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Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Mosaic Feature That Lights Up a 4-Bedroom Family Home
Mosaic tiles are usually applied within the confines of the bathroom and kitchen but in this Scandi-style apartment, it's the star feature
Why change something that works for you? After working with Free Space Intent designer Raymond Seow for an earlier renovation, the homeowners engaged him again to see to their new apartment’s overhaul. Using the same designer however, wasn’t the only thing familiar for the married couple and their two children. Says Seow: “We reimagined the mosaic tile wall feature, which originated as a statement piece from their earlier renovation.” With some slight adaptations to its colour scheme, the shimmering feature now stands as a fitting backdrop to the home’s clean-lined aesthetics.
While the first version of the mosaic tile feature was more elaborate with vibrant orange tiles, Seow employed a less saturated colour scheme for the second wall treatment. He explains: “This apartment is much smaller than their first place. A loud feature wall would only overwhelm everything else so it’s best to keep things in subtle measures.”
Though the home follows a modern Scandinavian style, it is also peppered with touches of the industrial look. The dining set with its galvanised steel frame and recycled teak table top is one example, and the raw, edgy style does not go unnoticed. It actually defines the open-concept dining zone from the rest of the communal areas.
The custom-built hanging bar shelf ushers in an industrial aesthetic as well; its wrought-iron structure and wooden planks play up the visual texture against the contemporary white kitchen counter.
The custom-built hanging bar shelf ushers in an industrial aesthetic as well; its wrought-iron structure and wooden planks play up the visual texture against the contemporary white kitchen counter.
Laminates with a distressed wood pattern were chosen for the TV console and there’s more than meets the eye here.
Hidden behind the sliding cabinet door are open shelves for display ornaments. The homeowners wanted a place to showcase these ornaments but having it exposed all the time might not sit well with the clean-cut Scandinavian style. Seow introduced the solution: a sliding door that sweeps away visual clutter in a flash.
The mosaic splendour doesn’t end at the shared living-dining area. For a sense of design cohesiveness and to illuminate an understated area, Seow continued the mosaic treatment along the corridor leading to the bedrooms. Up close, the mix of orange, blue and other neutral-coloured tiles draws out a cool, pixelated-looking art installation.
In the son’s bedroom, its high ceiling opens up the opportunity of accommodating a loft bed and storage system. There is definitely more room now for play and rest, and bedtime is always a fun venture. A chic monochromatic style ensures a time-proof quality to endure the primary school-aged child’s growing years.
Storage space abounds within the lower level of the space-savvy loft bed system. Besides storing clothing in the wardrobes, the steps that lead to the sleeping area also conceal pockets of storage space. Each step comprises a flip-up drawer hinge and makes it easy to put away toys, books and other stuff.
The daughter’s bedroom, on the other hand, is a modern Scandinavian haven with soothing wood grain surfaces used lavishly on the raised platform bed and full-height wardrobe. The custom-built cabinetry hides a generous amount of storage space within the base. “We didn’t spare any square inch in incorporating as much storage for the kids’ bedrooms,” says Seow. “After my previous experience of working with them, I knew having plenty of storage is important to them.”
For the master bedroom, an air of simple elegance fills the room. The homeowners have a fondness for quirky, fun art pieces and that is reflected on the blank walls of their sleeping space. Having these well-placed pieces around help break the starkness of the room’s dominant clean, neutral backdrop.
The fourth and last bedroom was converted into a study with a cosy reading nook. A full-height bookshelf is lined against one wall and the monochromatic finish, complete with black laminate backings, allows the book enthusiasts to showcase their favourites reads in stylish order.
A fresh, summery appeal takes over the balcony with its artificial turf and colourful outdoor pieces. This area is not just an extension of the living area with its lounge-worthy amenities; the family can also enjoy relaxed meals with the dining set from Teak & Mahogany.
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What do you like best about this home? Let us know in the Comments section.
Who lives here: A family of four (two children)
Location: 4-bedroom apartment in Serangoon
Size: 112 square metres (1,200 square feet ); 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
Accented with a mosaic tile wall feature, the rest of the colour palette is kept fairly neutral to fulfil the modern and Scandinavian-inspired theme. Wide grey tiles make up the new flooring while a greyish-blue sofa from Castlery adds to the calming, comfortable feel. Pops of colour and character are factored in with the colour-block accent chairs and recycled wood dining set, all from Journey East.