully curated collection sourced primarily from the renowned second-hand furniture shop, Hock Siong & Co. A distinctive feature that catches the eye is the prevalence of furniture with legs, a conscious decision rooted in an understanding of canine behavior.

Every furniture piece is chosen with the intention of providing dogs like Bailey, their own personal space and a cosy retreat – especially under the sofa from the buzz when there are visitors. Kenneth’s home is not just a dwelling; it’s a testament to thoughtful interior design around dogs that harmoniously accommodates the unique needs of his canine family members, creating a haven where aesthetics and practicality coalesce in perfect harmony.

1980s Retro house

Discovering his dream abode on a website, Kenneth Tan’s journey to homeownership took a poignant turn when he laid eyes on a retro gem in 2017. The allure of the house lies in its distinctive features—an inviting pitched roof, square windows that usher in natural light, and two doors, with one leading directly to the kitchen.

While the architectural aesthetics may not command attention on their own, for Mr. Tan, the structure encapsulates a nostalgic embrace. Transported back to the 1980s, the era of his childhood, the house echoes the retro interior design sensibilities of that time.

Like his childhood home

The architecture is nothing to shout about, but Mr Tan fell in love with it because it reminded him of his childhood home. “I grew up in the 1980s, and houses back then were like this. So this style of architecture really speaks to me,” he says.

The simplicity and charm of this bygone architectural style resonated deeply with Mr. Tan, becoming not just a dwelling but a tangible connection to his cherished memories of yesteryears.

Commissioned art of his dog

Kenneth Tan’s modern vintage, semi-detached home transcends the ordinary by serving as a canvas for his deep connection with his four beloved dogs—Rudy, Bailey, Freddy, and Paddy.

By Singaporean artist Andre Tan

Pictured here (above), is a commissioned artwork of his dogs, one of which is a piece by Singaporean artist Andre Tan of Freddy. The painting which hangs in the guest room, has Freddy in the centre, surrounded by his favourite items, such as plastic water bottles and balls. Charlie Brown and Snoopy are also in the picture, because they best represent the closeness between man and dog, says Mr Tan.

“My dogs are my family. I enjoy being creative in how I create the interiors to suit both my dogs’ needs and mine,” he says. For him, these custom pieces are not mere decorations but heartfelt expressions of the familial ties he shares with his canine companions

Home art collection

Mr Tan’s art collection at home, some pieces which are placed on the floor, do not interest the dogs. There are countless art pieces hanging on the walls.

Guided by personal taste rather than thematic conformity, Mr. Tan explains, “I buy a piece of art because I like it. It doesn’t matter if they don’t match with the others.” The walls of his residence serve as a canvas for this eclectic mix, with countless pieces arranged in an organic and visually stimulating manner.

The living room takes center stage with a Salon-style art wall, providing a focal point for the diverse range of artworks. However, with an ever-growing art collection, Tan has expanded beyond traditional spaces, adorning smaller pillars throughout his home with art, ensuring that every nook and cranny exudes a distinctive charm that reflects his passion for the unconventional and the visually striking.

This article was first published in The Business Times in 2018.