Houzz Tour: This Clean and Crisp Flat is a Cat Haven Too
A minimalist approach makes this apartment a sanctuary for both its human and feline residents
Keeping it simple with the right basics gives this four-room HDB flat a spacious and airy feel. “The owners wanted a minimalist Scandinavian theme that looks classic,” says designer Kate Deng of Mr Shopper Studio. She worked on this renovation with co-designers Ken Lee and Ben Teo.
“They wanted everything stripped down to the essentials, eliminating things that they felt were unnecessary,” she adds. The owners, who are both cat lovers and own a local cat cafe, were also looking for easy maintenance, given that they have cats in the house.
“They wanted everything stripped down to the essentials, eliminating things that they felt were unnecessary,” she adds. The owners, who are both cat lovers and own a local cat cafe, were also looking for easy maintenance, given that they have cats in the house.
The first order of business was to remove walls to open up the spaces and invite more natural light in. A kitchen wall was taken down, so that it integrates seamlessly with the living space. A part of the wall for the cat room was also removed, and replaced with metal-framed glass panels, to allow the owners to view the cats’ activity from the kitchen or living area.
“To maintain consistency in colour choices, we selected three different types of white subway tiles for the kitchen, the common bathroom, and the master bathroom. Each variation creates a subtle uniqueness,” says Deng.
In the kitchen, the backsplash is decked in bevelled subway tiles, which provides a lustre to the pristine space.
In the kitchen, the backsplash is decked in bevelled subway tiles, which provides a lustre to the pristine space.
“Another aspect of the colour consistency is having all carpentry in the same light wood tone. The same goes for all the loose furniture,” says Deng. “We added some light grey elements and thin black lines to offer some contrast.”
The wooden bench in the dining area is paired with two upholstered chairs, to soften the space and provide a level of comfort for mealtimes. The whole setting, including the trio of pendant lamps with angular details, brings to mind a mid-century modern flair.
The wooden bench in the dining area is paired with two upholstered chairs, to soften the space and provide a level of comfort for mealtimes. The whole setting, including the trio of pendant lamps with angular details, brings to mind a mid-century modern flair.
Across the dining area is a console, with the same tapered legs as the dining table. A small pop artwork featuring Steve Jobs rests on top. “The owner admires Steve Jobs so he bought this artwork. He also has his biography on his bedside table,” shares Deng.
Above the console is a geometric metal installation, which works both as a wall accent and as a hanging place for odds and ends, such as pot holders.
Above the console is a geometric metal installation, which works both as a wall accent and as a hanging place for odds and ends, such as pot holders.
The living area continues the cool and collected scheme and the geometric detailing. A tall potted plant adds refreshing greenery to the minimalist space.
Loose furniture: Castlery; lighting: My Lighthouse; flooring: Floor Xpert
Loose furniture: Castlery; lighting: My Lighthouse; flooring: Floor Xpert
The third bedroom is devoted to the cats. “The owners left it up to us to style their home freely, except for the cat room. They gave us a lot of feedback since they’re most familiar with their pets’ habits,” says Deng.
The kitty ‘gym’ was designed with walkways at different levels. “All the poles and perches are padded in velcro, which is scratch-resistant and can be easily removed for cleaning,” she adds.
The kitty ‘gym’ was designed with walkways at different levels. “All the poles and perches are padded in velcro, which is scratch-resistant and can be easily removed for cleaning,” she adds.
The litter tray is also hidden away in a low cabinet/bench. The cat head-shaped hole is a cute detail.
The common bathroom defies its compact footprint with size-enhancing features. The square tiles laid out from ceiling to floor not only contributes to a graphic, modern look, but also draws the eye upward. The glass shower enclosure allows more light to shine through, while the floating vanity helps create an airier feel.
Textured subway tiles, on the other hand, make for an elegant backdrop in the master bathroom. A semi-recessed bathroom sink selected for the clean-lined vanity.
The mirror framed with a ledge can serve as extra display and storage space, for added functionality.
Tiles: Soon Bee Huat
Tiles: Soon Bee Huat
The light-filled master bedroom exudes a zen atmosphere. The chevron pattern of the pale wood wardrobe also adds depth to the very muted palette.
Bed frame: Comfort Design
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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.
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Who lives here: A young couple and their two cats
Location: Bendemeer Road
Size: 93 square metres (1,001 square feet)
Project duration: 9 weeks