Comments
A Toy Story: Designing With Lego
The colourful building blocks aren't just for playing and collecting anymore – these homes have incorporated them in their design
Chiquit Brammall
19 May 2016
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
Even before Ed Sheeran sang “I’m gonna pick up the pieces, and build a Lego house…”, Singapore’s die-hard Lego collectors have been asking their designers to incorporate the colourful building block toy in their space. These days, it seems it’s not only Lego-lovers here and around the world who are referencing the toy in their builds and renovations. Singapore’s National Development Minister Lawrence Wong cited its innovative characteristic earlier this year, at the site of the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport’s 10-storey extension. He said at a press conference that Lego’s modular stacking system could be the future of construction. The Lego-like system, which is called the PPVC (Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction) method, requires less manpower and time to complete a building. If professionals are giving the nod to the building block concept, it’s definitely not just for kid’s play anymore – just as some of these spaces demonstrate.
Decorative cladding
In this home, a Lego wall was ‘built’ to add colour to a white dividing wall that separates the living room and the kitchen.
In this home, a Lego wall was ‘built’ to add colour to a white dividing wall that separates the living room and the kitchen.
Some people build display shelves for their Legos; for this maisonette, designer Kelvin Teo of Space Sense clad a shelf with Lego to display the owners’ media collection.
Staircase
Taking the cladding idea further, this New York apartment’s stair and loft level actually use a wall of Lego as the parapet.
Taking the cladding idea further, this New York apartment’s stair and loft level actually use a wall of Lego as the parapet.
Feature wall
Lego bricks are sorted by colour in clear acrylic holders similar to what you can find in a Lego store… except this is a three-room executive condo in Singapore, and this is what design firm Posh Home did as a feature wall in its living area.
Lego bricks are sorted by colour in clear acrylic holders similar to what you can find in a Lego store… except this is a three-room executive condo in Singapore, and this is what design firm Posh Home did as a feature wall in its living area.
There are no kids in this three-room executive apartment yet, but its Lego-obsessed owners had their spare bedroom designed by Posh Home as a display room for their Lego collection now, and possibly a child’s room in the future.
Pin board
Instead of cork, this home uses a Lego board for hanging up keys, as a creative outlet and communication centre for its family members.
Instead of cork, this home uses a Lego board for hanging up keys, as a creative outlet and communication centre for its family members.
Decorative accents
For a subtle Lego touch, this log cabin uses a Lego deer head for quirky colour, rather than the usual taxidermy.
For a subtle Lego touch, this log cabin uses a Lego deer head for quirky colour, rather than the usual taxidermy.
Another fun way to add a pop of colour to a stark, black-and-white space, Lego figure heads decorate this sleek study desk.
In this kitchen, actual Lego blocks make up a box for cooking utensils. Fun and functional!
Custom furniture
A life-size version of Lego blocks support the shelves of this nifty room divider and desk. The all-white look is reminiscent of Lego’s Architecture Studio series, lending a ‘designer’ feel to the playful concept.
A life-size version of Lego blocks support the shelves of this nifty room divider and desk. The all-white look is reminiscent of Lego’s Architecture Studio series, lending a ‘designer’ feel to the playful concept.
How about a Lego-inspired coffee table? If this house has kids living in it, the centre of the table could even be storage space for real Lego blocks.
Kids room
Of course you can always go over the top and all out in a kids’ room, from block-shaped cabinet doors to light fixtures and pillows!
Of course you can always go over the top and all out in a kids’ room, from block-shaped cabinet doors to light fixtures and pillows!
TELL US
What’s your favourite Lego application here? If we missed one, share your photo in the Comments section!
MORE
Fun Houzz features from around the world
View quirky and colourful Singapore homes
A home built for Lego play
What’s your favourite Lego application here? If we missed one, share your photo in the Comments section!
MORE
Fun Houzz features from around the world
View quirky and colourful Singapore homes
A home built for Lego play
Related Stories
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: How Eco-Friendly Is your Lifestyle?
By Helle Sindal
Are your habits good for the planet, or do you produce a huge amount of CO2? Take this quiz to find out
Full Story
Dining Rooms
Room Tour: This Dining Room's Centrepiece was Inspired by Toys
Fun-with-function is the name of the game for this small space, with its custom-designed display and storage feature
Full Story
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: What's Your Interior Design Personality Type?
By A
Answer these questions for a surprising insight into your own style!
Full Story
Lifestyle
How Fastidious Are You at Home?
If you fuss over details in each room, making your home picture perfect, this one's for you.
Full Story
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: What Type of Bathroom Should You Have?
In an ideal world, the bathroom (or any room) we have is based on our personality and lifestyle
Full Story
Interior Design
Spotted! Fun and Stylish Bunnies in the House
'Tis the season for the Easter Bunny – but it doesn't mean we can only have the furry creature once a year in our homes
Full Story
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: How Singaporean is Your Home?
You call Singapore your home but how Singaporean is your home?
Full Story
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: What His Bachelor Pad Says About Him
Find out how much (or how little) you know about that guy you're dating via his decorating and entertaining style
Full Story
Fun Houzz
Check Your Design Angst With 'Design! The Board Game'
By Jody Brown
Gather some friends and print out these pages for old-fashioned design-friendly fun
Full Story
Fun Houzz
Fun Houzz: 10 Facts About Singapore Homeowners
Which room are we Singaporeans happiest in? What decor style do we like? Read on to find out!
Full Story