AS THE RECORD SPINS
TANAMERA CREST
THE BRIEF
The clients are a creative, culture-driven couple whose routines revolve around ritual and hosting. Their day begins with coffee or matcha rituals – slow, intentional, often shared. Evenings are defined by vinyl records, ambient lighting, and conversation while weekends revolve around hosting small to mid-sized gatherings. They are avid curators of ceramics, prints, objects, and music.
THE SPACE
Inspired by Dakota Johnson’s home sensibility, the design embraces a soft, cinematic domesticity. It explores the intersection between Bauhaus restraint and mid-century intimacy, where form is disciplined, but life is layered. Clean architectural lines and functional planning set the foundation, while warmth is introduced through timber, tonal color blocking, and collectible objects. The space is not minimal; it is edited.
The primary challenge was to avoid a space that felt too sterile (Bauhaus) or too nostalgic (mid-century). It was solved through design that prioritises balance: structure first, warmth layered in. Creating a home that supports both hosting and solitude was achieved through open planning with defined zones. As curators, integrating lifestyle elements such as vinyl records, coffee essentials and other collectibles without clutter was a priority, hence they were built into carpentry and spatial planning. The dining-living axis is anchored by the central table and visual continuity of materials. It acts as the social heart of the home, a transition between private and communal spaces, and a stage for everyday rituals. At its centre lies a bespoke dining table designed and crafted by the studio, for the clients.
Each room plays a distinct role in the space. The living room transforms into a listening lounge, designed for a comfortable sonic experience. The games room is inspired by childlike imagination: vibrant, warm and designed to contain the clients’ hobbies of art, music and literature. The focus room is designed for evolution. It is a work & creative room that juxtaposes the coolness of steel against the warmth of amber; which parallels the paradox of creativity – the tension between needing absolute freedom to imagine, and strict constraints to actually produce. The master bedroom has a retreat-like atmosphere, featuring soft lighting, a warm, enveloping palette with tactile finishes, and integrated storage to maintain visual calm.