Houzz Tour: Warm and Woody for a Couple's New Abode
This light-filled apartment epitomises a balance between cosy and stylish
Verlaine Marquez
21 June 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
“The owners’ design brief called for a cosy, homely space, where they can enjoy spending time together at home,” says Elden Lim, director of Minimology by Minimo. They had two specific requests: a breakfast area and a movie room. Since the BTO (Build-to-Order) unit came bare, the designer had a blank canvas to play with. For this project, he took inspiration from a treehouse, and surrounded this three-bedroom flat with earthy tones and plush textures for a cocooning effect.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple in their mid-30s
Location: Punggol
Size: 1,300 square feet (120 square metres)
Project duration: 3 months
A sweeping view of the living and entertaining spaces can be seen from the main door.
Who lives here: A couple in their mid-30s
Location: Punggol
Size: 1,300 square feet (120 square metres)
Project duration: 3 months
A sweeping view of the living and entertaining spaces can be seen from the main door.
The original enclosed kitchen was reconfigured to create an open-plan layout that synchronises with the dining and living areas. The hob and sink were also swapped for a more efficient flow, and the flooring was overlaid with tiles for easier maintenance and to mark out the kitchen area.
The designer also converted the yard into a user-friendly balcony, complete with seating and plants.
The designer also converted the yard into a user-friendly balcony, complete with seating and plants.
Lim ensured that the kitchen is extra hardworking, with plenty of worktops that can be used for prepping or serving food. The extended solid surface-topped counter makes for a breakfast area, or alternative eating space, for those times when the couple don’t want a full spread at the dining table. A quirky wall print livens up the space.
Originally, the dining area was designed to have banquette seating by the counter. “During construction, the client preferred to keep the flexibility of changing and moving the dining table and chairs,” explains Lim. A trio of matte-finished pendant lamps completes the inviting setting.
Originally, the dining area was designed to have banquette seating by the counter. “During construction, the client preferred to keep the flexibility of changing and moving the dining table and chairs,” explains Lim. A trio of matte-finished pendant lamps completes the inviting setting.
The ‘treehouse’ inspiration is most apparent in the living area. “The overall look and feel is woody and warm. We have timber strips on the TV wall, and plants around the space,” says Lim. The furniture and accent pieces also look organic, with a layering of textures that makes the space cosier.
The console was suspended for a lighter feel. The portion of wall above it makes it seems as if the console was cut out from the timber-clad wall.
The owners love to spend their downtime watching movies and requested for a movie room. The design team installed a projector screen for this purpose. Chanel’s Little Black Jacket posters glam up the space.
Warm tones surround the master bedroom as well. To balance the heftiness of the king bed, the rest of the space is kept clean-lined.
“Carpet grass was laid out at the balcony to reduce heat and harmonise with the interior,” Lim says.
“Carpet grass was laid out at the balcony to reduce heat and harmonise with the interior,” Lim says.
The master bathroom was designed to have a classy, hotel-like ambience, the designer says. By going tone-on-tone for the wall and floor tiles, as well the vanity cabinet, the space is streamlined yet exudes warmth and cosiness.
Also accessible from the master bedroom, the study area shares space with the walk-in wardrobe. Natural light is abundant in this room, which made it fitting to situate the work desk by the window area so it basks in daylight.
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TELL US
What did you find most striking about this home? Share in the Comments below.
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Lovely living room and kitchen