Houzz Tour: A New York Vibe Enlivens This Studio Penthouse
An industrial theme optimises the compact footprint of this narrow bachelor apartment
Verlaine Marquez
7 September 2017
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five years, and now a full-time freelance writer for various online and print publications for the past decade and counting. Part-time crafter, wannabe gardener, and breast cancer thriver.
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five... More
The client is a developer who requested for the compact home to be designed for “a bachelor in his mid-30s, who is more of an aesthetic person who does not need a lot of storage space,” says Distinct Identity‘s Muhammad Luqman Bin Adbul Malik, who was designer-in-charge of this project.
This studio penthouse is blessed with its own private roof garden, accessible by a winding staircase. “The spiral staircase reminds me of the New York setting in popular sitcoms like How I Met Your Mother and Friends,” he says. The designer took inspiration from this New York vibe, and styled the flat with an industrial theme.
This studio penthouse is blessed with its own private roof garden, accessible by a winding staircase. “The spiral staircase reminds me of the New York setting in popular sitcoms like How I Met Your Mother and Friends,” he says. The designer took inspiration from this New York vibe, and styled the flat with an industrial theme.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Intended homeowner is a bachelor in his mid-30s
Location: Lor K Telok Kurau
Size: 797 square feet (74 square metres)
Project duration: 6 weeks
Who lives here: Intended homeowner is a bachelor in his mid-30s
Location: Lor K Telok Kurau
Size: 797 square feet (74 square metres)
Project duration: 6 weeks
The studio apartment opens to a bar counter, which serves as the homeowner’s dining space. “A typical dining table would have taken up too much space in this apartment,” the designer says. Tucking the counter into this narrow space gives the client more room to move with ease.
Beside the bar counter is a brick wall that gives the apartment its distinct industrial vibe. It also acts as a feature wall for the main living spaces.
Beside the bar counter is a brick wall that gives the apartment its distinct industrial vibe. It also acts as a feature wall for the main living spaces.
Opposite the dining area is the kitchen. The team retained the existing kitchen, which already has built-in cabinets and a hardwearing countertop that suits the busy lifestyle of a bachelor homeowner. The colour scheme is also in line with the streamlined look that they were going for.
“We swapped out the placement of the living area and the bedroom to give sleep space more privacy,” says Malik. The team kept the layout open and flowing, to maintain a well-lit space.
To create a sense of separation between the living and sleeping areas, the bed and the sofa were placed opposite each other. This helps define the space and eliminates that hotel-room feeling that comes from sitting on a sofa that’s right next to the bedhead. A large tripod lamp also subtly divides the spaces, while lighting up each area as needed.
To create a sense of separation between the living and sleeping areas, the bed and the sofa were placed opposite each other. This helps define the space and eliminates that hotel-room feeling that comes from sitting on a sofa that’s right next to the bedhead. A large tripod lamp also subtly divides the spaces, while lighting up each area as needed.
Adding depth and boosting the New York vibe is a large night cityscape print that hangs above the bed.
A compact study was created by fitting a desk into a small recess by the living area.
A winding staircase leads to the private roof garden.
The outdoor space is decked with easy and lightweight chairs for al fresco meals and drinks with friends. The team built an awning with roman shades to provide protection from both sun and rain.
They also put in place a triangular bar counter with bar stools angled to take in the view.
TELL US
What feature did you like best in this space? Share in the Comments below.
What feature did you like best in this space? Share in the Comments below.
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Like the design style of this apartment, however I’m confused about the arrangements. For eg, how is the living area swapped with the sleeping area, and how this gives the sleeping area more privacy? It may be best to also include the layout of the apartment in this article. Anyway love love the rooftop area.