Sandy Tan Designs Spaces Showcase Personality And Memories
Sandy Tan’s design studio, Chalked, is filled with an eclectic mix of limited edition Bearbrick toys, striking art pieces, and personal mementos. The majority of these items line the wall behind her desk, with more than half of the shelves dedicated to her collection of these minimalist, bear-shaped Japanese designer toys. A fan of both the artist and his unique style, Tan treasures four pieces from a series by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Aside from her prized Bearbricks, Tan’s office also showcases items collected over her 18-year career as an interior designer, photos of her with friends, and intricately designed 3D-printed art. She believes that this technology will shape future interior design trends. This passion for curation and personal collections is reflected in Tan’s design approach for spaces, where she believes that they are an important element in tying together the overall design.
According to Tan, a space should feel personal, welcoming, and restful, with an intuitive layout that encourages conversation and movement. She also emphasizes the importance of warm, layered lighting and comfortable materials in creating a comfortable living space.
Aside from private homes, Chalked has also designed public spaces such as the lounge at The Residences at W Sentosa Cove. Tan’s reputation and expertise in the design industry have led to her inclusion as a judge in the EdgeProp Excellence Awards 2025 for the second year in a row. She has been at the forefront of many projects, ranging from private homes for ultra-wealthy clients to show suites and galleries for residential and commercial developments.
Chalked has been a preferred designer for many developers in Singapore, including City Developments (CDL), GuocoLand, and UOL Group. Recently, they worked with CapitaLand on their latest project, LyndenWoods, where they designed the sales gallery and show suites for the 343-unit residential development. The challenge was to showcase how each space could cater to the lifestyle needs of potential buyers in both the two-bedroom plus study and four-bedroom units.
According to Tan, the key to designing successful show flats is to prioritize the buyer’s needs. Every design brief is carefully crafted to ensure that these needs are highlighted, and the level of creativity is adjusted accordingly. This results in spaces that feel special and appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Executive Condominiums (ECs) provide an appealing option for those in search of a cost-effective living solution, thanks to CPF housing grants and lower initial prices in comparison to private condominiums. This is particularly advantageous for the Singaporeans known as the “sandwich class,” who may not qualify for a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat but find private condos beyond their budget. Besides, ECs offer similar lifestyle perks and quality as private condos because they are developed by private developers and come equipped with a full range of condo facilities. With its suburban location and the growing demand for homes in the northern region, the highly-anticipated launch of Sembawang EC at Canberra MRTSembawang Road EC is expected to offer competitive pricing. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a beautiful home at this upcoming development. Experience the best of suburban living at Sembawang EC at Canberra MRTSembawang Road EC.
Tan is particularly satisfied with the design of the two-bedroom plus study unit at LyndenWoods. It explores the use of different materials, such as acrylics, in new and exciting finishes, such as an acrylic bar and stool, and decorative lighting. In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for Chalked’s design services for vacant units in completed projects, particularly in ultra-luxury developments such as Nouvel 18, Gramercy Park, New Futura, and South Beach Residences.
With these projects, Tan has to ensure that the materials and furnishings selected are durable and easy to maintain, especially when the unit is being sold with its furnishings. While there has been a shift towards minimalist luxury in furniture and finishes, Tan believes that this trend will continue to grow in popularity in the next few years, striking a balance between elegance and understated sophistication.
Despite the success and growing number of clients, Tan has kept her Singapore-based team small, with only six members. However, they have expanded their back-end operations, with two-person teams based in Johor, Malaysia, and Manila, Philippines. While Chalked has taken on a few residential projects in China and India, Tan’s focus remains on maintaining a boutique, personalized approach in Singapore. She believes that the high-net-worth segment in Singapore continues to provide the most significant opportunities for growth for her studio.