Houzz Tour: Warehouse-Inspired Flat Rocks a Classic Sofa
Classic, retro and realistic industrial features pile on the visual drama for this young family
A theme within a theme seems to be the popular choice for the well-informed homeowners of today. No longer settling for one style, some truly adventurous individuals are exploring several decor themes. This married couple are one such example, and sought an industrial look with a classic retro feel for their brand new HDB flat. “They requested for the design to be centred around a Chesterfield sofa they bought from Locus Habitat,” reveal the DISTINCTidENTITY design team who took on their renovation.
The design team explains that the oversized steel-like beams were created to complement the green wall while the cabinets resembling wooden crates have been outlined in black. While it looks like the real deal, the beams are actually constructed out of wood. They look realistic because of the laminate finish which takes on the appearance of hard-wearing steel.
Mini F and G clamps were incorporated into the picture as add-ons to mimic the process of post-factory fabrication. To elevate that sense of industrial authenticity, wire mesh was fitted to one of the cabinet doors.
Little details like bolts and nuts embellish the weathered steel-like laminate finish of the TV console, drawing out the industrial appeal of the multi-functional structure.
Framing the statement piece of the home are a pair of ‘steel’ beams and an unfinished Craftstone brick wall. The exposed brick wall was laid intentionally in an incomplete manner to complement the sofa. The portion of white wall allows the sofa to still stand out against the brown brick. Homogeneous tiles with a cement screed appearance from Hafary deck the floor and was chosen because it resembles warehouse flooring. Most of all, it makes a practical choice (versus real cement screed) for this family home.
The designers employed similar materials for the dining area for continuity. Green chalkboard paint and Craftstone bricks make up the cafe-style backdrop of the dining area. Besides functioning as a feature wall, this divider fulfils the homeowners’ request of keeping the kitchen out of sight.
In the kitchen, a neutral-coloured palette of creates a clean-lined and inviting cookspace. Some of the walls were finished with cement screed while the backsplash was clad in white subway tiles from Hafary. For sleek contrast, the designers utilised grey quartz countertops from iQuartz and matched it with cabinets in a woodgrain laminate from Lam Chuan laid in diagonal strips.
The winning selection of glossy materials and neutral hues enhance the kitchen aesthetically, and make the cookspace appear larger. It helps that visual clutter is contained within the closed cabinets and that wire mesh textured glass from Admira installed for some cabinets obscures the view of the contents.
The industrial theme runs through the corridor leading to the bedrooms. With the use of laminate panelling, the blank wall has been transformed into a characterful backdrop. Black frames hark back to the wooden crate aesthetic, and these actually function as casement tic-tac doors to enclose the common bathroom and bomb shelter.
Distressed wood textures in the master bedroom fall in line with the industrial style. The designers used laminates from Lam Chuan and High End Resilient Flooring (HERF) from Evorich Flooring. The application of different woodgrain on the wardrobe makes a strong visual statement. The design team explain that the different wood tones and textures identify ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ compartments for the wardrobe, and also add character.
Heavy textures can easily overwhelm a space but the designers have carefully balanced these strong aesthetics by keeping the sleeping area clear of visual clutter. A raised platform maximises the storage area through hidden compartments with heavy-duty flip up door panels. It is integrated with a low-rise console running across the bay window which functions as a bedside table and study table.
All in all, this industrial-retro home is not just big on style. Good space planning combines beautiful forms with even greater function.
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What feature stood out for you in this home? Share in the Comments below.
All in all, this industrial-retro home is not just big on style. Good space planning combines beautiful forms with even greater function.
TELL US
What feature stood out for you in this home? Share in the Comments below.
Who lives here: A married couple and their two-year-old son
Location: 4-room HDB BTO flat in Tampines
Size: 90 square metres (968 square feet)
Accentuating the classic beauty of the Chesterfield is the application of green chalkboard paint from Nippon Paint on the living room’s wall. With this old-school application pulling its weight, the designers put together an industrial-style ensemble using simple hardware and carpentry work. For this extensive custom-built structure to work as an entire statement piece of the living area, they explain, the design proportions and details had to be carefully thought through. The designers did not want it to appear bulky or to overdo the industrial elements.