HYGGE HAVEN

Scandinavian simplicity lends warmth and character to this apartment.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
Scandinavian simplicity lends warmth and character to this apartment.
WHO
A couple in their 30s 
HOME
Five-bedroom HDB flat in Bukit Panjang 
SIZE
1,100sqf 
My Reading Room

Living rooms are often the centre of attention, a space usually reserved for the most striking designs and styles. However, Joy Loo, creative director of interior-design consultancy Waff decided to do something a little different with her clients’ five-room flat. She transformed the kitchen into an uber-cool, welcoming space for the owners – newly-weds who enjoy baking and whipping up meals at home. 

With a budget of $50,000 for renovation and $20,000 for furnishing, Joy proposed a refreshingly light yet sophisticated design for this home.

Nordic blue was chosen for the cabinetry, a deep, soothing shade that greets the eyes when you step into the home. White quartz for the countertop enhances the blue and makes it more prominent. “I wanted a clean and modern look, so I proposed a Scandinavian theme, which went down well with the owners,” says Joy. Much detailing also went into the design of the kitchen – from the way the top-hung cabinets have been designed to accommodate potted plants, to the suspended stainless steel rack, which gives a dose of industrial chic. 

My Reading Room

Joy wanted to integrate the kitchen and living room – the “seamless” look was achieved by covering the entire space with unconventionally bigger pieces of homogeneous cement-like floor tiles (60cm by 60cm). “The large tiles lend a sense of spaciousness to the interior,” adds Joy. 

Loose furnishings deck out the living room, which takes on a decidedly warm tone inspired by the earthy shades in the Scandi palette. The dining set was chosen for its simple, clean structure and light brown hue. In keeping with the warm, cosy feel of the interiors, Joy had track lights fixed along the perimeters of the ceiling. The only other light source is the pair of pendant lights hanging above the dining area. 

Another unique feature in the living room is the sliding panels which act as a feature wall when closed; when opened, it reveals the study room and walk-in wardrobe. The panels are white laminate with exposed plywood finishes around the edges – the subtle use of wood complements the woody accents in the living room. 

The master bedroom assumes a “heavier” tone, with grey as the dominant colour – it also reflects the ash-grey shade found on all the doors of the house. The rustic-chic look takes over again in the master bathroom. A rectangular mirror comes thoughtfully designed with a built-in niche for displaying toiletries and sprays. 

Light wood accents, with a strong pop of Scandinavian blue concentrated in one part of the interior, make for a home with character, indeed. 

WHERE TO GO 

Waff, TEL: 6482-6388, http://www.waff.sg