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Houzz Tour: Upping the Ante in a Compact Condo
The neutral-toned flat hits the right notes in terms of versatility and high style
Verlaine Marquez
15 May 2018
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five years, and now a full-time freelance writer for various online and print publications for the past decade and counting. Part-time crafter, wannabe gardener, and breast cancer thriver.
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five... More
When the owners of this two-bedroom condo unit approached the design team at Mr Shopper Studio, they initially had a simple Scandinavian-themed in mind, much like the firm’s Bendemeer project. “They did share some images they found online, which were rather different from their verbal description from our discussion. So we drafted a new design for them, keeping in mind their concept and space requirements,” says designer Kate Deng who worked with co-designers Ken Lee and Ben Teo.
Adding a “luxe factor” was the central point of the new design. “Going by their fashion sense, we felt that some luxurious elements would suit them better,” adds Deng. Hosting parties and music are very much part of their lifestyle, especially since the man of the house is a freelance DJ. One of the important requirements that needed to be addressed, in fact, was positioning their sound system.
Adding a “luxe factor” was the central point of the new design. “Going by their fashion sense, we felt that some luxurious elements would suit them better,” adds Deng. Hosting parties and music are very much part of their lifestyle, especially since the man of the house is a freelance DJ. One of the important requirements that needed to be addressed, in fact, was positioning their sound system.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A young couple – freelance DJ Chris and his wife
Location: Amber Road
Size: 990 square feet (91 square metres)
Project duration: 7 weeks
From the lift leading to the main entrance, guests are welcomed by a custom carpentry feature that cleverly conceals the shoe cabinet. The glass and slatted woodwork bring depth to the narrow hallway.
Stool: Just Anthony
Who lives here: A young couple – freelance DJ Chris and his wife
Location: Amber Road
Size: 990 square feet (91 square metres)
Project duration: 7 weeks
From the lift leading to the main entrance, guests are welcomed by a custom carpentry feature that cleverly conceals the shoe cabinet. The glass and slatted woodwork bring depth to the narrow hallway.
Stool: Just Anthony
A glimpse of the bespoke dining table is seen from the main door.
Instead of the standard dining table height, the team opted for a bar height. “We needed the table to serve three purposes, so we engineered it in such a way that the high table can act as the dining table and bar counter, with sufficient depth catered for,” says Deng.
Bar stools: AliExpress; Lighting: My Lighthouse
Bar stools: AliExpress; Lighting: My Lighthouse
When it’s time to party, the table becomes a full-fledged DJ booth. The Dekton tabletop can be lifted up to reveal the owner’s DJ console, complete with mood lighting.
“Even when it’s flipped up, there is still enough tabletop space to place drinks on. They can easily host a party even with the limited space they have,” says Deng.
Dekton surface: Cosentino
“Even when it’s flipped up, there is still enough tabletop space to place drinks on. They can easily host a party even with the limited space they have,” says Deng.
Dekton surface: Cosentino
“Since the unit is already quite compact, our goal was to fully maximise the space to accommodate their music players, dining-bar counter, and living area,” says Deng. The designers chose a neutral palette to help visually connect the areas, while matte gold details bring sophistication to the space. To further enhance the sense of space, a tinted mirror was chosen for the TV feature wall. “It reflects the beautiful view and the panoramic view is now doubled,” she adds.
“The owners didn’t want the place to look too boxy and bulky, that’s why there isn’t much built-in storage in the living area,” Deng says. They had to be creative then when it came to storage. The floating TV console also has mirrored fronts to reflect more light. The design team also incorporated a wine chiller and ceiling-mounted stemware rack (it even has lit acrylic panels to further illuminate the space) into the high table. These features not only ensure a clean, streamlined look, but also impart a luxurious touch to the space.
“The owners didn’t want the place to look too boxy and bulky, that’s why there isn’t much built-in storage in the living area,” Deng says. They had to be creative then when it came to storage. The floating TV console also has mirrored fronts to reflect more light. The design team also incorporated a wine chiller and ceiling-mounted stemware rack (it even has lit acrylic panels to further illuminate the space) into the high table. These features not only ensure a clean, streamlined look, but also impart a luxurious touch to the space.
Furniture with rounded profiles, from the low-back sofa and oval coffee table in the living area, to the modern lounger set in the balcony, were selected to highlight the welcoming and relaxed ambience.
Sofa: Castlery; coffee table and TV wall feature lights: Taobao; Lounger: More Design
Sofa: Castlery; coffee table and TV wall feature lights: Taobao; Lounger: More Design
The owners’ two favourite paintings, depicting dance movements, also take a prominent spot in the living area.
The bathrooms did not undergo any renovation as the existing finishings already fit the modern luxe look. “We only added a bidet spray and styled the place for them,” explains Deng.
Elegant flair and warmth fill the master bedroom. “We conceptualised a headboard that matches the features in the living area, using the same veneer strips and mirrored panel to reflect the view,” Deng says. The darker wood tone contrasts nicely against the light grey walls, bringing a sense of cosiness and intimacy.
Bedframe: Blafink
Bedframe: Blafink
The designers designed floating shelves for the owners’ bedside essentials. Pendant lamps also save on surface space, for practicality.
TELL US
What is your favourite feature in this home? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
TELL US
What is your favourite feature in this home? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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