Houzz Tour: A Duplex Balances Three Distinctive Styles in Harmony
Balance is everything in design and that rings especially true for this duplex with an interesting floor plan
Like many good ideas, the conceptualisation of this duplex’s resulting modern, industrial and masculine mix of styles brewed from a simple thought. “The client came to us with a simple design brief for a modern, spacious and cosy home with a soothing colour palette,” explains Biyi Oh, design director of Proj. B Studio. Simplicity soon advanced into something more elaborate as Oh explored a nature-inspired colour palette and contemporary forms for the duplex, which comprised a studio apartment and two-bedroom unit.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A married couple and their teenage son
Location: Duplex in Punggol
Size: 108 square metres (1,168 square feet)
Project duration: 7 weeks
“We were inspired by waves, wind and sand, and translated that into a series of soothing colours which were then conceptualised as horizontal elements to be executed throughout the apartment design,” Oh says. However, there was concern from the homeowners about the layers of colours being overwhelming in the long run. The colour scheme in the living area was thus toned down.
Who lives here: A married couple and their teenage son
Location: Duplex in Punggol
Size: 108 square metres (1,168 square feet)
Project duration: 7 weeks
“We were inspired by waves, wind and sand, and translated that into a series of soothing colours which were then conceptualised as horizontal elements to be executed throughout the apartment design,” Oh says. However, there was concern from the homeowners about the layers of colours being overwhelming in the long run. The colour scheme in the living area was thus toned down.
A wall treatment of paint in a Tiffany blue hue and grey laminate coverings puts together a contemporary colour scheme in the communal areas. The duplex is segregated into two areas with two entrances: this part is dressed in modern aesthetics while the other connected section, a studio apartment, is defined by an edgy industrial and masculine style.
Inject Colour Into Your Home
Inject Colour Into Your Home
Besides making a modern statement with the two-toned wall treatment, Oh incorporated white shelves with a glossy laminate finish. It offers a streamlined and generous display space for decorative accents.
The curved corners of the shelving echo the form of this custom-built fixture near the front entrance. “The wife likes softer curves, which we incorporated into the cabinetry design to soothe its sharp edges.” Oh explains. She also adds: “The wife needed ample storage for her shoes. There was a small window at the entrance which we took the opportunity to integrate seating as part of the cabinetry design.”
See more curved ideas
See more curved ideas
For the record, this part of the duplex is where the two bedroom-unit resides and like any regular apartment, it has a living, dining and kitchen area. What is unique is that the duplex’s floor plan also includes a studio apartment, which is occupied by the homeowners’ teenage son.
Having a whole studio apartment to himself, the teenage son’s ‘man cave’ is shrouded by a mix of industrial and masculine style accents. The walls, for instance, are clad with light cement screed – a fitting backdrop for industrial-style aesthetics such as the lighting installation on the wall.
Up close, the combination of matte laminate panels, light bulbs and exposed trunking creates an edgy visual highlight in the bedroom. The laminate panels offer functionality as well; it can be used as doodle or memo boards.
The other side of the studio apartment has been designated as the son’s study. A dark blue wall, which ushers in a strong masculine touch, is part of the focal point and anchors the study within the open-concept area.
Oh was gunning for a masculine-industrial look and this rock-like formation definitely resonates with her design vision. It’s not called a man cave for nothing – this rugged-looking cabinetry offers enclosed storage and open niches for the teenage son to showcase his favourite possessions.
Drawers with irregular forms also make up the custom-built study desk.
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Love the diamond shaped or angled drawers....