Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Couple's Flat is a Cool Blue Haven
Notes of blue enliven the neutral scheme in this couple's first home
“As the apartment is the couple’s first home, they wanted the interior design to have a mixture of what they like rather than limit themselves with a specific concept,” says Wayne Ching, creative director of Design Neu. He teamed up with Kate Ng to transform this new four-room HDB flat into a cosy nest for the owners who enjoy the warmth and simple pleasures of being at home. “Though they like clean lines, the design cannot be too boring. Design detailing is a must for them, but they do not like overdoing it,” says Ching.
In the living room, for example, the colour scheme is kept coordinated with the use of blues, light greys, and browns. A niche was consequently carved out behind the seating to create a striking statement against the pale walls. “We wanted a feature wall using colour but we did not want to make the space too dark. Hence the painted niche was created,” he says.
Sofa, TV console and stool: Star Living and Comfort Furniture
Sofa, TV console and stool: Star Living and Comfort Furniture
Laying vinyl flooring for most of the spaces brings a cohesive look. The dining area is low-key yet practical, and complements the kitchen’s grey and wood palette.
“The owners prefer an open-concept kitchen and natural lighting. A counter with black quartz top and natural wood-look laminate fulfilled this requirement, while serving as a partition between the kitchen and dining area.
From the kitchen, they can also appreciate the calming effect of the blue feature wall.
From the kitchen, they can also appreciate the calming effect of the blue feature wall.
The master bathroom is also dressed in blue, but this time in paler blue tiles laid out brick-style. To compensate for the vanity’s tiny countertop, the designers chose a boxy mirror with functional ledge which can hold other essentials.
Two bedrooms were merged to provide a cosy master suite. The bold blue wall gives the space added depth and drama. The wall and the ceiling-suspended bedside lamps help visually lengthen the room.
During their initial discussion with the owners, the designers learned that the couple would spend most of their time in the master suite, so it was designed with this in mind. “While the study and the dressing area are individual spaces, they are in the same area and separated from the sleeping area by a soft curtain,” Ching says.
Decorative concrete blocks painted white also make a subtle distinction in the division of spaces.
Ample storage for books and files was built in a full-height cabinet, while the wardrobe is kept within an aluminium-and-glass enclosure. “The homeowners wanted it enclosed to keep it free from dust for easy maintenance. With the glass and aluminium frame, we still achieved the see-through concept,” Ching says.
The wall fronting the study is also painted in blue, for a burst of energy and to tie in with the rest of the home.
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.
Who lives here: A young couple in their 30s
Location: Bukit Batok
Size: Approx 970 square feet (90 square metres)
Project duration: 7 weeks
Creating a streamlined look without coming off as too clinical or overly dramatic was the designers’ intent for this home. “The overall feel is Scandinavian, with a mixture of their favourite colour, blue, to harmonise the areas and, at the same time, create a contrast,” Ching says.