Upon entering Samantha Soo’s home, you’re immediately met with a calming atmosphere that feels almost tangible. A palette of neutrals—soft greys, warm taupes, and earthy whites—sets the tone for a space that exudes quiet elegance. The air is serene, and the carefully curated details invite you to pause and take it all in. This is more than just a home; it’s a reflection of Soo herself, a living embodiment of her design philosophy rooted in intentional living.
For Samantha Soo, the Founder and Creative Director of STUDIOSSOO, home has always been more than four walls. It is a deeply personal sanctuary, a place where memories are nurtured, relationships flourish, and where she feels confident in her own skin. “Home is a safe and comfortable place where I can be myself without fear of judgment,” she explains. “It’s where my relationships with friends and family grow, filled with laughter and shared moments.”
Soo’s love for design began as a child. As a developer, her father filled their home with stacks of design magazines, which Soo eagerly devoured. “It sparked my curiosity about spaces and materials,” she recalls. Family travels became another source of inspiration. Her father would take her to iconic architectural landmarks, turning simple visits into lessons about how design shapes emotions and experiences. These early encounters planted the seeds for what would later blossom into an accomplished career in design. In 2017, Soo launched STUDIOSSOO, driven by her mission to “pay homage to a place through storytelling.” This guiding principle informs not only her professional projects but also the design of her own home.
As Soo’s career and life evolved, so too did her understanding of what home truly means. “With time, I’ve come to realise that home embodies a much deeper emotional connection,” she says. “It represents safety, comfort, and belonging, forged through the relationships and memories shared with family and friends.” Her home reflects this belief. Personal artwork and family portraits bring warmth, while decorative objects and layered accessories add depth and character. Textures and patterns are carefully balanced to create an intimate yet refined atmosphere. Sentimental items—such as travel souvenirs and family heirlooms—connect the space to treasured moments in her life.
The creation of her current home wasn’t without its challenges. During a recent renovation, Soo and her family faced the challenge of combining two units to meet their needs as a young family. One of the biggest obstacles was a low beam running through the dining and living areas. Rather than trying to disguise it, Soo turned it into an opportunity for creative design. She transformed the beam into a standout feature by creating an alcove underneath. “This portal not only masked the beam but also connected the two spaces seamlessly,” she explains. The alcove became a cosy gathering spot and a highlight of the home. Living in an older flat also brought other quirks, such as beams that complicated the layout. But Soo embraced these challenges as opportunities to think outside the box. “This experience taught us that sometimes, adapting to existing structures can lead to the most meaningful designs,” she reflects.
When asked about her favourite space in the home, Soo doesn’t hesitate: the living room. Having spent 10 years living in the United States, Soo holds fond memories of Christmases by the fireplace. “The presence of stockings hung above the fireplace was a cherished tradition that brought the essence of the holiday to life. During the recent renovation of my home, I made it a priority to incorporate a fireplace, fulfilling a long-held wish.”
Now, the living room is the heart of the home—a warm and inviting space perfect for family gatherings and celebrations. It’s here that her family gathers to relax, reconnect, and create new memories, making it a space that holds deep personal significance.
The Soos’ home is a living chronicle of her family’s journey. One of the most unforgettable moments in her home took place the day her children were born. Every corner seems to hum with the echoes of life lived within its walls. One of the most unforgettable moments unfolded the day her children were born. “As the sun rose, filling the room with a warm glow, excitement filled the air,” she recalls, her words painting a picture of a golden morning heavy with anticipation. “What was once a quiet house suddenly came alive with the emotions of new beginnings.”
Since that day, the home has been a backdrop for countless milestones, each one leaving its mark in the form of cherished memories. First steps padded softly across the floors, bedtime stories whispered in the glow of a lamp, family dinners filled with laughter, and joyful gatherings that spilt into the night—all these moments have woven themselves into the fabric of the space. “Each corner holds a piece of our journey,” Soo says, “making our house a true sanctuary of love and connection.”
Editor
Kaitlyn Lai
