Discover Neima Sitawi’s Vintage Home
Step Through a Classic Gate
Picture yourself walking through the pintu pagar—those retro fence doors—just to find yourself in a time‑warp that feels both familiar and brand‑new.
A Glimpse into the Past
- Three‑storey shophouse dating back to the early 1900s.
- Peranakan roots that whisper stories of yesteryear.
- Whitewashed walls that look fresh just like a brand‑new paint job.
- Wooden flooring that carries that warm, “step forward into history” vibe.
- Charming wood‑carved windows that keep the old charm alive.
- An intriguing water feature tucked inside the airwell—like a tiny indoor oasis.
Modern Meets Heritage
Inside, Neima’s home balances the classy old‑world feel with modern touches—a true blend of “heritage chic” and “today’s vibe.”
Unexpected Location
- Located in a quiet neighborhood with cobbled streets and old‑world charm.
- Only a few minutes’ walk from the neon‑lit bustle of Orchard Road.
- Perfectly positioned for those who love a calm retreat but don’t want to miss the city’s pulse.
The Takeaway
Neima Sitawi’s shophouse invites you to step back in time, yet stay comfortably modern—proof that tradition and progress can share a space without stepping on each other’s toes.
Neima: A Designer’s Chic Home & Showroom
Meet Neima – an American‑grown fashion icon with a globetrotting soul who’s spent her life in 7 countries and 14 cities.
“Dress the Country, Dress the Home”
When she’s in a new spot, Neima loves to soak up the local vibes, respect the culture, and bring a touch of that place into everything she does. That philosophy shows up right in her 576‑square‑meter pad, which she shares with husband Giacomo and their two little fashion‑savvy kids, Neren and Nila.
Room‑by‑Room Style Checklist
- Living Lounge: Oversized velvet sofa, vintage jazz records, and neon street‑art posters that scream “editors choose me.”
- Kitchen: Chromed gadgets, a hanging pot rack that looks like a miniature gallery, and a bar rack that doubles as a sewing station.
- Kids’ Nook: A secret closet lined with their favourite designer shoes, plus a wall of doodles that will inspire the next runway.
- Bedroom: A runway‑ready wardrobe, mood lighting from origami lamps, and a futon that’s both a nightstand and a couture accessory.
If you’ve ever wanted to see how a designer’s mind turns a home into a showroom, walk through Neima’s space – it’s a whirlwind of colors, textures, and a little bit of comedy. She proves that home and fashion are not separate rooms; they’re one big, vibrant canvas waiting to be explored.
Mastering the Peranakan Style: A Family Touch of Global Flair
The Peranakan wardrobe sits regal in the master bedroom, a splashing splash of heritage amid a dazzling hoard of antiques plucked from far corners of the world.
What’s Inside the Closet?
- Hand‑woven fabrics with mango‑seed beads that pop like tiny fireworks.
- Staggering brass accents that whisper secrets of centuries past.
- Iconic embroidered armors that keep your style military‑grade.
Her Life Philosophy (Said in a Posh, Yet Plain‑spoken Way)
She keeps the work front and center, like a headline, while the family’s joys and laughter serve as the cozy background music. “I keep the work at the front, and family life in the back,” she says, hinting that the house is a stage with front‑row business and the comfy sofa for family drama.
Why It Matters
This wardrobe isn’t just a storage solution—it’s a living, breathing narrative of ethnicity, ambition, and a dash of unrelated humour. It shows that a space can be both functional and storytelling, bringing laughter next to the solemn duty of the day.
Inside Neima’s Creative Oasis
Picture a home that feels like a breeze through a glass‑hollowed atrium—sunlight pours in, water rushes along, and every corner whispers inspiration. Neima says the atmosphere is the secret sauce that keeps the creative juices buzzing.
Key Features that Ignite the Muse
- Natural light – torchlight in every window.
- Flowing water – the symphony of trickling streams.
- Open atrium – a breath of fresh air and fresh ideas.
The Salon: A Personal Sanctuary
When asked about her favorite spot, Neima smiled and pointed to the salon. “It’s all about space and view,” she says. “I can see that big, open sky outside, and I’m surrounded by my own art and travel mementos.”
It’s the kind of place that feels less like a living room and more like a magical lounge where the outside world meets the inside canvas. Much like a coffee shop binge‑watching your favorite series, it’s where she relaxes, looks lovingly around, and finds peace—all while waiting for the next creative spark to hit.
Singapore’s Most Unconventional Homes: A Tour That Turns Your Living Room into a Stage
Ever wondered how you could turn your HDB flat into a pop‑up theatre, a personal gallery, or a whirlwind of family fun? AsiaOne’s “THIS IS HOME” series shows you just how creative Singaporean homeowners can get. Tune in to the latest episode for a glimpse of how a standard 2‑room terrace can become an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a different world.
Why the Show Matters
- Inspiration for the everyday – What homeowners can achieve when they let a little imagination roam free.
- Showcases design ingenuity – From clever wall‑removal to repurposed furnishings, the show demonstrates that space does not have to be rigid.
- Community influence – Yorkshire’s story of a 5‑room flat turned into a modern family art studio is a testament to how shared spaces nurture values like creativity and togetherness.
Highlights from the Latest Episode
Picture a typical face‑to‑face HDB flat – stripped down to its bare essentials. That’s the starting point for the Yishun 3‑room flat piece, which then turns into a theatre stage that’s perfect for a local community event or a private movie night.
And there’s the magic behind the wall removal in Spottiswoode Park – a feat that transforms a mundane corner into a dramatic family space where a child’s bedroom can extend into an unbounded creative zone.
How to Replicate the Transformation
- Identify a feature that feels under‑used – a wall, a corner, or an entire room.
- Acquire the right tools and keep safety in mind – especially when removing walls; a professional’s help is a safe bet.
- Plan a theme that resonates with you and your family – be it a cinema, a gallery, or a simple creative corner.
- Paint, change lighting, and add décor that reflects the intended vibe.
- Celebrate the transformation – host a creative home‑opening night and watch the world around you turn ‘at home’ into an unforgettable experience.
Why It’s Relatable
Right here in Singapore, many folks still dance around the idea of remixing lesser spaces. Then there’s the community spread of covers, laugh‑outs, and creative minds – all gathered together to reignite that feeling of belonging within a simple home.
In Short
This THIS IS HOME episode is more than a showcase – it’s a reminder that a home isn’t just an address or a patch of rooftop. It’s the stage for our daily lives, filled with stories and aspirations. If you’re itching to transform your own corner into something memorable, let this episode be your inspiration.
