A Fashionable Life: Inside Creative Consultant Tracy Phillips’ Healing Sanctuary
Her home reflects her belief in the power of space to nurture and connect.
After many years of renting, Tracy Phillips was ready to plant her roots. Her checklist for a place to call her own seemed straightforward: privacy, abundant natural light, and a view enriched with greenery. “I thought it would be easy,” muses the creative consultant and director of her own agency, PPURPOSE. “I just wanted a space where I would not be peering into someone else’s home and where ample light could flow through because I do not like dark spaces.”
Yet, the path to fulfilling this criteria was fraught with unexpected challenges. Over two years, Phillips sifted through countless listings and attended numerous viewings, but each fell short. The process, she thought, was starting to feel like a wild goose chase for an elusive ideal.
Then, everything shifted with a single call from a trusted friend—an architect who was, at that time, working on a condominium project in the vicinity. He suggested she explore a lesser-known enclave he believed aligned with her aspirations. Walking into the unit for the first time, Phillips recalled feeling hopeful yet cautious. “While I did like the place, my then-partner and the architect friend who accompanied me on the viewing were more excited about it than I was,” she adds while scrolling through her phone to show pre-renovation photos.
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The space has been transformed into a bright and airy area, offering an unobstructed view—a benefit of its high-floor location.
Nonetheless, she saw the potential, and after sleeping on it, made an offer for it. That was in 2017. Today, the space looks nothing like before—bright, airy, and with an unblocked view, thanks to the unit being on a high floor. When designing her home, Phillips explains that she leaned towards a mid-century modern feel. “I also like the deserts, like Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs, and wanted to have those tones in my home as well”.
The master bedroom, formerly a common room, is bathed in abundant light, accentuating the eclectic collection of home decor pieces gathered from travels across the globe.
Walking into the apartment, one immediately sees the harmoniously eclectic mix of decor, where each piece tells its own story. The interior showcases a masterful blend of unique, quirky elements, each thoughtfully selected and placed. Phillips’ eclectic style and flair for mixing and matching is evident in her choice of furniture, which features vibrant pops of colour and an array of styles. She credits the successful redesign of her home to The Merry Men Interiors, whom she says “really understood [me] and what I wanted for the home.”
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The master bedroom was redesigned to serve as a spacious, fully functional walk-in wardrobe.
One significant transformation was the swap between the master and a common bedroom, a strategic move that shifted the master bedroom’s view from an obstructive block of flats to an expansive vista. This switch not only maximised the visual appeal but also redefined the living areas to suit her lifestyle better. The master bathroom also saw a novel redesign, with the vanity and sink relocated to create a more integrated and fluid walk-in wardrobe experience.
Tracy Phillips dressed in her own Rochas top, Maison Margiela trousers, Toga Pulla boots, Avec earrings, and Fangophilia rings. She loves the desert and wanted to incorporate the tones into her home. Behind her hangs tapestry art from LA-based artist Lilian Martinez.
To unify the two rooms while maintaining the desert theme throughout her space, Phillips chose a striking tapestry by Los Angeles artist Lilian Martinez, strategically placed on the wall between the rooms. “I wanted my home to feel like a sanctuary, familiar yet transporting,” she explains. “This piece embodies that for me—it captures the essence of my favourite places, blending indoor space with elements of nature, creating a sense of both home and escape.”
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The dining area, with a striking green marble table and an assortment of chairs, mirrors Phillips’ multifaceted personality and eclectic style.
Central to her living room is a striking green marble dining table, surrounded by a diverse collection of chairs. This piece not only anchors the space but also mirrors her eclectic taste. Resting on this table is a panther sculpture, a poignant link to her late mother.
Phillips in a Christopher Kane sweater and COS trousers.
Another intriguing element is a grand conceptual art piece that functions as a display shelf. “I wanted something unique but could not find any without having to custom-make one,” she recalls. “So, when I saw this piece at the Art Stage fair, I knew it would be perfect for my home.” Made from stacked glass panes, held in place with vertical natural rattan beams tied with brass and tan leather; the piece, called “Angan,” was designed by Indonesian artist Alvin T. It was purchased from The Artling gallery’s booth at Art Stage Singapore in 2018. “I think it adds a layer of personal narrative and character to the space, don’t you think?”
Among her treasured possessions is her collection of crystal singing bowls, now thoughtfully displayed on a chest of drawers that once served a very different purpose. “This area used to be my bar,” she reveals. “It was filled with various spirits on display, but I only ever drink when I am entertaining and never alone.” The transformation of the space was inspired by a close friend, almost like a soul sister, she says, who lived with her during Covid-19 when travel restrictions extended a two-month stay to an entire year.
Her friend had pointed out that this was a focal point in her home, and it was cluttered with items she did not use. This observation prompted a shift in Phillips’ perspective. “It made me think about the energy of the space,” she admits.
Relaxing in the guest bedroom with her dachshund, Billie, named after singer Billie Holiday. In the background, a wall collage embodies feminine energy, featuring, among others, a cherished photo of Phillips’ late mother. Phillips wears an & Other Stories romper and Converse sneakers.
This transformation extends to her overall home decor, which is rich with memories, including a wall of photos capturing the significant relationships in her life. “These photos show the bonds I cherish,” she explains. “Since living independently at 19 and experiencing the early loss of my parents, I surround myself with images of people and places that spark joy. Whether they’re lifelong friends or new soulmates, each photo distils the essence of my journey, celebrating the joy and connections that define my world.”
The guest bedroom doubles as a fitness and reading room. She wears her own top from COS, trousers from ALEX COLEMAN, sandals from ANTIK BATIK X MONOPRIX and cuff by MISHO DESIGNS. The centrepiece on the wall is a tapestry art by her friend, Singaporean artist Reza Hasni.
The thoughtful approach to decor, emphasising personal connections and memories, is evident throughout her home, including the guest bedroom, where another tapestry art piece takes centre stage. Created by Reza Hasni, a Singaporean artist and friend, the artwork reflects Phillips’ appreciation for pieces that blend various elements of life and culture. “I’m drawn to Reza’s work, which merges nature, consciousness, dance and music culture. While many of his pieces are vibrant and psychedelic, this particular colourway struck a chord with me, and I knew it was the perfect fit for my space.”
Indeed, her house mirrors the diversity of her life. “I’ve always wanted my home to be an oasis for friends,” she explains. She shares stories of friends who have found refuge in her space, like one who wrote to her from Paris after staying for a couple of months, expressing how the stay had been a healing experience that helped her find her path. Another friend, she adds, echoed this sentiment, describing her stay as a “peaceful retreat.”
For a better movie experience, Phillips opted for a projector. She wears her own outfit including a top by JACQUEMUS, trousers by COS and sandals by LRNCE.
Beyond just a living space, Phillips’ home is a sanctuary where friends find comfort and solace, reflecting her belief in the power of space to nurture and connect. As she puts it: “My aim is for this place to be where people can embrace their true selves, without any pretence or pressure.”
Photographer: Gan
Creative director: Windy Aulia
Stylist: Gracia Phang
Makeup: Rina Sim using Nars Cosmetics
Hair: Grego using Keune Haircosmetics
Stylist’s assistant: Larissa Wong