Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: This Monochromatic Apartment is Parisian Chic
Inspired by the modern French style, this home is a balance between immaculate and practical
The owners of this five-room HDB apartment and designer Kuay Mei Yee of Distinct Identity worked hand-in-hand for this renovation. “The couple was involved in every step of the design and renovation process. They were interested to learn about the different materials and design options for their home as this is their first home,” says Kuay. Discovering that the firm were behind their friends’ Lego House bolstered the couple’s trust and confidence in the team’s workmanship.
A clean, black-and-white style that incorporates trimmings and lots of storage was the couple’s main requirements. “We went with a modern French style,” says Kuay.
A clean, black-and-white style that incorporates trimmings and lots of storage was the couple’s main requirements. “We went with a modern French style,” says Kuay.
Apart from white walls and pale grey vinyl flooring, design consistency was achieved through the wall detailing. “Details such as moulded wood trimmings for concealed doors and cabinet panels which are part of the aesthetics of a modern French interior, result in a seamless look,” says Kuay.
All these elements can be seen in the narrow foyer. “This was inspired by a hall tree, which typically has a cabinet space, shelves, hooks, and a low bench,” she adds. A door with wood trim that conceals the existing household shelter door visually connects this area to the rest of the home.
Round mirror: Maisonne
All these elements can be seen in the narrow foyer. “This was inspired by a hall tree, which typically has a cabinet space, shelves, hooks, and a low bench,” she adds. A door with wood trim that conceals the existing household shelter door visually connects this area to the rest of the home.
Round mirror: Maisonne
The monochromatic theme is nicely played out through a black marble dining and a trio of white marble pendant lights.
Greys and pale wood tones make the living area a bright and comfy lounging spot. The owners prefer having the TV on a tripod stand as this allows them to place their TV anywhere they like. The easel-like stand also gives the TV an art-like quality.
Greys and pale wood tones make the living area a bright and comfy lounging spot. The owners prefer having the TV on a tripod stand as this allows them to place their TV anywhere they like. The easel-like stand also gives the TV an art-like quality.
A monochromatic bookcase becomes a feature wall with some carefully-curated accessories. The white sliding doors create a lovely contrast to the black inner shelves.
“The kitchen carries a more austere look, with its dramatic black-and-white cabinetry,” says Kuay. Walls are finished in white subway tiles outlined with black grout, adding linear dimension to the L-shaped kitchen.
Mobile island: Crate and Barrel
Mobile island: Crate and Barrel
The wardrobe was designed with the same look as the living room bookcase. “It has four sliding door panels with wood trim and there is also a built-in dresser inside the wardrobe,” says Kuay.
Bed: King Koil
Bed: King Koil
In contrast to the all-white bedroom, the bathrooms are shadowy grey with concrete screed tiles, mosaic tiles, Kompacplus countertops and trimmed cabinets.
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.
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.
Who lives here: Husband and wife, Dennis and Kai Yeh
Location: Tanjong Pagar
Size: 1,151 square feet (107 square metres)
Project duration: 8 weeks
The white but not stark backdrop serves as blank canvas for the owners who love shopping for interesting furniture and decorative pieces. “They treat their home as an ongoing project,” Kuay says. The husband is a designer/photographer, while the wife works in hospitality and both have a penchant for a streamlined yet practical design.
The open-plan layout in the communal areas allows the couple re-arrange the furniture as needed, especially when entertaining.