Founded in 2019, Insignio Studio is a Jakarta-based interior design firm specialising in residential, commercial, and office projects. A few years ago, principals Adianto Salim and Ricky Guna Kusuma were approached by a small family to transform their newly acquired house into their dream home. The project became one of their favorites. Here’s an excerpt from Indonesia Design’s interview with them about the transformation.
You have designed houses in various styles. What were the challenges in revamping this house?
The primary challenge was balancing the preservation of the home’s classic elements with the introduction of contemporary functionality and aesthetics. Upon initial inspection, the homeowners and we agreed that whilst the classic details were exquisite and unique, the ornate gold accents felt outdated. Restoring the classic façade required meticulous attention to ensure a harmonious blend of modern and traditional design.
Another challenge was optimising natural light and framing the lake view without compromising the beauty of the classic architectural style. We delved deep into the fundamentals of classical design, particularly the French Classic style, to achieve harmonious panel divisions and proportions, ensuring elegant and balanced spaces.
What key elements do you consistently incorporate into your architecture and interior design?
Our designs always emphasise integrating natural elements to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Framing views like paintings, utilising enduring materials, and designing according to the client’s lifestyle are core to our approach. We also value storytelling in design, incorporating personal elements—such as the homeowners’ love for gardens and floral motifs. This is to imbue the space with deeper meaning. The overall design concept draws inspiration from Claude Monet’s Water Lily Pond.
How much of the original architecture and interior design did you alter?
The original wooden roof structure had sustained damage and required significant repairs. We deeply respect the architectural integrity of this building, so we strove to maintain its original design whilst undertaking necessary rejuvenation and structural maintenance. The classic façade was preserved but reinterpreted with a clean white palette to impart a contemporary feel.
The layout was reconfigured to enhance functionality and natural light, including opening up enclosed spaces and repositioning key areas, such as the kitchen and bedrooms, to face the backyard. The interiors were extensively redesigned to reflect the homeowners’ tastes and lifestyle.
How did the owners react when they saw the completed house?
The homeowners were deeply impressed, feeling that the home was an extension of their vacation. It’s a space where relaxation and celebration coexist harmoniously. They greatly appreciated the seamless integration of their personal tastes, lifestyle, and natural elements, making the home not only aesthetically pleasing but also profoundly meaningful. Their positive reaction and feedback were a testament to the design’s success.