Comments
Houzz Tour: This Single's Pad Seeks Adventure as Much as Design
The neutral scheme is enlivened with quirky and personalised details that show the owner's adventurous spirit
Verlaine Marquez
3 May 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
A home, regardless of its size and design style, should always complement its occupant’s lifestyle and personality. For this two-bedroom apartment, designers Anna Leong Yan and Muhammad Luqman Bin Adbul Malik of Distinct Identity took their cue from the bachelorette owner’s lively character, chic fashion sense, and outdoorsy lifestyle.
The owner, who likes to dress in monochromatic outfits, specifically requested for a Scandinavian interior in a neutral palette. “We spiced it up with a concept that fits her personality,” the designers share. “We nicknamed this project ‘X-10’, derived from 10 words that start with ‘ex’ that are associated with the space and the owner herself: extraordinary, experience, excitement, expedition, expression, expansion, exchange, extension, exposure and explore.” Her sense of boldness when it comes to design was translated into a home filled with streamlined forms and punctuated by whimsical elements.
The owner, who likes to dress in monochromatic outfits, specifically requested for a Scandinavian interior in a neutral palette. “We spiced it up with a concept that fits her personality,” the designers share. “We nicknamed this project ‘X-10’, derived from 10 words that start with ‘ex’ that are associated with the space and the owner herself: extraordinary, experience, excitement, expedition, expression, expansion, exchange, extension, exposure and explore.” Her sense of boldness when it comes to design was translated into a home filled with streamlined forms and punctuated by whimsical elements.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Bachelorette in her mid-30s
Location: Balestier Road
Size: 750 square feet (69 square metres)
Project duration: 8 weeks
One of the owner’s main requirements was to have plenty of storage and display for her collection of books, expedition photos, as well as ornaments from her travels. Rather than simply creating a typical boxy cabinet for the feature wall, the designers took it up several notches by building a series of open shelving shaped like a world map. Alluding to the owner’s worldly jaunts, the creative design is a sure-fire conversation starter.
Who lives here: Bachelorette in her mid-30s
Location: Balestier Road
Size: 750 square feet (69 square metres)
Project duration: 8 weeks
One of the owner’s main requirements was to have plenty of storage and display for her collection of books, expedition photos, as well as ornaments from her travels. Rather than simply creating a typical boxy cabinet for the feature wall, the designers took it up several notches by building a series of open shelving shaped like a world map. Alluding to the owner’s worldly jaunts, the creative design is a sure-fire conversation starter.
The designers also prioritised convenience by creating a bar counter, instead of a separate dining area. “The whole purpose of the bar counter is to provide a place for her to have a quick meal, and also where she can serve food easily to guests,” the designers explain.
Minimal cooking is to be done in the kitchen, so the designers kept the space as organised and easy to maintain as possible. The main focus in this space, though, are the striking decorative tiles, from the geometric motif of the backsplash to the Peranakan-inspired tiles that run from the wall to the floor. The white-black-grey surfaces add textural contrast against the warm woods of the laminate cabinetry.
The same Peranakan-style tiles are also used in the balcony. To allow the owner an unobstructed view of the outdoors while lounging, the designers chose a simple chair in a slim metal frame. A wired pendant lamp echoes the minimalist look.
Each area in the house symbolises the owner’s different interests, the designers say. In the second bedroom, the wall is painted with lines that depict the silhouette of a mountain, a reference to the owner’s love for adventure and outdoor sports, particularly trekking and hiking.
The owner also requested for storage for her photography and diving gear in this room. To fulfil her requirement without sacrificing the opening that would bring light into the small space, the designers built a bookcase over the bay window. They also opted for a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets so as not to visually cramp the tight space.
The owner also requested for storage for her photography and diving gear in this room. To fulfil her requirement without sacrificing the opening that would bring light into the small space, the designers built a bookcase over the bay window. They also opted for a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets so as not to visually cramp the tight space.
More Peranakan-inspired tiles can be seen on the floor of common bathroom. In keeping with the monochromatic look, the rest of the walls are finished in glossy black and white subway tiles. Mirrors and glass partitions help open up the space.
It’s the reverse in the master bathroom. The larger walls are in decorative pattern, while the flooring and other walls tiled with grey homogenous tiles.
The master bedroom ties in with the other spaces, with its headboard and bay window finished in laminate that is peppered with floral detailing. With generous light streaming in from the window, this bedroom is a bright and cosy sanctuary.
TELL US
What did you like best in this home? Share in the Comments below.
TELL US
What did you like best in this home? Share in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: This Penthouse Hints at Japanese Minimalist Aesthetics
Sliding panels address the privacy issues of the inhabitants without compromising on light, ventilation or the scenic view
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Singapore Colonial Meets Scandi Style in This Unit
The designers fulfilled the owners' brief for their double-storey apartment with flair
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Compact Home That Has More Than The Eye Can See
Home to a family of three, this condo was designed to accommodate seven when it needs to
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: This Condo's Colourful Geometry is Child-Friendly
This home is geared towards giving the homeowners' young daughter a cheerful and colourful environment
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Bespoke Furniture Optimises this 600 Sqft Condo
It's all about customisation to maximise the limited floor area of this apartment
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Curves Add Some Playfulness to a Monochromatic Condo
A black-and-white scheme sets the stage for this family-of-four's personal effects
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Compact Condo Looks More Spacious With its Muji Style
To optimise a limited floor area, the designer turned to the Japanese minimalist lifestyle brand for inspiration
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Sherbet-y Colours Pretty Up This Family Condo
Geometric blocks add a dynamic vibe to the soft and sweet colour scheme
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Black-and-White-Inspired Home is Fit for Entertaining
Their old black-and-white house ambience is replicated in this apartment so the owners can continue entertaining
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Music and Peranakan Influences Make This Condo Home
Personalised details turn this condo from standard to superb
Full Story