5 Apartments With Creative Open-Plan Living-Dining Spaces
See how clever design and styling techniques keep the two zones looking seamless yet visually demarcated
In keeping with today’s family and entertaining-focused lifestyle – not to mention smaller square footage – most homeowners favour an open-plan concept for the living and dining rooms (sometimes even the kitchen). When the space is open, the zones flow and connect visually and allow light to travel through freely. It can also make a small area seem much larger.
But without physical barriers to frame each area, an open space can also feel cold and cavernous, or lacking in cohesiveness. So how do you establish a look that is ‘separate but together’ within an open-plan space? Get inspired by these five living-dining spaces, all of which are in apartments no bigger than 1,300 square feet (120 square metres).
But without physical barriers to frame each area, an open space can also feel cold and cavernous, or lacking in cohesiveness. So how do you establish a look that is ‘separate but together’ within an open-plan space? Get inspired by these five living-dining spaces, all of which are in apartments no bigger than 1,300 square feet (120 square metres).
Other wow features: Given the limited space because of the restrictive angled wall, one side of the space was turned into an expansive mirrored wall to reflect the re-arranged zones. Behind the new mirrored wall are pockets of spaces that conceal the storage, TV, and the kitchen. The use of horizontal timber strip cladding also reinforced the continuity of the two diagonal walls.
2. Adding local flavour to the Scandi style
Designers: Ben Teo, Ken Lee, and Kate Deng of Mr Shopper Studio
Location: Hougang
Style shot: In this three-bedroom condo where a family of seven resides, the open-plan communal space is made to look more spacious and airy through the use of pale colours from floor to ceiling. The designers then used a different approach to the commonly-executed Scandinavian theme by infusing it with a local kopitiam flavour. The designers opted for a round dining table and paired it with Bride Veil’s low dining stools. “It echoes the kopitiam or traditional coffee shop look of the early days in Singapore,” says Deng. Rainbow blinds were also installed in the living area to replicate the shutter doors of a shophouse.
Designers: Ben Teo, Ken Lee, and Kate Deng of Mr Shopper Studio
Location: Hougang
Style shot: In this three-bedroom condo where a family of seven resides, the open-plan communal space is made to look more spacious and airy through the use of pale colours from floor to ceiling. The designers then used a different approach to the commonly-executed Scandinavian theme by infusing it with a local kopitiam flavour. The designers opted for a round dining table and paired it with Bride Veil’s low dining stools. “It echoes the kopitiam or traditional coffee shop look of the early days in Singapore,” says Deng. Rainbow blinds were also installed in the living area to replicate the shutter doors of a shophouse.
Other wow features: The owners specifically requested for a chill-out/snack bar in the house, and the designers found the perfect spot for it at the living room window. The linear details of the stools, armchair, and coffee table also bolster the coordinated yet laid-back look of the open space.
3. Establishing colour harmony
Designer: Kelvin Lim of Atelier Here
Location: Tampines
Style shot: Instead of focusing on a decor style to define the living-dining space of this executive condo, Lim decided to hone in on limiting the colour scheme to only two tones: the formal darkness of black and the intimate warmth of wood. “To achieve a level of visual ‘stillness’, all finishes and furniture were strictly limited to these two tones, which the owners gladly adhered to,” shares Lim. Black planks form the feature wall that spans the dining and living space, creating a dramatic backdrop.
Designer: Kelvin Lim of Atelier Here
Location: Tampines
Style shot: Instead of focusing on a decor style to define the living-dining space of this executive condo, Lim decided to hone in on limiting the colour scheme to only two tones: the formal darkness of black and the intimate warmth of wood. “To achieve a level of visual ‘stillness’, all finishes and furniture were strictly limited to these two tones, which the owners gladly adhered to,” shares Lim. Black planks form the feature wall that spans the dining and living space, creating a dramatic backdrop.
Other wow features: A six-metre steel-reinforced ledge can transform from being a TV/display shelf into a dining bench, making entertaining a breeze. To further boost the multi-purpose nature of the space, the designer also picked furniture that can be re-arranged quickly. The dining and study tables are of the same design and dimensions, but have different tabletop materials– marble for the dining table, wood for the study. “Under ‘entertainment’ mode, the study table can be aligned with the dining table to seat guests,” he says.
Also punctuating the dark-toned space are white pendant lamps above the dining space, as well as a potted fiddle leaf fig tree in the living area.
Also punctuating the dark-toned space are white pendant lamps above the dining space, as well as a potted fiddle leaf fig tree in the living area.
4. Creating a subtle division
Designer: Cynthia Lau of The Inside Job
Location: Dawson Road
Style shot: While neutral hues and similar wood finishes establish visual consistency in the open-plan living-dining space in this four-room HDB flat, a half wall subtly divides the two zones. The shared space is defined by rectangular wooden block forms, bordered by interlocking black posts – reminiscent of Asian carpentry, particularly wood joinery techniques. “Like an invisible wall, the repeating black frames give the open space structure and orientation, and more may be added in the future for shelving needs,” Lau says.
Designer: Cynthia Lau of The Inside Job
Location: Dawson Road
Style shot: While neutral hues and similar wood finishes establish visual consistency in the open-plan living-dining space in this four-room HDB flat, a half wall subtly divides the two zones. The shared space is defined by rectangular wooden block forms, bordered by interlocking black posts – reminiscent of Asian carpentry, particularly wood joinery techniques. “Like an invisible wall, the repeating black frames give the open space structure and orientation, and more may be added in the future for shelving needs,” Lau says.
Other wow features: A cosy, communal atmosphere is set in the dining area through bench-style seating and stools, as well as bright cushions and quirky art. A work desk and storage are also integrated into the partition, adding versatility to the space. Cement screed walls fulfil the owners’ request for a minimalist industrial style.
5. Defining spaces through accent walls
Designer: Raymond Seow of Free Space Intent
Location: Serangoon
Style shot: Colour and texture on the walls are key to delineating the living and dining spaces in this modern Scandi-style four-bedroom apartment. A shimmering mosaic tile wall becomes the star feature in the dining area. Across it, the TV console is decked in distressed wood laminates, which is set against a faux brick wall.
The colour play is cleverly used to harmonise the spaces, too – notice how the accent chairs in the living area complement the look and palette of the mosaic wall.
Designer: Raymond Seow of Free Space Intent
Location: Serangoon
Style shot: Colour and texture on the walls are key to delineating the living and dining spaces in this modern Scandi-style four-bedroom apartment. A shimmering mosaic tile wall becomes the star feature in the dining area. Across it, the TV console is decked in distressed wood laminates, which is set against a faux brick wall.
The colour play is cleverly used to harmonise the spaces, too – notice how the accent chairs in the living area complement the look and palette of the mosaic wall.
Other wow features: Industrial elements lend added textural interest to the shared space, such as the dining table of galvanised steel and recycled teak. The same goes for the raw and rustic feel of the TV console.
And to keep things streamlined, Seow built a sliding cabinet door in the TV console to conceal visual clutter in a flash.
And to keep things streamlined, Seow built a sliding cabinet door in the TV console to conceal visual clutter in a flash.
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What are your favourite tips for designing an open living-dining space? Share your ideas, photos and experiences in the Comments. Don’t forget to bookmark this story, save the photos and join in the conversation.
TELL US
What are your favourite tips for designing an open living-dining space? Share your ideas, photos and experiences in the Comments. Don’t forget to bookmark this story, save the photos and join in the conversation.
Designer: Quck Zhong Yi of asolidplan and SOLID architects
Location: Bukit Purmei
Style shot: This three-room HDB flat had a wall angled at 45-degrees that made the living space triangular. The designer utilised an existing column in the middle of the space as the spot to build around the living-dining space. “A pair of triangular daybeds form an island in the centre of the space, with the edges parallel to the walls,” says Quck. The two-piece daybed serves as extra seating for the dining area, as well as a sleeping area for guests.