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Houzz Tour: Well-designed Storage Gives This Flat Natural Beauty
Much-needed storage became the starting point for this home’s visual richness, with gorgeous wood taking centre stage
When its new owners acquired this flat, it had damaged timber flooring, plenty of furniture clutter and inadequate storage. They approached Jakarta-based Singapore designer HelloEmbryo, whose project manager Melvin Tan was also their friend, to turn the flat into a home that would work for them.
“The apartment didn’t have ample storage space and it was cluttered with old furniture. Since the unit was on the top floor, we just wanted to take advantage of the natural light and make the spaces more functional,” Tan says.
While the wood floor was damaged, the marble flooring in the living and dining areas was in good condition, so the design team retained it. A day bed was custom-built along the windows to provide extra seating, as the owners regularly entertain.
“The husband enjoys reading, so that day bed doubles as a reading area,” Tan says.
The designers took note of the effect that the apartment’s abundant natural light had on the timber flooring, but they stripped off the damaged flooring in the foyer and kitchen and replaced it with cement-look homogenous tiles, as they’re more durable.
While the wood floor was damaged, the marble flooring in the living and dining areas was in good condition, so the design team retained it. A day bed was custom-built along the windows to provide extra seating, as the owners regularly entertain.
“The husband enjoys reading, so that day bed doubles as a reading area,” Tan says.
The designers took note of the effect that the apartment’s abundant natural light had on the timber flooring, but they stripped off the damaged flooring in the foyer and kitchen and replaced it with cement-look homogenous tiles, as they’re more durable.
The designers took the familiar square basket parquet pattern off the floor to a higher line of sight by cladding the new storage units in richly hued timber strips that create visual depth.
A TV and storage unit was also built along one wall of the living and dining area, with track lights highlighting the timber strips. Blue lines break the monotony of the timber surfaces.
A TV and storage unit was also built along one wall of the living and dining area, with track lights highlighting the timber strips. Blue lines break the monotony of the timber surfaces.
The timber finish is also ever-present in the kitchen. Blue cabinets lighten the colour scheme, while geometric-print tiles serve as ‘artwork’.
The kitchen, which is separated from the foyer and living and dining areas by a black-framed sliding door (to keep cooking fumes contained), shares its footprint with the laundry and service yard. One of the cabinets conceals the washing machine and dryer.
The kitchen, which is separated from the foyer and living and dining areas by a black-framed sliding door (to keep cooking fumes contained), shares its footprint with the laundry and service yard. One of the cabinets conceals the washing machine and dryer.
A mini foyer to the bedrooms was created by carving out this reading/display corner from the master bedroom. The main bathroom is on the left and the master bedroom entrance is on the right.
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Looking for home renovation help? Find a local professional on Houzz today.
“The previous owners made the balcony part of the master bedroom, so that presented an opportunity to create a nice walk-in wardrobe,” Tan says. “We painted one side of the wall blue to contrast and add warmth to the cold cement flooring.”
The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom, and a blue feature wall (not seen) facing the bed.
Selecting the furniture was easy. “The owners were involved in every part of furniture and accessories selection, including the plants,” Tan says. “It really helped that we have similar tastes.”
Selecting the furniture was easy. “The owners were involved in every part of furniture and accessories selection, including the plants,” Tan says. “It really helped that we have similar tastes.”
The second bedroom belongs to the owner’s sister. Like the master bedroom, it has a cement screed flooring. The headboard is a custom-built one using a lighter-hued timber finish.
“We used track lights with gold fittings as an accent, and pendant lamps with marble cladding for added texture,” Tan says. “We were able remove the wall next to the door, allowing us to take up some space that used to belong to the master bedroom to create a nice wardrobe space for her.”
“We used track lights with gold fittings as an accent, and pendant lamps with marble cladding for added texture,” Tan says. “We were able remove the wall next to the door, allowing us to take up some space that used to belong to the master bedroom to create a nice wardrobe space for her.”
The bathrooms were also renovated simply, with black accent frames that highlight the glass panels, and that touch of timber in the cabinetry.
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See more of this project.
Tell us…
What do you like about this home? Tell us in the Comments section. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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Who lives here? A personal trainer, his wife, who works in PR, and his sister, who is an events planner, all in their thirties
Location Clementi, Singapore
Property An HDB flat (Housing and Development Board public housing)
Size Two bedrooms and two bathrooms; around 1,292 sq ft (120 sq m)
Designer Melvin Tan at HelloEmbryo
Project Duration Five months
Photos by ESWQ