Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: This Flat Pulls Inspiration from the Federal Style
A long-distance client and designer relationship gave rise to this contemporary chic home in a style beloved by both
The young couple bought this four-room Build-To-Order (BTO) HDB flat before they moved to the US to further their studies. “The owners, Wenkang and Winoa, fell in love with the way interiors are done there – with a touch of Federal Style architecture and other detailing that gives it that Americana feel,” says designer Arjan Nijen Twilhaar of Aiden T. “Winoa saw some of my works in Houzz, and liked the approach to my work. Since I also lived and worked in the US, I understood exactly what she was looking for.”
Twilhaar and Winoa met when she came home to Singapore for a Christmas break, and the two had instant chemistry. “I rushed out the proposal and scope of work, as Winoa was due to go back to the US,” shares Twilhaar. “Handling a project while the owners are overseas is both exciting and nerve-wracking. The key is the flow of communication. There is a lot of trust put on me as a designer to create the home for the owners and there were minimal times to meet face-to-face. I always look at the owners’ body language when I am proposing design elements or materials, because this non-verbal communication says a lot.”
Twilhaar and Winoa met when she came home to Singapore for a Christmas break, and the two had instant chemistry. “I rushed out the proposal and scope of work, as Winoa was due to go back to the US,” shares Twilhaar. “Handling a project while the owners are overseas is both exciting and nerve-wracking. The key is the flow of communication. There is a lot of trust put on me as a designer to create the home for the owners and there were minimal times to meet face-to-face. I always look at the owners’ body language when I am proposing design elements or materials, because this non-verbal communication says a lot.”
A crisp and contemporary feel is evident in the living area, where white walls and solid wood skirting boards create a clean contrast against the vinyl flooring laid in a herringbone pattern. They chose to maintain the original ceilings, to maximise the height of the rooms. Cornice detail was added for a more traditional vibe.
“The living room is compact, but fortunately, the owners had no need for a TV. The focus was mostly on the seating arrangement and creating the connection to the wonderful view they have of Lower Seletar Reservoir and Orchid Country Club,” says Twilhaar. Full-length curtains that run wall-to-wall give an illusion of a larger space. A tall potted plant and a tree painting also create a visual link to the view outdoors.
Sofa: Crate and Barrel; coffee and side tables: Nook and Cranny; flooring: Wood Culture; curtains: V. Gos Home
“The living room is compact, but fortunately, the owners had no need for a TV. The focus was mostly on the seating arrangement and creating the connection to the wonderful view they have of Lower Seletar Reservoir and Orchid Country Club,” says Twilhaar. Full-length curtains that run wall-to-wall give an illusion of a larger space. A tall potted plant and a tree painting also create a visual link to the view outdoors.
Sofa: Crate and Barrel; coffee and side tables: Nook and Cranny; flooring: Wood Culture; curtains: V. Gos Home
The dining area used to be dark and small so the designer opened up the space and let in natural light by installing French doors in both ends of the room. “I also like the symmetry that the arch trim moulding brings to the room,” he says.
A customised dining table from etch&bolts ensures the optimal size for the space. On the wall is another painting owned by the couple. “The only thing I had to incorporate in the design were the two paintings the owners have. Since they are a young couple, they are only starting to collect items for their home. I always see the home as a reflection of life’s journey where the collections are added to over time,” says Twilhaar.
Dining chairs: Comfort Furniture
A customised dining table from etch&bolts ensures the optimal size for the space. On the wall is another painting owned by the couple. “The only thing I had to incorporate in the design were the two paintings the owners have. Since they are a young couple, they are only starting to collect items for their home. I always see the home as a reflection of life’s journey where the collections are added to over time,” says Twilhaar.
Dining chairs: Comfort Furniture
The dining area is next to the kitchen. “Initially, Winoa wanted a completely open-kitchen concept. But I don’t think they work well with an Asian lifestyle and I hardly implement them. Heavy cooking, smells and oil fumes will dominate the entire home. I suggested keeping the kitchen open for a connection to the rest of the home, but still have it closed off as needed,” says Twilhaar.
The spacious and well-equipped kitchen is a dream in monochrome. The Shaker style cabinetry is finished in dark grey Felix laminates by EDL, and is accentuated by a marble slab backsplash. “Being a single slab, you can see the beauty of the material in full view,” he says. He picked out marble-look tiles to deck the floor, again for cohesiveness.
Tiles: Hafary; countertops: Color Quartz; marble slab: GEM
Tiles: Hafary; countertops: Color Quartz; marble slab: GEM
Across the kitchen is the study, which also doubles as the music room. “Winoa plays the piano – this was a new purchase for this home – and both husband and wife play the guitar as well,” Twilhaar shares. Finishing was kept to a minimum to maintain the functionality of the room.
Powder rooms typically contain a vanity and toilet, but the homeowners wanted to go a step further by removing the toilet as well as the shower. “I suggested keeping the water closet. As a result, we have a large vanity, which is used on a daily basis,” says Twilhaar. Art ceramic tiles for the flooring provide texture and contrast.
The accent wall, painted in Old World Blue by Dulux, gives the master bedroom a cosiness. Large statement lamps on both sides of the bed lend drama and mood to the space. “The owners are still looking for that perfect artwork to put above the bed,” says Twilhaar.
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TELL US
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Wenkang and Winoa, who were overseas during the time of renovation
Location: Yishun
Size: 95 square metres (1,022 square feet)
Project duration: 3 months
The designer’s inspiration for the theme is a “Fifth Avenue apartment, where traditional elements are combined with contemporary colours and a pared-down style.” The owners were also particular about the colour palette, preferring mostly black and white.
The apartment starts with a “natural foyer”, as the main door is sandwiched between the kitchen to its right, and the household shelter to its left. To create a cohesive look, decorative trim was added to the household shelter door. The DB (electrical distribution board) cabinet was also replaced with a Shaker style door and storage space for shoes.