Cool industrial meets modern luxury in this flat, resulting in a trendy abode for a young family.
Cool industrial meets modern luxury in this flat, resulting in a trendy abode for a young family.
WHO A young couple and their two-year old son.
HOME Four-room BTO HDB flat in Kallang.
SIZE 950sqf.
ABOVE Concrete screed flooring and cement walls form the bare canvas of the openconcept living area, which is played up with stylish furniture and decor in attractive jewel-tone shades and metallic accents. Cushions from Bode, Classicon Bell table from Space, and rug from The Rug Maker.
ABOVE A molecular pendant lamp the couple ordered online from West Elm grounds the dining area, which also features a dining table from Commune, artwork from Taylor B, and metallic decor accessories from CB2.
RIGHT Simone, lounging on the tuxedo sofa from Castlery, was inspired by art galleries for her home, but wanted to elevate the look with a touch of luxury.
BELOW Sliding louvred panels over the windows allow the homeowners to alter the ambience of the living room — screening off natural light for a more intimate and moody feel, or left open for a brighter, airy look.
Rough and raw is artfully melded with refined luxe in the home of Simone Hui and her husband. With backgrounds in graphic design and working in the creative industry, the couple have discerning taste in visual aesthetics, and knew exactly what they wanted for their home.
“We like the industrial-inspired look, but wanted something luxurious, too,” says Simone. They gained inspiration from art galleries — white walls, bare finishes, minimalistic details — and built on the look with furnishings.
The homeowners worked with Chris Huang of Bowerman Interior Planner, who designed the flat with streamlined, linear features, and juxtaposed materials such as concrete and marble, to achieve the industrial-luxe aesthetic. Rich, jewel hues and lustrous brass-tone accents were also incorporated, through built-in cabinetry and furnishings, to jazz up the home.
“We seem to have prioritised aesthetics over functionality,” laughs Simone, “because of the slippery marble flooring, glass doors and lots of high-maintenance shiny surfaces, you wouldn’t think there’s a toddler living here!”
But “impracticality” is a trade-off for statement-making, sophisticated interiors. In the concrete screed-finished open living area, the many copper and brass trims of the furniture and decor accessories catch the light, adding sparkle to the dark and moody space. For the kitchen counter backsplash, Chris used champagne tinted mirror panels. This feature also helps to add visual depth to the one-wall kitchen, for a sense of spaciousness, and complements the royal blue laminate chosen for the cabinetry.
Both the bathrooms are fully clad in polished marble — the common one in black Nero Marquina and the master en suite in white Volakas, offering unexpected glamour even in the compact spaces. Simple luxury is extended into the master bedroom, where an all-white space with a lowslung platform bed create the perfect restful and soothing haven. “I’ve always wanted an all-white bedroom, so I’m very happy in it!” smiles Simone.
As for the furnishings, Simone says they found it difficult to source furniture locally for the specific style they wanted. The couple even resorted to changing the dining area pendant lamp twice. Finally, they specially ordered one online, together with a copper-finish standing lamp in the living area, from West Elm in the US.
From the $80,000 (excluding furnishings renovation, the homeowners got the best of both worlds with a chic and edgy home that blends contrasting luxe and industrial styles.
WHERE TO GO Bowerman Interior Planner, TEL: 9487-9324.
TOPLEFT The home is decorated with paintings by Simone, such as this artwork in the corridor leading to the bedrooms.
TOP RIGHT Striking Nero Marquina marble and a sleek design make the common bathroom a subtly lavish space for guests.
RIGHT A marked contrast is evident, as the darker theme transitions into the all-white master bedroom.
BELOW The kitchen, with a counter finished in a vibrant blue laminate and topped with marble, is backdropped by champagne tinted mirror panels. It provides an eyecatching contrast to the rough and raw surfaces of the adjacent living area.
BELOW To create the serene atmosphere in the master bedroom, the designer used engineered wood that was painted white for the built-in platform, and the bed was positioned against the windows for soft backlighting.
(OPPOSITE)
TOP & BOTTOM LEFT The all-white master bathroom with a see-through concept is “outlined” by the use of black framed glass panels, for an interesting visual effect.
BOTTOM RIGHT The space is adorned with a curation of objects from the couple’s travels and knick-knacks they have collected over the years.
Text LOUISA CLARE LIM Photography: DARREN CHANG Art direction: DON TAN
