Home Tour: Colonial black and white house & Peranakan inspired 4-room HDB BTO

This article details the $70,000 renovation of Abraham Lim's 4-room HDB resale flat in Bukit Panjang, Singapore. Lim, an art lecturer, collaborated with Black and Butter Interior Design to create a home that reflects his personality and passions for art, nature, and various art movements. The property, spanning 1,001 sq ft, was chosen for its abundant natural light and ventilation, offering unblocked views of Chestnut Nature Reserve from the service yard, contributing to a "balmy feeling" throughout the day. The interior design brief focused on creating an open yet cozy, unique, and timeless space for both personal retreat and entertaining guests. Black and Butter Interior Design focused on the structural elements like flooring and wall colors, while Lim took charge of the furniture selection. The design philosophy involved blending natural stone and wood textures with a timeless color palette, ensuring cohesion without monotony. Lim deliberately incorporated diverse artworks, such as an abstract painting in the dining area and Chinese calligraphy in the corridor, to infuse the space with personal meaning and a sense of calm, translating to a "quiet heart" upon returning home. The master bedroom is described as a personal sanctuary, featuring a corner armchair, Scandi-inspired pendant lights aligned with the headboard, and semi-blackout curtains that allow natural sunlight to filter in during the mornings. Soft textures, like a circular rug and light vinyl flooring, are used to enhance the room's comfort, alongside an abstract painting above the bed. The design maximizes space by integrating a cozy reading nook and a dedicated sleeping zone, achieving a "hotel" aesthetic that is both calming and comfortable. A non-negotiable for Lim was the inclusion of a combined study within the master bedroom. One of the original three bedrooms was converted into a study-meets-walk-in wardrobe by removing a wall and replacing it with a doorless frame, directly adjacent to the master bedroom. This thoughtful separation creates a more restful sleeping environment. The study area features another artwork above the desk and a glass cabinet displaying Lim's collection of childhood memorabilia, travel souvenirs, and global shot glasses, reflecting his sentimental side. Glass bricks along the walkway provide a glimpse into this versatile space. The master en suite bathroom underwent significant changes, with the wall separating it from the master bedroom replaced by a glass panel to enhance openness and make the master bedroom appear larger. The bathroom includes a shower, basin with storage, and toilet, with an oval vanity mirror contrasting against vertical dark grey-stone kit-kat tiles. The color scheme combines dark grey stone and navy blue. The open-plan kitchen is another significant area, reflecting Lim's childhood ambition to be a chef. It features an all-white design with clean laminate carpentry and a textured sintered stone countertop. Artwork, specifically a Josef Albers replica print, adds a pop of color, preventing the cream scheme from appearing washed out and achieving an equilibrium of functionality and elegance. The dining area flows seamlessly from the kitchen, maintaining the open-plan concept initiated by previous homeowners. It features a Nordic-style dining table next to a stone-textured high bar counter, complemented by two chairs and a bench. An artwork depicting a European alleyway with warm hues is positioned above the dining table, harmonizing with the acorn brown wooden table. The living room, adjacent to the dining area, was the starting point for the interior design team due to its long and wide layout, which required segregation into different functional zones. This space continues the home's warm and naturally lit ambiance, with soft yet defined furniture and contrasting shapes, such as rounded coffee and side tables, adding depth. A striking TV wall serves as a focal point. The entire renovation process, including a two-month design phase and a three-month construction period, took approximately five months. Lim's meticulous attention to detail as an art lecturer played a significant role in the project. When asked about his favorite space, Lim emphasized that each area fulfills different needs and emotional requirements at various times, highlighting the success of the personalized design. The home is imbued with personal items, from paintings to ceramic gifts and travel mementos, making it an idealistic oasis and a true reflection of Lim's identity.

This article details the transformation of a 1,160 sq ft 4-room HDB flat in Hougang, Singapore, into a black-and-white colonial-themed home for film producer and life coach Daniel Yun. Collaborating with design director Adrian Heng from Spaceone ID Consultancy and contractor Stack Studio, Yun's vision for a monochromatic aesthetic, drawing parallels to filmmaking where a white canvas fades to black, is brought to life. The design concept emphasizes a blend of colonial charm with modern functionality, meticulously executed to create distinct yet cohesive living spaces. The entrance to the flat features a striking black metal gate with open latticework, establishing the colonial theme right from the outset. This initial impression is reinforced by a built-in shoe cabinet, Venetian blinds, and pendant lamps, all contributing to a balanced interplay of solid and void elements. The main door also incorporates the lattice motif, adding to the home's overall design narrative. The dining area, located beyond the foyer, is designed for both elegance and practicality. An extendable eight-seater dining table, capable of accommodating twelve, serves as the focal point, catering to Daniel Yun's frequent hosting of guests. A lengthy built-in sideboard along the dining room wall provides display space for a vibrant painting, offering a splash of color against the predominantly black-and-white backdrop. The open-plan living and dining area is intelligently segmented to create distinct zones. A black-and-white striped rug defines the living space, furnished with a custom-designed sofa, wooden-backed chairs, and a round coffee table. Instead of a traditional feature wall, a freestanding television unit is used, allowing for a gallery of Daniel Yun’s black-and-white photographs of iconic HDB landmarks, reflecting his connection to Singaporean heritage. These images, including the dragon playground in Toa Payoh and sloping flats in Bukit Panjang, personalize the space and narrate a story. The kitchen is innovatively designed as an open-concept space featuring two peninsula islands—one for storage and the other as a breakfast counter. These islands facilitate interaction during gatherings. Three distinct pendant lamps, referred to as “Dracula lamps,” provide a gothic touch, contrasting with the white cabinetry and KompacPlus countertops. A sliding glass door partitions the kitchen proper from the island area, and the entire cooking zone, helper’s room, and appliance storage areas maintain the consistent black-and-white theme, extending to the black glass backsplash and white subway tiles in the adjacent bathroom. The master suite is a highlight, created by merging the original master bedroom, an adjacent room, and a storeroom. This expansive private sanctuary is accessed through a double-leaf door and comprises a sleeping area that flows into a lounge space. The lounge is furnished with a circular daybed, a round rug, and spherical pendant lights, which introduce soft curves to counteract the room's angularity. The master bathroom continues the monochrome theme with checkerboard tiles, adding a playful yet cohesive element to the colonial-inspired design. The thoughtful integration of details, from the vanity to the overall aesthetic, contributes to a space that is both personal and stylish. Daniel Yun emphasizes the successful execution of his vision, crediting Adrian Heng for elevating his rudimentary ideas into a complete design. Heng highlights the effective use of design elements such as latticework, stripes, and skeletal forms to give the home its depth and character. The residence functions as a personal expression of creativity and heritage, harmoniously blending colonial elegance with a modern black-and-white aesthetic. #HomeTour #ColonialDesign #BlackAndWhiteInterior #HDBFlat #InteriorDesign #SpaceoneIDConsultancy #SingaporeHome #MonochromaticTheme #FilmProducerHome

This blog post showcases a 5-room HDB flat in Tampines Street 33 that has been transformed into a spacious, contemporary Victorian-style retirement home for a retired couple. The homeowners sought out Chuah Peilin from The Interior Lab to create an English country cottage-inspired environment, prioritizing a clutter-free and expansive living space to accommodate guests during their retirement. The total size of the home is 1506 square feet. The interior design features a predominantly white color scheme with elegant gold accents, contributing to a bright and luxurious ambiance. The living room walls incorporate wainscoting details and wall beading, establishing a classic Victorian aesthetic. Marble tiles at the foyer entrance, along with a shoe cabinet adorned with a simple golden knob, reinforce the regal feel. Gold elements in plant holders, table centerpieces, and wall lights are consistently used throughout the space to tie the modern regal look together. To enhance the sense of spaciousness, several structural modifications were made. A solid wall in the foyer was removed, and wooden beams were installed, offering a visual connection to the kitchen and dining area and adding depth. The former study room adjacent to the kitchen was also reconfigured, creating an open-concept kitchen. This area features a six-seater round dining table with a marbled top and a functional kitchen island. Light grey hues in the furnishings complement the contemporary Victorian kitchen design, while hanging pendant lights and tabletop ornaments provide visual interest. The kitchen cabinetry is detailed with wainscoting and finished in light grey, harmonizing with the overall color palette. Golden knobs and handles maintain the consistent luxurious theme. The design also integrates both display cabinets and concealed storage solutions to accommodate the couple's extensive collection of crockery, drinkware, and kitchen accessories. The master bedroom includes a large built-in wardrobe and a concealed bathroom door, which was a creative suggestion from the interior designer, Peilin. The master bathroom is outfitted with a standing vanity counter, further adding to the home's luxurious feel. Accent pieces such as golden table ornaments, doorknobs, neutral-toned carpets, and lace are used to complete the elegant look. The daughter's room is designed with practicality and personal preference in mind, featuring a walk-in wardrobe for ample storage to prevent clutter, and a tall shelf to maximize vertical space for books. The daughter was actively involved in the design process, choosing a marble wallpaper for her bedroom's feature wall and a matching grey, textured finish for the bay window area. This bay window was specifically designed to replicate a cherished resting spot from her previous home, intended for both relaxation and work. #HDB #InteriorDesign #Tampines #VictorianStyle #RetirementHome #HomeRenovation #OpenConcept #Wainscoting #GoldAccents

This article details the renovation of a 925 sq ft, 4-room HDB resale flat at Balam Road for a homeowner who is a music and plant enthusiast and enjoys hosting guests. The interior design, executed by Threehaus Works and led by Thi Yi, focused on creating unique spaces that reflect the homeowner's passions, featuring angled walls and a raw, industrial aesthetic. The renovation cost approximately $85,000 and took about four-and-a-half months to complete, concluding in June 2024. One of the primary design objectives was to create an indoor balcony for entertaining. This was achieved by demolishing an existing wall between the living room and an adjacent bedroom and erecting a new diagonal wall, resulting in a trapezoidal balcony space. The entrance foyer features terracotta tiles in a triangulated section, mirroring the diagonal balcony wall, to signify the transition from outside to inside. This is further emphasized by the main floor being a step up from the foyer, and the contrast between the terracotta and the cement screed in the living and dining areas, eliminating the need for physical partitions. The living room is centered around a custom-built concrete television console designed to house the homeowner's turntable, speakers, and vinyl collection, also serving as a bench for guests. Its angled form complements the other diagonal elements in the home, ensuring cohesive design language and improving circulation towards the kitchen. The living room's raw finishes and grungy aesthetic align with the homeowner's personal style, and a "blank canvas" area above the console provides space to display travel souvenirs and concert posters. The balcony area is specifically designed for the homeowner's extensive plant collection, featuring ample shelving and provisions for hanging plants. A sliding door separates the balcony from the living room, maintaining air-conditioning efficiency, while glass blocks allow natural light to diffuse into the living space. Terracotta floor tiles in the balcony further enhance the illusion of an outdoor area within the enclosed space. In the dining room, a custom-made window grille, reminiscent of classic HDB designs, acts as a nostalgic backdrop for the homeowner's memorabilia and board games. Deliberately mismatched dining chairs add an eclectic touch to the area. The kitchen initially had patterned tiles that the interior designer considered salvaging but were mostly lost during removal. A few pieces were rescued and repurposed as coasters, serving as a memento of the original flat. A bright orange pipe in the kitchen, along with a similar one in the common bathroom, was intentionally retained and highlighted with color rather than concealed. The master bedroom adopts a minimalist approach to foster a calm and restful environment, with no built-in carpentry and an open wardrobe system reinforcing this style. The master bathroom was expanded by repositioning a wall to incorporate a vanity area. A half-height parapet wall separates the shower and includes a niche for toiletries. Finally, a dedicated home office nook was created as a natural outcome of the diagonal wall in the living space, providing a focused area for work. The renovation involved extensive demolition and reconfiguring of internal walls, contributing to the total duration and cost, partly due to the flat's age requiring additional structural and infrastructure assessments. #HomeTour #HDBResale #FourRoomFlat #InteriorDesign #Renovation #ThreehausWorks #BalamRoad #MusicLoverHome #PlantLoverHome

The TB House, designed by HA&A Design, is a residential project located in a Vietnamese village undergoing urbanization. The house was conceived as a gift from a young couple to their children, with a primary focus on maximizing natural light and vegetation within the living environment. The design addresses the local climate conditions by orienting the main open surface along the prevailing wind direction, which also aligns with the sun's orbit, ensuring optimal natural ventilation and sunlight exposure throughout the day. This strategic orientation aims to create a comfortable and healthy indoor atmosphere, a crucial aspect for a family home in a developing urban context. The architects incorporated locally available stone materials, which were often used arbitrarily in the region, into the design. This approach reflects a commitment to utilizing regional resources and potentially elevating their aesthetic and functional application within a structured architectural context. The integration of these local materials likely contributes to the house's unique character and its connection to the surrounding environment, while also promoting sustainable building practices by reducing the need for imported materials. The TB House spans an area of 400 square meters and was completed in 2022. The architectural team, led by Vũ Ngọc Hậu, included Lê Thu Phượng, Văn Cường, and Đỗ Hoàn. Triệu Chiến was responsible for the photography, capturing the essence of the design and its integration into the landscape. The project utilized products from manufacturers such as AutoDesk, Charm decor, Dulux, Toto, and Vietceramics, indicating a blend of modern construction technologies and local material sensibilities. The emphasis on natural light and vegetation suggests a design philosophy centered on well-being and a connection to nature, particularly beneficial for children's development. This design choice also addresses energy efficiency by reducing reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours. The architectural firm's thoughtful consideration of both environmental factors and the clients' aspirations highlights a holistic approach to residential design in an urbanizing Vietnamese setting. Furthermore, the selection of local materials not only supports regional economies but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation. The project serves as an example of how modern residential architecture can respond to specific site conditions and cultural contexts, balancing contemporary design with traditional resourcefulness. The TB House stands as a testament to creating a nurturing and environmentally conscious home in a rapidly changing environment. #ResidentialArchitecture #VietnameseArchitecture #NaturalLightDesign #SustainableMaterials #Urbanization #ModernHomeDesign #HAADesign #FamilyHome #LocalMaterials

This article details the complete renovation of a 1,600 sq ft, 2-storey, 3-bedroom HDB Executive Maisonette in Bishan, Singapore, designed by Sze Ming from Studio Kabi. The homeowners, a family of four with two Corgis, sought a larger living space closer to their parents and future schools for their children, leading them to this rare double-storey HDB flat. The renovation embraced a warm, minimalist, Japanese-esque aesthetic, influenced by architect Tadao Ando's principles of natural light, segmented spaces, and clean lines. The interior designer focused on functionality before aesthetics, reconfiguring the entire space by tearing down and reconstructing floors, walls, ceilings, and the staircase on both levels. The layout was meticulously planned to suit the family's needs, with all private areas (three bedrooms and a study) located on the second floor and common areas on the ground level. The design incorporates a neutral palette with natural materials like wood and stone, ensuring timelessness and avoiding transient trends. A standout feature is the custom-built pitched roof, reimagined from a flat ceiling, which creates a focal point and enhances the sense of height. The staircase was also redesigned with a curved structure and partitioning to introduce a softer touch amidst the home's angular elements, acting as a prominent feature upon entry. Originally, the homeowners considered placing the study downstairs, but Sze Ming strategically integrated it into the second floor by reconfiguring the master bedroom. The initial large master bedroom was split into two: a smaller master suite and a children's play area, which will eventually convert into a bedroom. The second floor also features a retro Smeg fridge, ensuring convenient access to cold beverages without needing to go downstairs. The master bedroom itself is kept simple, with a custom-built bed head, wall-mounted TV, and a built-in vanity dresser, with a sliding pocket door leading to an en suite bathroom that maintains the clean, minimalist aesthetic with neutral colors and stone materials, including a unique stone integrated sink. The ground floor's foyer entrance is defined by different tiling and birch wood slats from the ceiling, creating a distinct demarcation and offering privacy from the entrance. A suspended sit-down area and storage for shoes are integrated here. The living room was expanded by converting a balcony, now featuring built-in wooden seats for additional storage and a multifunctional space. An unusual hexagonal sofa and a sound system with four speakers complete the living area. The kitchen, initially not open-concept, was transformed into an open-plan space in the center of level 1, with pocket sliding doors to separate the wet and dry kitchen areas when needed. The dry kitchen includes a long island made from engineered stone and a built-in oven, with a sink in the middle. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room features Scandinavian-style furniture, pendant lamps from LikeLights, and an extra counter space with a coffee station and storage. An audio room, following the dining area, caters to the homeowner's passion for sound, doubling as a play area. The entire renovation process, including design and construction, took six months, resulting in a home that blends functionality with a tranquil Japanese minimalist design ethos. #HDBExecutiveMaisonette #HomeTour #Bishan #JapaneseMinimalism #InteriorDesign #RenovationProject #TwoStoreyHDB #StudioKabi #CustomHome

This article highlights the successful transformation of a Boston brownstone condo into a family-friendly home, expertly blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional elements by interior designer Kristen Rivoli. Situated in Boston's Back Bay, the late 1800s brownstone's two-floor condo had not been updated since the late 1980s, necessitating a significant renovation to meet the needs of a modern family with two young children. The primary goal was to create an open-plan living space while honoring the building's historical character. Kristen Rivoli's design approach focused on opening up the floor plan, particularly the kitchen and family room areas, to foster a more spacious and communal environment. Care was taken to preserve and recreate classic architectural details, such as mouldings and trim work, ensuring the new design remained consistent with the brownstone's original style. The curved stair opening was thoughtfully mirrored in the new kitchen entrance, adding a refined touch. The main living area, expansive enough to span the entire width of the building, was strategically divided to serve multiple functions. By utilizing back-to-back sofas, Rivoli created distinct zones for a cozy sitting area and a dining space. A custom banquette was incorporated into the bay window, providing versatile seating for both everyday meals and larger gatherings, while also allowing occupants to enjoy views of the Public Garden. The opposite side of the room was designated as a comfortable reading area, centered around an existing fireplace, highlighting the deliberate use of the home's original features as focal points. The design incorporated practical considerations for family living. All furniture fabrics were chosen for their stain-resistant properties, offering the luxurious look of high-end materials without sacrificing durability, a crucial aspect for a household with young children. The walls in the main living space were custom painted in a chartreuse strié, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. A significant part of the renovation involved converting a small, cramped kitchen and the old dining room into an open-island kitchen seamlessly integrated with a new family room. This new family room was designed for a casual lifestyle, featuring a custom cabinet for toy storage and a comfortable sectional, promoting family togetherness. Dark Phillip Jeffries grass cloth wallpaper was applied in the family room and the adjacent office to create a connected, cozy ambiance. The office, a dedicated workspace for the client, also saw existing antique chairs lovingly restored with new fabric. Additional design elements include a bold powder room featuring David Hicks-inspired wallpaper in red, adding a vibrant touch. The primary bedroom was designed around the client's favorite hydrangea purple/blue, creating a serene retreat with a sitting area by an old fireplace and a deep blue desk. The children's rooms were adorned with a coastal blue palette and a whimsical, water-themed wallpaper in their bathroom, reflecting their interests and providing ample space for play and relaxation. The overall project successfully transformed an outdated condo into a harmonious and highly functional family home, praised by the designer for its new open kitchen and family room, which significantly enhanced the sense of space. #BostonBrownstone #CondoRenovation #OpenPlanLiving #FamilyFriendlyDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #ContemporaryTraditionalBlend #KristenRivoli #HomeTour

Mr. and Mrs. Chua, a couple in their 40s, embarked on a meticulous renovation journey for their 4-room HDB BTO flat in Tampines, resulting in a $64,000 transformation over 10 weeks. Having previously resided in a Pasir Ris resale flat since 2011, the idea of acquiring a BTO flat was suggested by a financial consultant friend. Despite Toa Payoh being closer to their workplaces, they opted to ballot for Tampines, anticipating better chances in a less mature estate, and successfully secured a flat on their first attempt. The couple initiated renovation planning in November 2022, well ahead of their expected key collection in May 2023, conducting extensive research, shortlisting, and meeting with various interior designers. Their selection of Stellon Lai from Inizio Atelier was based on his earnest approach and his ability to align with their vision from the initial layouts and renderings. The couple sought a bright interior featuring light wood accents and subtle pops of color. Their design brief prioritized functional aspects, incorporating lessons learned from their former residence. Mr. Chua, an editor, described the design process as akin to his editorial work, where every element was carefully considered and provisioned for, leaving nothing to chance, including minute details like power points and switch sequences. The renovated home, measuring 1,001 sq ft (93 sqm), includes several thoughtfully designed spaces. The entrance features a 'genkan,' a traditional Japanese entryway, demarcated by floor tiles to separate the shoe zone. Built-in cabinets and an open niche provide storage and function as a partition to the dining room. The living room is minimally furnished with a compact, lightweight coffee table to accommodate Mrs. Chua’s exercise routine, avoiding clutter. A continuous blue colored band wraps around the lower section of the living room, dining room, and study walls, ensuring consistency throughout the home, a design choice informed by their previous home's disparate color schemes. In the dining room, the couple opted for a smaller four-seater table, suitable for their infrequent entertaining, which can be extended to six with a bench. The table boasts a sintered top, a preference of Mr. Chua, paired with chairs from Castlery, and is illuminated by a locally sourced ring pendant light with indirect lighting. Mrs. Chua meticulously planned the kitchen, preferring drawers over cabinets for easier access and incorporating pull-out compartments for bulky appliances, thereby maximizing counter space. A pull-out tray beneath the oven was also included for practicality. The master bedroom is designed for spatial efficiency, featuring a bedhead with integrated uplighting and built-in power points. The dressing table offers diverse storage options, including open shelves and concealed sliding compartments. For the common bathroom, Mr. Chua chose blue Hafary tiles, originally intended for swimming pools, for a feature wall to create a focal point, with the rest of the bathroom tiled halfway to manage costs. The master bathroom, however, features splurged Italian wall tiles with blue tones, silvery and rust-colored marbling, and a glassy finish, designed to evoke the appearance of sunlight reflecting off a shallow pool. The couple moved into their home in September 2023, viewing it as their “forever home,” confident that their thorough planning and Stellon's expertise have resulted in a well-executed and easily maintainable living space. They expressed high praise for their interior designer, who ensured their vision was realized, provided daily updates, and assisted with sourcing and cost management, concluding that while not the most luxurious, the home perfectly suits their needs. #HomeTour #FourRoom #Tampines #BTO #InteriorDesign #Renovation #FunctionalDesign #Genkan #KitchenPlanning

The article details the journey of Adam and Kallie Thomson, founders of Häti Home, and how their six years living in Bali influenced the design and renovation of their Southern California home. In 2015, seeking a change from demanding work and new parenthood, the Thomsons, along with their daughter Honey, decided to move from Southern California to Bali. Their criteria for a new location were sunshine for Kallie and surf for Adam, leading them to Bali. They embraced a minimalist lifestyle, moving with only six bags after living in a small trailer. Upon settling in Bali, the couple faced the challenge of furnishing their new home without access to typical retail stores like IKEA. This necessity led them to collaborate with local artisans, utilizing indigenous materials such as teak and rattan to craft furniture. This experience sparked their passion for design and manufacturing, evolving into Häti Home in 2018 with the addition of co-founder and brand director Kayla Adams. Häti Home's philosophy blends Indonesian craftsmanship—with about 90 percent of their products still made in Bali—with practical, family-friendly design principles, including spill-proof fabrics. After six years, during which their second daughter, Golden, was born, the Thomsons returned to California to expand their brand and be closer to family. They purchased a 1,000-square-foot house in Costa Mesa sight unseen during the pandemic, drawn by its proximity to a nature preserve and friends. The house required a complete renovation, but the couple intentionally kept the size modest, adding only about 200 square feet for a primary bedroom, laundry room, and an enlarged living area. This decision was driven by a desire for a connected family living space that also encouraged mindful consumption. The renovation focused on enhancing the home's indoor-outdoor connection, a concept deeply ingrained in their Bali experience. They reconfigured the layout, swapping the living room and kitchen, and installed six skylights to maximize natural light. A Dutch door leading to the backyard, along with French doors in the primary bedroom, further integrates the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural elements like hummingbirds and honeysuckle scents to permeate the home. The landscaping, designed by Blake Goodfellow, aimed to replicate the lushness of their Balinese garden, complete with an outdoor office for Adam and a separate play building for their daughters. Kallie’s design approach for the kitchen was inspired by Häti Home’s Aya counter stool, leading her to incorporate raw, warm materials. Adam's request for a dedicated space for produce resulted in custom open baskets integrated into the kitchen island by woodworker I&C Craftsmanship. The living spaces feature custom-made furniture from Bali, including a large L-shaped couch designed for family comfort and a pull-out sofa in the TV room for guests, often used for family movie nights. The primary bedroom boasts a headboard made from plant-dyed fabric by women artisans in Sumba, and nightstands from Häti Home's collaboration with Pure Salt. The girls' shared bunk room reflects their request for color, incorporating an animal print rug, gingham bed curtains sewn by Kallie's mother, and a window shade crafted from Ugandan scarves tailored by Adam’s mother. The Thomsons envision Häti Home becoming a family business, with their daughter Honey already showing an interest in design, having created a chair and side table at six years old. The home, painted in Dunn-Edwards' Union Springs exterior color, showcases a harmonious blend of Balinese influence and functional, family-centric design, emphasizing natural materials and an open, connected living environment. #HomeTour #IndoorOutdoorFlow #BaliInspired #SoCalLiving #HatiHome #FamilyHome #SustainableDesign #RenovationProject #CustomFurniture

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) in Singapore is introducing a new "White Flat" option for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats, offering an open-concept layout without internal walls separating living and bedroom spaces. This initiative, piloted in Kallang-Whampoa, stems from feedback from young Singaporeans seeking greater flexibility in home design as their needs evolve. The author, a finance blogger and parent of two, reflects on why, despite initial appeal, she would ultimately regret choosing such a layout. The open-concept design holds clear advantages, especially for married couples without children. As flat sizes have generally decreased since the 1980s, an open layout can make smaller units feel more spacious, enhance natural light penetration, and offer clearer sightlines for a modern aesthetic. This flexibility allows homeowners to customize their living environment, creating bespoke spaces like a larger entertaining area, an open kitchen, a walk-in wardrobe, a home office, or a home gym, which gained popularity during the pandemic. For those who enjoy a seamless flow between spaces, the White Flat allows them to decide which walls to construct rather than which to demolish. The concept also promises adaptability, as internal walls can be added later to accommodate changing life stages, such as the arrival of children. However, the author points out several significant downsides to open-concept and highly customized flats. An open kitchen, while visually appealing, can allow cooking odors to permeate the entire home, clinging to furniture and bedding, and requiring more intensive cleaning. The absence of walls also means noise travels freely throughout the house, potentially disrupting individuals on phone calls or in work meetings. A major practical concern in Singapore's hot and humid climate is the increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills associated with cooling larger, undivided spaces, which demand more powerful air conditioning systems compared to compartmentalized rooms. Furthermore, the resale potential of a highly personalized flat is a crucial consideration. A non-standard layout may appeal to a smaller pool of potential buyers, especially if the customized design does not align with their preferences or functional needs without significant alterations. Future buyers might factor in the additional renovation costs required to reconfigure the space, potentially leading to lower offer prices. From a family perspective, the author argues that open-concept designs become highly impractical once children are in the picture. The initial desire for flexibility gives way to a greater need for privacy and dedicated spaces. While the White Flat option might not significantly impact BTO prices or save much on wall hacking costs, adding new rooms generally incurs higher expenses than removing existing ones. The author shares her own experience of buying a resale flat with traditional walls and spending over S$10,000 on renovations to create a home office that doubled as a nursery, a storage room, a helper's room, and a connecting door between bedrooms. These customisations, essential for their family's needs, would have been more expensive if they had started with an entirely open layout. The author concludes that while attractive for couples, the practicality of open-concept layouts diminishes rapidly with the onset of parenthood, underscoring that needs and preferences can change dramatically. #HDB #Housing #BTO #OpenConceptLayout #HomeDesign #ResaleValue #FamilyLiving #Singapore

Jana Kubischik, an interior designer and founder of Amazing Crocodile, designed her Berlin apartment to achieve a loft-like, open-plan feel for her family of five. While searching for a home, their ideal was a completely open space with only separate bedrooms. The apartment they found, though not a true loft, allowed them to create a similar aesthetic through strategic modifications. One of the most striking features of the apartment is the set of striped columns that act as an eye-catching divider. Kubischik, inspired by Irish graffiti artist Maser and Memphis design, painted these columns herself, having previously mastered the pattern in her shop and for a client's office. These columns define the primary bedroom area, which, with a half-height wall, creates a studio-like section within the larger open space, while the children's rooms are tucked away off a hallway. The apartment's layout includes a U-shaped corridor that connects the front door to the living area and then to the bedrooms. During their renovation, Kubischik and her husband replaced a former doorway along this corridor with a salvaged arched glass window, introducing an industrial element. On the living room side of the partition that separates the sleeping area, integrated cubbies and paper storage boxes discreetly house small items, while the other side functions as the headboard. For wardrobe storage, a series of IKEA Pax units were customized by a carpenter to fit perfectly into a corner. Kubischik acknowledges the minor inconvenience of the primary sleeping area being in close proximity to the kitchen when her children return late and want to eat. The kitchen, previously located on another wall, was moved into the main living space to accommodate an additional bedroom. Kubischik transformed it into a focal point by painting the upper wall in neon yellow for aesthetic appeal and using a black floor-grade product with smoky gray glass panels for the lower backsplash, prioritizing ease of cleaning over traditional tiles. To enhance the visual impact of these surfaces, she opted for open shelves and small cabinets instead of conventional upper cabinetry and utilized island cubbies for plate and glassware storage. Another distinctive design choice is found in the couple's bathroom, where chartreuse concrete sink adds a vibrant pop of color to an otherwise serene environment. The bathroom also features a custom-built sauna. Initially a prefab kit, the sauna was wrapped in plywood by their carpenter to create a luxurious, 5-star-hotel ambiance. The overall design reflects a blend of industrial influences, bold color choices, and practical solutions tailored to family living within an open-plan setting. #HomeTours #InteriorDesign #OpenPlanLiving #BerlinApartment #DIYDecor #FamilyHome #CustomFurniture #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign

This article highlights a 3-bedroom condominium in Bukit Batok, Singapore, renovated for IT professionals Gordon and Meilian and their two young children. The design brief to Eloycois Er, principal designer of Erstudio, emphasized a bright, airy, modern, and luxurious interior that maintains a simple aesthetic. The homeowners' preference for natural materials like wood and stone, with visible grains and patterns, reflects their love for nature. Ease of maintenance was a crucial factor due to the active young children and absence of a helper. Feng shui requirements played a significant role in the design. While some requests, such as a fountain of wealth on the balcony and specific light cluster arrangements, did not heavily impact the overall design, others were more stringent. These included location-related criteria and even the precise height of the kitchen hob, which Eloycois successfully integrated. The renovation, costing over $80,000, was completed in three months, with the family moving in by January 2019. Eloycois Er's design process uniquely begins with mapping out air-conditioning unit positions to ensure seamless integration of trunking. This methodical approach is part of his extensive design library and fine-tuned detailing, though each project presents new challenges, allowing for fresh creative solutions. The existing kitchen walls were removed to create an open-concept kitchen-cum-dining area. To meet the family's desire for both a kitchen island and a large dining table, Eloycois designed a peninsula. This peninsula connects to the kitchen counter at one end and extends to form the dining table at the other, offering a larger horizontal surface for various family activities, from homework to Lego building, and serving as a popular spot for photos during social gatherings. The interior stands out due to a carefully articulated palette of materials. The junction of the peninsula and kitchen counter features a collage of different materials, including quartz, marble, and laminate. The living room maintains a simple design with clean lines and neutral colors and materials, intentionally chosen not to detract from the lush greenery visible through the full-height glass doors leading to the balcony. A feature wall in the living room is clad with wood laminate and white marble veneer, offering a minimalist aesthetic while also providing integrated storage and display shelving. Eloycois meticulously planned the color scheme, including the curtains, to achieve a balanced interplay of dark and light hues. In the master bathroom, a reconfiguration involved removing the old bathtub, resulting in a more spacious and user-friendly area. For the master bedroom, a hotel-inspired concept was adopted, combining a simple headboard with existing furniture to create an elegant and soothing ambiance. The designer also incorporated thoughtful details, such as splitting the wardrobe door into two panels, ensuring the upper panel can be opened even when a bedside table is eventually placed. This detailed planning showcases how practical needs, aesthetic preferences, and specific feng shui requirements were all integrated into a cohesive and functional home design. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #Condominium #BukitBatok #FengShui #Marble #Erstudio #MinimalistDesign #NaturalMaterials

This blog post compiles a curated list of the seven best Airbnb accommodations in Bath, aiming to assist travelers in finding an ideal stay in this UNESCO World Heritage city. Bath is highlighted as a popular destination for various types of visitors, including couples seeking romantic getaways, tourists interested in Gothic architecture and the Roman Baths, and food enthusiasts drawn to its restaurants. The article emphasizes that the featured Airbnbs cater to diverse preferences, ranging from quirky family-sized townhouses to properties equipped with hot tubs for larger groups. The first recommendation is a garden retreat located near the Roman Baths. This Grade II-listed Georgian home in the city center features luxurious velvet sofas, a log burner, a super king bed, a spacious dining area, and a rooftop terrace with cozy seating. Its interior is characterized by bright, colorful, and playfully decorated spaces with a tasteful maximalist design. The property can accommodate up to ten guests, suggesting it is suitable for larger groups. Nearby attractions include Bath Abbey and a vegan cafe called Plant.Eat.Licious. The second Airbnb is a former residence of Prime Minister William Pitt, dating back to 1802, located in Bathwick. This grand mansion exemplifies Bath's rich history and elaborate architecture, offering four stories adorned with patterned wallpaper and abundant natural light. The interiors are updated with neutral tones, blending historical charm with modern aesthetics. It sleeps up to 12 guests and is situated close to the Pulteney Bridge, providing easy access to the famous weir. A studio apartment in the Paragon, Bath's curved residential street, is presented as an ideal option for couples. This Grade I-listed property features a bedroom within an arched stone wall, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The living area also offers a comfortable nook with low ceilings and dim lighting. Its central location allows guests to easily access Bath's acclaimed dining establishments. Next, a luxury studio on Great Pulteney Street is highlighted for its affordability and aesthetic appeal. This bright and stylish deluxe room combines modern and traditional design elements, with yellow accents. While it does not feature a full kitchen, it provides essential amenities such as a microwave, kettle, toaster, and fridge. It accommodates up to four guests and is conveniently located near Henrietta Park and Sydney Gardens. Another premium apartment on Great Pulteney Street is described as resembling a high-end boutique hotel. This Georgian apartment offers romantic bedrooms with deep colors and rich textures, including bold blue walls, and provides expansive views of natural landscapes. It includes a cot, making it suitable for families with young children, and a fully equipped kitchen. Its location is advantageous for visitors keen on exploring Bath's historical and natural beauty. The Jane Austen townhouse, a lovingly restored apartment, is recommended for small families. This property, once Jane Austen's home, features a mix of colorful furniture, wall hangings, and various knick-knacks, maintaining a cozy yet impeccably kept atmosphere. A rose-filled courtyard adds to its idyllic charm. The house is situated directly across from the Holburne Museum. Finally, a townhouse on Trim Street with a hot tub is presented as an excellent choice for large groups seeking a fun and relaxing weekend. This four-story property includes a private patio with a dining area, fairy lights, and a hot tub. The interior boasts contemporary and homely decor with playful accents. It can accommodate up to ten guests, making it cost-effective when split among a group. #BathAirbnbs #UKTravel #LuxuryAccommodation #HistoricHomes #WeekendGetaway #TravelGuide #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FamilyTravel

This article details the transformation of an HDB maisonette in Hougang into a colonial-styled home, achieved through a $70,000 renovation (excluding furnishings). The homeowners, Subashini and Prakash, sought to combine their appreciation for bold, statement interior designs with the monochromatic and elegant elements characteristic of black and white colonial houses. They enlisted the DISTINCTidENTITY design team, who completed the renovation in eight weeks, with the family moving in during July 2021. The design process focused on creating a spacious and integrated living environment. The previously closed and dark kitchen was converted into an open-concept space, serving as a central hub. A key feature of the kitchen is a vibrant blue accent wall, chosen to complement a specific painting the homeowners wanted to display, and echoed in a custom dining table from De Woodscape. The kitchen also incorporates a waterfall island counter, fulfilling Subashini's request for a baking space and offering additional counter area, storage for appliances, and a family-friendly spot for children to assist with chores. Functionality was also a priority in the kitchen's redesign. The original entrance to the powder room from the kitchen was sealed, and a new access point was created from the passageway. This strategic change not only ensured guest privacy by making the powder room accessible from the living area but also carved out essential space for a dedicated laundry area, complete with a sink, washing machine, and dryer. An otherwise unused area at the foot of the stairs was creatively transformed into a bar area, designed to serve as a foyer. This space features a standing bar and two rattan chairs, which were specifically chosen to complement the living room's wooden elements and provide additional seating for entertaining guests. The home's furniture and decor were entirely new purchases, aligning with the black and white colonial theme, with some pieces sourced from secondhand stores to enhance the aesthetic. The exterior terrace was meticulously designed to integrate with the colonial theme. Checkered tiles, laid diagonally, were chosen for the balcony to add visual depth. Horizontal invisible grilles were installed for safety without obstructing the view or the home's natural light and breeze. The homeowners opted not to cover the east-west facing terrace, instead decorating it with large potted plants suited to rain and sunshine, highlighting their preference for natural elements. The bathrooms were also given careful consideration; the powder room and children’s bathroom were designed with an 'infinity' tiling layout to create an illusion of greater space, while the master bathroom adopted a sophisticated black and white tile scheme with gold trimmings. #HDBMaisonette #ColonialStyle #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #OpenConceptKitchen #MonochromaticPalette #TerraceDesign #SingaporeHomes

This blog post offers a detailed tour of a three-story shophouse in Joo Chiat, meticulously rebuilt by homeowners Natalie and Al. The property spans 3,490 square feet of land with 3,000 square feet of built-up space, designed to integrate modern living with traditional Peranakan heritage. The ground floor of the shophouse features an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area, serving as the central hub for the homeowners and their guests. The design philosophy emphasizes preserving the area's rich heritage, evident in details such as a Peranakan privacy screen at the entrance and laser-cut patterns on the kitchen cabinet panels. These elements contribute to the home's unique charm and cultural depth. The second floor is dedicated to a study, a helper's room, and a guest room. The study is particularly notable for its custom-designed bookcase, featuring shelves with varying colored backs, adding an element of personalized design. The guest bedroom showcases a unique wallpaper and a matching bedspread, ensuring a cohesive and distinct aesthetic. The third floor accommodates the master bedroom, which is elevated on a platform, and includes an outdoor dry kitchen. This outdoor kitchen provides a convenient amenity for preparing drinks or light meals without requiring a trip to the main kitchen downstairs. Adjacent to the master bedroom, a balcony offers a serene space for relaxation and enjoyment of the peaceful surroundings. A significant feature of the shophouse is the open kitchen, which functions as the heart of the home, especially since Al, one of the homeowners, utilizes it for their private dining experience, serving home-cooked Mediterranean cuisine. The open layout facilitates interaction between Al and their guests. A unique aspect of the home is the courtyard garden, visible from the kitchen and dining areas. Despite less-than-ideal natural sunlight, specially installed grow lights nurture an exotic array of plants, transforming the courtyard into a tranquil oasis. The home tour, offered before the private dining experience begins, serves as an ice-breaker for guests, enhancing their overall experience. The renovation project focused on blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, while deeply respecting Peranakan cultural influences. Each design choice, from the structural layout to the decorative accents, reflects a thoughtful approach to creating a home that is both modern and rooted in tradition. The property exemplifies a successful integration of historical charm with contemporary living needs, providing a unique environment for the homeowners and an inviting setting for their private culinary venture. #PeranakanShophouse #JooChiat #HomeTour #ModernPeranakanDesign #CourtyardGarden #PrivateDining #ArchitecturalHeritage #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation

The ‘Belaku’ residence in JP Nagar, Bangalore, designed by Rajesh Shivaram of Techno Architecture, embodies a modern yet nature-centric approach to living. Inspired by the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi, which appreciates beauty in natural imperfections, the home serves as an urban sanctuary. The design integrates sustainable practices, reflecting Shivaram's commitment to creating a lasting and environmentally conscious built environment. The exterior features a brick wall framework, complemented by an interior material palette of neutral tones, including white plaster, cement finishes, walnut floors, and wood cladding, with veneers added to enhance warmth. Despite a limited footprint of 2,400 square feet, the design strategically incorporates extensive greenery across multiple internal and external levels, responding to the tropical climate and Bangalore's pleasant weather. A central water body on the lower level, reminiscent of traditional South Indian courtyards, acts as a transitional space and a focal point, providing easy access to all areas. This indoor oasis is abundantly adorned with plants, extending the tropical theme throughout the home. The entrance features a double-height area, welcoming visitors with lush greenery and a walkway constructed from corten steel and wood cladding, which adds a warm contrast to the surroundings. A spiral staircase at the main entrance offers convenient access to various parts of the house. The living room, characterized by its airiness and abundant natural light from an eastern balcony, maintains privacy with IPE wood slits while ensuring visual harmony with the rest of the space. The kitchen and dining areas are integrated into a single, cohesive space, designed in accordance with Vastu principles and situated in the north-western part of the house. The proximity to the central water body creates an illusion of extended space, complete with an indoor garden. The modular kitchen, featuring a cooking island, uses warm tones. The central island seamlessly extends into a wooden dining table, fostering a communal environment for family meals. This integrated dining area further opens to a rear courtyard and a bar counter, making it ideal for entertaining guests. Minimalism defines the master bedroom, an elegant space finished with white pigment plaster and vitrified cement tiles. Wood on the ceiling breaks the monochromatic scheme, and the selective placement of furniture pieces enhances the room's tranquil atmosphere. The overall design emphasizes a connection to nature, functional open spaces, and a calm, uncluttered aesthetic, providing a serene escape within the urban landscape of Bangalore. #BangaloreHome #WabiSabiDesign #TechnoArchitecture #TropicalArchitecture #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #UrbanSanctuary #GreenLiving #ModernHome

This article highlights interior blogger Kim Johnson's approach to designing her 80-year-old heritage home in Ottawa, Canada, emphasizing her eclectic style and strategic use of color, particularly black. Johnson describes herself as someone who designs by intuition rather than a strict plan, allowing the house's original features, such as stained and leaded glass, to guide her choices toward a traditional yet eclectic aesthetic. A key selling point of the home for Johnson in 2014 was its architectural elements, including a distinct entrance and wainscoting, which provided a refreshing change from her previous "characterless" residence. The foyer of Johnson's home now features a dramatic introduction with swirling wallpaper, and the stairs, trim, and wainscoting are painted black. Johnson's strategy for preventing dark colors from making spaces feel gloomy involves balancing them with lighter elements. For instance, in the foyer, white ceilings and light floor tiles prevent the black paint from closing in the narrow space, instead contributing to an elongated effect. She also stresses the importance of understanding a room's natural light sources; with east- and west-facing windows, the warm light is most effective during mornings and evenings, aligning with her daily schedule. Johnson's color palette often draws inspiration from the home's stained-glass windows. The kitchen, for example, features a deep red, echoing the roses on the dining room door, while the living space and bedroom are painted in a cloudy gray. However, Johnson also incorporates unexpected color choices, such as a lime green outdoor porch and a dining area decorated in varying shades of peach from Farrow & Ball. This dining space is a tone-on-tone combination of Nancy’s Blushes on the ceiling, Red Earth on the walls, and Picture Gallery Red on the trim, complemented by mustard velvet curtains and a turquoise pendant lamp to break the monochrome. Initially, Johnson furnished her home with sleek, modern light fixtures but has gradually replaced them with antique, often Art Deco pieces, feeling that these better align with the home's historical character. A significant project undertaken by Johnson and her husband was the construction of a custom greenhouse in their backyard, complete with painted striped floors and cozy seating. This greenhouse, which also served as a makeshift office during lockdown, reflects their shared passion for plants. To manage the high material costs of this project, Johnson personally handled all the landscaping, including the demolition, saving an estimated $10,000 despite having no prior experience. This hands-on approach resulted in a space she cherishes and spends most of her time in. Johnson also shares her favorite local home stores (Alteriors and The Modern Shop), plant source (Robert Plante Greenhouses), and online decor site (Etsy). #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #BlackWalls #EclecticStyle #DIYRenovation #ColorPalette #HeritageHome #GreenhouseDesign #OttawaRealEstate